I’d never see this place again.
I shoved the thought away. This wasn’t my home. I was leaving, and that was that.
Uther approached in a deep charcoal tunic lined with crimson thread. His midnight hair was swept back, revealing the sharp angles of his face. His eyes flicked over me.
“Didn’t recognize you,” he purred, his lips twitching. “Thought you were one of those Thalir sirens.”
I snorted. “Kairos let you off your leash tonight?”
“He’s busy entertaining clan heads, but he asked me to watch over you.”
“I should join him.” Elwen stepped aside. “Try to keep a low profile.”
He winked. “I’ll do my best.”
As Elwen disappeared into the crowd, a cold sweat broke out along my spine. The fae deal seared like a hot poker held against me. Would I even make it to Rheya before the deal killed me? What if this party was the last beautiful thing I’d ever see?
I clenched my fists.
“You alright, love?”
“Just tired.”
Uther’s brow furrowed. “You look like you’re about to pass out.”
“That’s how humans act when we’re overwhelmed.”
“Hmm.” He offered his arm with a crooked smile. “Stick with me. I’ll keep the vultures off you.”
I hesitated only a second before slipping my hand into the crook of his elbow. His skin was cooler than mine, but solid. A good anchor when the world tilted beneath my feet.
He glanced at me. “First time at a fae party?”
I nodded.
“Here.” He ushered me toward a table and snatched a glass with sparkling liquid. “This’ll perk you up.”
I took it carefully. “What is this?”
“Starfire.”
I eyed it warily. “Will it hurt me?”
He grabbed a tankard of ale. “Nah. It’s safe.”
Tiny rainbows floated above the glass, shimmering from the bubbles. If I were playing my part, I might as well start now. I lifted it to my lips and sipped.
Warmth curled in my chest. It tasted like honeyed spice, crisp autumn air, and…stardust. That was the only way to describe it. Like drinking something that shimmered.
I gasped.
I felteverything. The pulse of drums. The heat of the bonfires kissed my skin like a lover’s breath. Magic buzzed in my teeth. Colors sharpened to impossible clarity. The golds were richer. The music was no longer distant, but inside me. Each note twisted through my veins.
“What did I just drink?” I clenched a fist over my pounding heart. “Oh my gods.”
“It won’t last long. Couple hours, at most.” Uther patted my shoulder, and I winced.
“What’s it doing to me?”
