Maxon raises his hand between us, and I watch in awe as it erupts into flames. The flames dance and flicker around his fingers. The intense heat radiating from the fireball causes the air to shimmer, distorting the space around it. I can hardly believe what I’m witnessing.
“You just summoned fire into your palm.” Mesmerized, I lean forward, my eyes locked on the hypnotic display of elemental power. Maxon’s face remains calm and focused, his expression betraying nothing of the immense energy he wields. It’s as if he has tapped into a hidden wellspring of magic, unleashing a force that defies the laws of nature.
I move onto my knees and reach forward to feel the heat of the flames. “It doesn’t hurt?”
“Not at all. How can something that’s part of me hurt me?”
Maxon slowly lowers his arm, the flames receding until only faint embers remain. My mind races with questions, curiosity mingling with a hint of fear.
“Do all fae have this type of magic?”
“No. Only a few high fae possess the ability to manipulate one or even two elements. On the other hand, certain fae possessalternative forms of magic. Let’s consider Nix, for instance; she has the power to utilize her fairy dust in order to fashion exquisite gems.”
“Wow. Okay. How is your magic chosen? Do you know what it is?”
“Our magic, especially those with elemental magic, reflects who we are in our soul.”
“I can see that,” I reply.
Maxon’s fire magic, a mesmerizing spectacle, mirrors his essence flawlessly. The fiery glow in his eyes emits an intense heat, granting a fleeting glimpse into the abyss of his very being. It’s as if danger and untamed nature are personified in him. As my thoughts wander, I recall the encounter with the fae who ensnared me earlier. With a mere wave of her hand, the air vanished, leaving me breathless. Could it have been her magic that had done that?
Chapter fifteen
Everly
Zaria curls the last strand of my hair, just as a loud knock echoes through the room.
“Just a minute!” Zaria calls out.
Standing up, I give her a grateful smile.
“Go on, take a look.” She pushes me toward the huge mirror.
As my eyes catch my reflection, my steps falter, and my eyes widen.
“Holy shit.” My jaw drops in surprise, and I step closer to the mirror.
Zaria chuckles behind me, but I can't tear my eyes from my reflection.
“Oh, wow,” I murmur, touching my cheek.
I rarely wear makeup unless the occasion calls for it, but I hardly recognize myself. My gaze moves over my reflection, the light playing off my features. Half of my thick blonde hair is pinned back, and the long, loose strands cascade down my backin perfect waves. The rose gold gown is stunning, its sweetheart neckline showing off my collarbone and shoulders. The gems on the bodice sparkle like stars in the night sky, catching the light with my every move. Gems have also been sewn along the bottom of the gown. They seem to climb up the dress in an intricate pattern almost the same as the tattoos on Maxon’s face.
“I love the delicate capped sleeves,” I whisper, reaching up and touching the delicate fabric that hangs from my shoulders.
“You look like a princess,” Zaria says, coming up behind me.
“Thank you, Zaria. You’ve done an amazing job. This dress, just wow.” I pause, looking at Zaria in the mirror as she packs away the supplies. “Aren’t you going to get ready?”
As soon as I speak, her wide brown eyes shoot to mine, and her furry ears twitch in response. “Umm.”
“Aren’t you coming?” I ask, suddenly nervous.
Zaria shakes her head. “I’m just a servant. I don’t attend balls.”
I furrow my brow, trying to make sense of it. “But Maxon is your friend.”
“He is, but he is my king first.”
