“Starfire usually heightens the senses. Vision, sound, taste,touch.”
My stomach dropped. “Touch?”
Uther waggled his brows. “Feeling a little sensitive, love?”
Yes.
The way my dress slid against me was unbearably soft. Warmth from the bonfire tickled my cheek, even though it was too far to feel this strongly. I forced my breathing to steady.
This wasn’t part of the plan. I was supposed to be sharp, not losing my grip on reality. I had to get out of here.
“Easy now.” Uther caught my elbow. “You’re swaying.”
The world needed to slow down and stop spinning. Why was everything sobright? I squeezed Uther’s arm.
Uther smirked. “Careful. That’s how rumors start.”
“What, worried someone will tarnish your impeccable reputation?”
“Please. It’s hard work being this depraved. Fair maidens with creamy thighs don’t fall into my arms every day, you know.”
I choked on a laugh. “You’re disgusting.”
“That’s the spirit. Though Kairos will absolutely murder me for this.”
“For what? Getting me drunk?”
“For letting you cling to me while intoxicated and making jokes about your thighs.” His red eyes gleamed. “He’s going to rip my head off and mount it on the gate.”
Would he?“Gods.”
He winked at me. “At least I’ll die having a great time.”
“I can smell you,” I mumbled, gaping at him. “Warm spice…aged whiskey, and a storm rolling over dry earth? How is that possible?”
He grinned. “You feeling better or worse?”
The sharpness in my side dulled, like something hadunknotted the ropes inside me. My skin tingled with so much energy that I wanted to join the fae leaping in the firelight.
“Lighter,” I admitted. “Everything feels…lighter.”
“Finally, she smiles.”
Rheya would’ve loved this. The wildness. The music. The sky that didn’t obey natural laws. She would’ve already wolfed down the strange fruits and then danced until dawn.
“I wish she could see this,” I whispered.
Uther cocked his head. “Your sister?”
“She loves a good party.”
He was quiet for a moment. “If she’s out there, she’s fighting to get back to you. Just like you.”
My throat burned. “She’d say I look like a fae pet in this dress.”
“You do,” he said.
A couple whirled past, their laughter as bright as the stars.
