The box glistens like midnight. On each side I have drawn hieroglyphs for the moon and the sun, united.
Dove and Freya are the sunshine in my dark world.
The bone white ribbons that fall around the box are tied in elaborate bows.
I turn back to Freya, offering her the box. “My Omega, it is tradition on the Night of the Shades to gift your Omega something special.”
Freya brightens, reaching for the box, but Daire stills her hand.
“This isn’t that severed head you keep going on about, aye?” Dove quirks his brow.
I blink. “Why would I take the time to box it?”
“Lazy. You could at least drop it into a gift basket.”
“I believe thatyoumay be the psycho.”
Dove laughs; I find that it is a sound I enjoy. “Let’s see what you bought our Omega before we decide that.”
My expression tightens.
This relationship is new to me, and it will be the only time that I experience it.
I must get this right.
Dove strokes over the ribbons with a happy hum.
Freya undoes the ribbons, plucking off the box’s top. Then she gasps, pulling out the mask that lies on the top. She holds it up. The light catches on the glittering black and gold masquerade mask that swirls like bat wings.
“It is antique,” I explain. “It has belonged to every ruler of the House of Sin to wear on the Night of the Shades.”
Freya gives me a small smile, before passing me the box and reaching up on tiptoes to press the half mask to my face.
I have imagined this moment my entire life.
Dreamed it.
I hold my breath.
Then Freya moves behind me, gently tying the black ribbon behind me to hold it on.
My voice is tight. “The other mask I had made the moment that I knew my new Omega was from Fang Kingdom.”
I pull the decorative, golden wolf half mask from the box, before dropping the box to the floor.
“I love it. Thank you, my darkness.” Freya stands, waiting for me to put the mask on her.
I slide it onto her beautiful face, tracing along her cheekbones and freckles as I do. Then I tie the gold ribbons to hold on the wolf mask, making sure not to catch it on her red hair.
I press a kiss to the top of her head.
Freya spins to Dove, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Now we’re all in masks. Like it?”
“My wolf.” Dove rests his silver mask against her golden one. Then his gaze slides to mine. “My bat.”
My cheeks heat. “My Dove, shall we?”
I gesture toward the open door.
