“Seems my timing leaves something to be desired,” I offer, taking the stairs and steadying my breath.
The Dragthralls soar above us, vast and imposing, while her gaze presses down as if she’s hoping I would falter.
Every nerve in me screams to run, but I only straighten, eyes locked on hers. The remark lands poorly; not a hint of a smile crosses her face.
“Samira, keep our guest company, and please get the unpleasantries out of the way.” Jestin breaks the tension, flicking imaginary dust from his clothes. “I will be back in a minute.”
As he turns away, I want to beg him to stay, but I regain my dignity. Though the unease in the air could be sliced with a knife.
“Happy to make your acquaintance, Aidon Draconis.” Aidon offers, but Samira doesn’t return the greeting.
Her glare slides over him before settling on me. “You skipped my mating ceremony for a Simon?”
“Not surprised she chose a Simon over… this,” he replies, gesturing to the palace around us, letting the remark hang.
“Yes, she’s accustomed to that kind of service,” she says coolly.
Rude.
Especially knowing that beyond their village, most Simons in Santorili earn their keep in brothels. I step forward, compelled by some dark instinct to defend his honour, though I cannot say why. His arm bars my path, firm and silent, the only thing holding me back.
He glares at her with piercing intensity, and from the lines on his forehead, I think he reads her mind.
“Interesting. You wererelievedSeleste wasn’t at your mating,” he says, his hand still holding mine, thumb brushing over my knuckles as they stare at each other.
She recoils.
Wow. I did not expect it—the moment when you overestimate your value to someone.
It hurts. It humbles you. The pain coiling in my chest is almost physical.
It destroys your self-esteem.
“Why?” I ask, forcing my voice steady as I brush his hand away.
Aidon watches me closely. “Why do you think? She is afraid of you.”
Understandable.
She shifts from foot to foot. “I wanted you there, but how can you expect anyone not to be afraid after what you’ve done?”
My chest tightens further.
“I assumed that’s how friendship works,” I say quietly, not even ashamed of the vulnerability slipping through.
“Well, it doesn’t,” she snaps, eyes flashing, her words slicing through the room. “You can’t just expect people to overlook fear because it suits you.”
My chest tightens, but I shrug, forcing a stone expression onto my face as I shove my rising power back into its well.
She squints, and I swear a taunting smirk dances on her lips just before she drops the question like a spell of destruction. “So whyareyou here? Are you planning to meet with Chief Gerald?”
A cold sweat breaks across my skin, as my ability to think rationally is swallowed by the pounding in my ears.
Aidon catches me just in time, his grip steady, keeping me from tumbling down the stairs.
“I guess that’s a no,” she says, brow arched, a hint of amusement in her eyes. “Fine. Let’s get you inside before you make a complete spectacle of yourself.”
Chapter 4
