Araya straightened, her chin lifting. “Then I suggest you remember yours, Magister.”
But for all her bravado, her heart pounded against her ribs, betraying her terror. She was alone with the High Inquisitor.
“So passionate.” Hale chuckled, taking a step toward her. “What will you do once Garrick isn’t here to protect the two of you?”
Araya stumbled back, the hem of her gown catching underfoot. Her pulse pounded in her ears, each beat a warning—Hale was too close. Too dangerous.
“What are you talking about?” She demanded, her eyes flicking from Hale to the curtain behind him. His posture might be relaxed, but Araya had no doubt he was ready to stop her if she tried to push by him—that he’d hurt her, if he thought he could get away with it.
“You haven’t heard?” Hale gave her an unpleasant smile. “High Magister Shaw will be traveling to Elvanfal—posthaste. Since Jaxon abandoned his post to take up withyouthe situation there needs a…firmer hand. And everyone agrees that Garrick is the best man to clean up his son’s mess.”
Elvanfal. Araya’s stomach dropped. If Garrick went to the front and left them behind here—whatdidthe rest of the Arcanum make of her bond with Jaxon?
“Why are you doing this?” Araya asked, her voice shaking despite the steel she tried to force into it. “I’ve never done anything to you?—”
“You exist,” Hale said coldly. “Jaxon might enjoy pretendingotherwise, but fae were never meant to stand beside humans. Your bond isn’t just unnatural—it’s offensive. And I’ll see it undone.”
Araya’s breath hitched. But she straightened her shoulders, meeting his gaze head on. “Jaxon would never let that happen.”
Hale laughed, his lip curling. “Jaxon won’t have a choice. He’s young and arrogant. He doesn’t understand how little power he truly has. But once his father is gone…” He sighed, letting the pause stretch. “The Arcanum won’t waste its time entertaining this infatuation. You’ll be put back where you belong,MissStarwind.”
The sharp rip of the curtains being thrown back cut Hale’s words short. Jaxon strode into the alcove, his fury rolling into the space like a storm. His dark eyes flicked over Araya first, his jaw tightening slightly as he took in her expression before crossing the space in two long strides to tuck her tightly against his side.
“Careful, Darian,” Jaxon said, his tone deadly. “Picking on someone your own size might be a better look for you.”
Darian straightened, but his smirk faltered. “Jaxon,” he said coolly. “I wasn’t aware your meeting had finished?—”
“It didn’t,” Jaxon said coolly. “Surely there’s someone else you can pester—someone who might actually tolerate your company.”
Darian’s lips twitched, though his smile never quite formed. “I was merely offering some… observations,” he said, his gaze flicking back to Araya. “It’s not my fault if she finds the truth uncomfortable.”
“Funny,” he said, his tone glacial. “From where I’m standing, the only uncomfortable thing here is how hard you’re working to stay relevant.”
Darian’s eyes flashed. “Relevance has never been an issue for me. But perhaps it will be for you—especially if you continue letting yourbond—” he spat the word like a curse “—influence your decisions. I saw the indulgences you approved for your prisoner. I’m quite certain that wasn’t your idea.”
“AndI’mquite certain you spend more time reading my reports than writing your own.” Jaxon clicked his tongue, shaking his head. “You’ve been coasting on the career my father handed you for more than twenty years. Try picking up your own sword once in a while—before the ground shifts and leaves you behind.”
Darian bristled, his mask slipping just enough to show the fury burning beneath. But Jaxon didn’t wait to see what he had to say.
He turned to Araya, brushing his fingers lightly along her spine as he leaned in, his mouth close to her ear. “Come on, Starling,” he murmured, brushing a kiss across her temple as he led her past a fuming Hale. “Let’s get back to the party.”
“Isyour father really going to Elvanfal?”
Jaxon’s steps faltered, his hand tightening on her arm in silent warning as he led them back into the crowd. “It’s not announced yet,” he murmured, his voice low enough that no one would overhear them. “But yes—that’s what the meeting was about.” He stroked a soothing line down her spine, his hand warm on her bare back. “I won’t let anyone touch you, Starling. Especially not Darian Hale.”
Araya nodded, but the tightness in her chest didn’t ease. It was one thing for Jaxon to say it—another to do it. Could he really keep them safe without his father’s influence?
Jaxon studied her, his brow furrowing with concern. “That’s enough for one night,” he said quietly. “We’re leaving.”
“But it’s your father’s birthday?—”
“He’ll understand.” Jaxon guided her through the crowded ballroom with practiced ease, cutting a direct path toward where Garrick stood near the grand fireplace, surrounded by people. Garrick’s sharp eyes flicked to Jaxon as they approached, narrowing slightly as he took in his son’s expression and Araya’s pallor.
“If you’ll excuse me,” he said, easing out of the circle of officials. “I need a moment with my son—and his bond.”
He led them a few steps away, toward a quieter corner of theroom, then turned back to face them, his expression sharpening. “What happened?”
“Hale cornered her,” Jaxon said coolly. “He told her you were leaving. I only caught the tail end, but he threatened her—promised to use your absence to target our bond. I handled it, but I’m taking her home now.”
