“Aidon has unrestricted access to Seleste’s mind, blood and body, but only if his intentions are not to harm,” he states, his gaze focused on me.
Are his eyes scarlet? Our surroundings are too dark to be certain, despite the light the moon graces the night with. If I am right about him, then they must be. I catch myself wishing I could get closer to find out.
His black, dense eyebrows raise in amusement. The crinkle in his forehead leads my gaze up towards his chocolate locks.
Gods, never mind his eyes; at least he seems decent.
“I am not, princess,” he smirks with so much arrogance that my blood boils and pours from the pot.
“What are you?” I am well aware it’s considered rude, but we are bonded, and he probably already knows I am curious. I need to know. Not because he is stunningly handsome, but because he is a threat.
“My territory lies within Rhodria.” He bows his head without breaking eye contact.
Something in the gesture makes my chest tighten, and I shift back almost imperceptibly.
“Tell me.” The fire’s gone from my voice.
“I am a Simon.”
“A Simon?” I blink, incredulous, “as in, blood feeding, power leeching, shapeshifter Simon?”
Aidon’s smile turns razor sharp. “You make me sound so charming.”
“You drain anything with a pulse. A rabbit or a fucking queen, it’s all the same to you.”
“Flattery,” he purrs, “will get you nowhere.”
“Simons aren’t supposed to leave the village,” I mutter. “You’re bound to the forest or the ocean. Pick a form, pick a life. Isn’t that the rule?”
“As a Draconis, I get a little more lenience.” He smirks, utterly unbothered.
“Why’d you choose forest?” If I had the choice, I’d rule the seven seas.
“Why’d you leave your castle?” he counters, tone sharp enough to slice. The message is clear:fuck off.
At least they render tribute to Hanovel, the Capital. It helps a little.
They rarely leave their village, needing the community to thrive and settle. Seeing one ALONE so far away from their borders is unseemly.
Is he an outcast?
Rude,he jokes, reminding me he is still in my head.
“Let’s renegotiate,” I say, lifting my chin and offering him my best ‘I’m superior’ kind of smile. He won’t settle for coins while having access to my power.
“No.”
“What do you mean by ‘no’?!” I snap, losing my goddamn patience.
This male manages to infuriate me like no one else, and it has only been a matter of hours since we met.
I hear the echoes of the tambourines again. They’re drawing closer.
“You should know whatnomeans.” He smirks, brows snapping together. “Or are you too privileged to have ever been refused?”
I ignore the insult, silently acknowledging the truth it contains.
“So what’s the plan?”
