The setting sun had finally given way to night as the wedding guests had settled into their silk-draped chairs like jeweled birds perching in an elaborate aviary. All the while, Nadi’s thoughts spun.
What was she supposed todo?The fae knew she was here. Knew what shewas.Knew who she wasplaying.That required a level of knowledge and infiltration where the knock-on effects were staggering.
Either Raziel had told them, or Ivan had, or a third party—or parties—knew her secret. Option one wasn’t impossible. Raziel might sell her out to save face with his siblings if he was trapped in a corner. Option two, she wouldliketo believe, but as much as she would loathe to admit it, she had grown to appreciate the bodyguard. He wasn’t the kind to double-cross someone.
Option three, however? Option three was the most likely. Someone else knew. And thatsomeonewas a dangerous scenario. Because it was likely one of their would-be targets. And that meant…everything was over.
And it had been over before they had walked into the wedding.
Which meant they had walked into a trap.
Nadi was seated in the front row, next to an empty chair meant for Raziel as she picked at the edge of the program for the wedding. Raziel wasn’t meant to take his seat in the audience—he would simply wait backstage for Mael to slip the knife between his ribs.
Or at least, that had been the plan. Before everything had gone wrong.
Her assignment had been to make sure that Mael wouldn’t be able to leave from the front aisle instead.
But now everything was fucked, and she didn’t know what to do. Except sit there and panic and try to think.
She should run. But not with Volencia watching her. All eyes would see her get up and make a hasty retreat. The other voice in her head told her it didn’t matter—she should head for the nearest exit, change her face, and disappear back into the Wild where she belonged. She’d be alive, and that was better than nothing.
The two moons hung in the darkening sky like mismatched eyes. Father moon full and bright, and Mother moon a darker black against a purple-blue backdrop of stars.
Torches had been lit around the perimeter of the pavilion, their flames dancing in the gentle evening breeze and casting shifting shadows across the white silk panels overhead.
Looking up, she caught sight of Raziel. He was trying to make his way to her. But he couldn’t justmarch through the rows,not without causing a scene. Their eyes met briefly across the crowd, and she caught the tension in his expression. Something had changed during his conversation with Mael—she could read it in the rigid set of his shoulders, the way his hand rested just inside his jacket.
Shit. He knew too. He was trying to get to her to warn her.
Their shared expressions were brief but said it all to each other.
We’re dead, aren’t we?Nadi started to stand, ready to sayFuck itto all the pomp and circumstance and just run for the horizon. But she never got a chance.
“Sit down, youhussy,”Volencia hissed at her between her teeth. “Or I will have you shot here and now and finish the job that worthless son of mine couldn’t.”
Regardless of whatever might come of this debacle, Nadi deeply hoped she got the chance to murder that bitch. Biting back the deeply inappropriate slew of obscenities she wanted to call the woman, Nadi slowly settled back into her chair.
The string quartet began tuning their instruments in preparation for the processional, when a commotion near the main entrance drew everyone’s attention. Murmurs rippled through the assembled guests as an ornate litter appeared, carried by four vampires in ceremonial dress, with golden masks concealing their faces.
The litter itself was a masterwork of craftsmanship from a bygone era—ebony wood inlaid with gold and garnets, its sides draped with heavy black silk that completely concealed its occupant. The carriers moved with supernatural grace, their faces solemn as they approached the pavilion.
“By the moons,” whispered an elderly vampire seated nearby. “Is that…?”
“It can’t be,” another guest breathed. “She hasn’t appeared in public forcenturies.”
But Nadi could feel the weight of ancient power emanating from the veiled litter, a presence so old and potent that it made everything in her want to hiss like a feralyupuiand crawl under the furniture. Whoever was inside that conveyance was no ordinary vampire.
The carriers brought the litter to a halt near the altar, positioning it so that its hidden occupant would have a perfect view of the ceremony. The gathered guests had fallen intocomplete silence, even the children clearly sensing the gravity of this unexpected arrival.
With practiced motions, the carriers drew back the heavy black silk drapes to reveal sheer ones that did nothing to reveal anything but a silhouette of a figure within, seated on a chaise longue.
Nadi couldn’t make out any details except that the woman had long hair and was thin in frame.
A voice emerged from within the litter—female, melodious, but carrying an undertone of such authority that it seemed to resonate in Nadi’s bones. It had the cadence of someone accustomed to absolute obedience.
“My children,” the voice said, and despite the fabric barriers, every word carried clearly through the evening air. “How lovely to see you all gathered for such a joyous occasion.”
Volencia rose from her seat in the front row, her face a mask of shocked reverence. “Mother. You honor us with your presence.”
