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Chapter 82
‘It would be best if we remained in contact with one another and try not to stray from my side.’ Stygian let out a snort as Dain’s silky voice continued in my head. ‘We have a couple hours before the sun sinks too low.’
‘Yeah, about that—what kind of creatures are in the forest?’
Hundreds of images flashed through my head, nymphs and banshees, cunning and haunting. Ghouls that croaked and whispered dark promises. I had read about countless creatures in the books lining the walls of the training room and was surprised by how much I actually remembered.
‘There are thousands of various creatures within my kingdom, living in the forests and mountains. Many of them migrate, so it’s near impossible to track all of them. This particular area is favorited by shape shifters.’
Shifting after these last few weeks, it felt like a broken bone finally forced back in place. The pain was almost pleasant, a
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Iridian Chapter 83
I knew the words were a mistake the moment the stars in his eyes winked out, leaving only blackness.I couldn’t help myself, really. As soon as the domed platters glided into the dining room on invisible arms, coasting through the air as they set themselves neatly on the table, it reminded me of what Apollo had said. I suppose I truly was impulsive, because the words were out of mouth and into the air before I could blink.“I asked Apollo why all of your servants are invisible.”The fork stilled in his hand, the perfectly carved piece of chicken still steaming away. With his bulky form and that glint of madness in his eyes, it was almost amusing to watch the methodical way he would eat.“Really, and what did Apollo say?” He drawled lazily, and resumed his eating, which would have been effective if his eyes weren’t pits of never-ending darkness, honed on the blush that seared my face.“He told me to ask you.
Iridian Chapter 84
“You—you’re one of the servants…you’re visible!” I lifted my jaw from the floor and snapped it shut, still struggling for words. There was something fluttering deep in my chest, pattering like a hummingbird’s wings. “I’m sorry, uh—do you know where I can find Dain?”“According to what some of the other servants are saying, the King is going to be busy for the remainder of the day.” He replied softly, his smile kind and polite. Something about the salt and pepper hair reminded me of my grandpa, instantly softening me. “Would you not like breakfast, your Majesty?”“Oh—not at the moment. If you could have something sent to the training room later, I would appreciate it.” I replied with a frown, a bit disappointed. I was still stunned, trying to process his strange change of heart. I wasn’t sure what I had expected last night, but it wasn’t this. I turne
Iridian Chapter 85
Iridian‘You avoid me all day, and now you want access to my thoughts? I don’t think so, Dain.’‘I’m not asking for access, only a conversation, darling—and I wasn’t avoiding you.’ His voice was silky smooth, an alluring distraction since he hadn’t given me any actual answers.‘Really?’ I mused, feeling a rush of cold behind my closed eyelids. The only reason I hadn’t cast him out yet, was because he hadn’t tried to delve past the hastily constructed barriers that hid my darkest, most desperate thoughts. Even though he could, he remained rooted in place, hearing only what I wanted him to. ‘When I woke up this morning, I ran into one of your servants. A very visible servant. You removed the spell you placed on them, knowing I’d see them and have questions. Typically, Apollo or Leslie let me know when you’re busy, whatever that might mean. So, why were you avoiding me?&rs
Iridian Chapter 86
RachelI had taken even longer in the bath, savoring the echoes of pleasure that still danced across my skin before the inevitable horror set in. As I had thought, the brisk air that pecked my skin, it had a sobering affect on my clouded mind. Wrapping myself in a robe made of shimmering silk, I tried to figure out what the hell had come over me.‘What was that? I’ve never done anything like that in my life.’ I sputtered, tearing the blankets off the bed to burrow beneath them.My stomach was still twisting and turning, an after affect of the lingering adrenaline in my veins. I stifled my laugh, replaying the sound of his frustrated snarl, and how he had lunged for me seconds before I cast him from my thoughts.He hadn’t asked for permission to enter again, but I could feel him lingering, waiting for another taste.‘You were taking control of the game. I mean, that’s what all of this is, right?’ Rayna shrug
Iridian Chapter 87
Days had passed and Dain still hadn’t brought up the festival of Night and Day. Part of me felt smug, because clearly, he was learning I hated being told what to do. Especially by cocky, infuriating, and down right tempting Alpha King’s. An even smaller part of me hoped he was considering going, finally showing his face after keeping it hidden for so long.From morning until afternoon, I threw myself into my training with Apollo. Per his suggestion, I started off small. It was ridiculous, the headaches I would get as I stared at the splintered oak door, trying to will it shut. The other half of my training was spent staring at the dusty books that lined the walls.Closing the door, making a book’s pages turn, even bolting the lock—it felt frustratingly impossible.“You’re trying too hard.” A sing-song voice shattered my concentration, I craned my stiff neck to glare at Apollo.“I am not.” I hissed, rei
Iridian Chapter 88
Days before the festival, I found myself deep within the city of Ilyria, with Adley and Ally by my side. I planned to spend the entire day with them, beginning with a small breakfast bistro situated beside a small lake and park. Couples took photographs beneath the azalea arches and in between the animal topiaries.I made it startingly clear to Dain that my previous threat extended too today as well. Any stalker behavior would have to be done in person, and not by body jumping through his citizens.“So, you told him?” Adley grinned, waggling her eyebrows. She leaned back in her seat, spearing a strawberry with her fork as she grinned at a nearby waiter.“He was trying to tell me to stay out of Ilyria during the festival, other than that, he didn’t seem to care.” I shrugged, ignoring the twinge of irritation I felt. “I invited him…sort of. It’s been almost a week and he hasn’t brought it up since.”
Iridian Chapter 89
My lungs were seizing, burning and spasming as I fought to breathe. It wasn’t fear that filled my every pore, overwhelming me until details became sharper and sounds richer.It was desperation, because I felt no trace of the power that had saved my life numerous times now. There was nothing, just this emptiness that accompanied the searing pain in my chest.‘Rachel, the powder isn’t affecting me—you need to breathe, calm down so we can shift!’I could barely hear her voice past the burning in my head and lungs, past the desperate thoughts of a dying girl, clamoring for oxygen.Ash, the bartender I hadn’t given a second thought about, towered over me. The streak of red in his hair seemed darker, closer to the shade of blood. He had been pushy at the club, and hit on anything with a pulse, but he hadn’t exuded cruelty the way he did now.The way he stood, the tenseness in his shoulders, it reminded me of some
Iridian Chapter 90
Somehow, Adley had little trouble using the bracelet Dain had made for me. The three of us stepped into my suite, both Adley and I still weak and swaying. I wondered if seeing only the positive outcomes made her falter when something bad happened—was that why Ally always seemed so morose?“We’re going to use the bracelet to get back, all right? I’ll leave it here on the table.” Ally said firmly, her eyes betraying only a flash of sympathy before cloudy indifference took hold.“Ally, we have to tell him—”“Rachel can tell him. Can’t you?” She asked, ignoring her sister. Sliding the bracelet onto her wrist, she opened my closet door. I could see their living room on the other side, the pale couch heaped in blankets and throw pillows.“Ally—”“Adley.” Ally’s tone was harsh, but there was something hidden within it that made her sister halt.Tea
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