Even if it means protecting them from its own father.
CHAPTER 32
UNRAVELING
MALAKAI
Every time I close my eyes, I see it — the shadow tendril lashing toward Seraphina, the thin line of blood welling against her golden skin. The flash of fear in her eyes before she masked it. The way she said it's fine, it's just a scratch while the scent of her blood filled my lungs like an accusation.
I nearly killed her. Lost control for one moment, one vision of a future I have no right to want and I nearly killed my mate.
The seamstress trembles as she adjusts the ceremonial collar, her fear sharp in the air. I should find satisfaction in that terror, the way I have for centuries. Instead, I feel nothing but the echo of Seraphina's blood on my conscience.
"Hold still, my lord," the woman whispers, attaching the final silver clasp with shaking fingers.
I examine my reflection in the dark mirror — black and silver regalia, designed to intimidate, to evoke both desire and terror. Tomorrow, I'm supposed to stand before the entire court and declare Seraphina as my equal in rule. My queen. My partner.
The announcement has been planned for weeks. The court expects it. The political implications of delaying would raise questions I cannot answer.
But how can I bind her more tightly to me when my own shadows betray me? When the darkness I carry nearly carved her open in a garden full of children?
"Enough," I tell the seamstress, waving my hand. "It's adequate."
She bows so deeply her forehead nearly touches the ground before scurrying backward out of my chambers. I wait until the door closes before allowing the mask to slip.
My hands are shaking.
I clench them into fists, watching the shadows writhe across my knuckles. They've been restless since the garden — agitated, hungry, responding to emotions I refuse to name. The same instability that plagued me when Julia was pregnant. The same loss of control that preceded her death.
History doesn't repeat, I tell myself. Seraphina is different and she is not with child. The circumstances are different.
But my shadows don't believe me. And neither, if I'm honest, do I.
I should cancel the ceremony. Should put distance between us until I understand why my darkness is becoming volatile. Should protect her from myself, even if it means?—
A knock at the door interrupts the spiral.
"Enter," I command.
Emmett appears, his face the perfect mask of court propriety he's perfected over centuries in my service. "The preparations for tomorrow's announcement are complete, my lord. The Twilight Crown has been placed in the vault as requested."
"Good." I turn from the mirror, removing the collar with impatient fingers. "And the Council's reaction to the rumors? About elevating an Omega to equal status?"
"Predictable," he replies with faint amusement. "Elder Bruno has taken to his bed with supposed heart palpitations. Elder Varis is drafting his third formal protest about 'Omega influence on Alpha authority.' The others are simply drinking heavily."
I laugh, genuinely amused. "Let them protest. By this time tomorrow, it will be done."
He nods, his expression shifting as he considers his next words. "The Light Court delegation arrives at dawn. Including Councillor Marcus."
"Seraphina's father," I murmur, my amusement fading instantly. "Make sure he's watched carefully. I don't trust his motives."
"Already arranged, my lord."
I study my oldest companion, noticing the unusual tension in his shoulders, the way his shadows flicker restlessly at his feet.
"What's on your mind, Emmett?" I ask, pouring two glasses of shadow wine from the crystal decanter. "You're brooding more dramatically than usual, and that's my specialty."
He accepts the offered glass with a slight bow. "Nothing worthy of your concern, my lord."
