Daire and I will find a way to cut the strings and hang him with them, however, along with every other silver dragon in the Council who believe that they can make us dance.
I try to catch Aurelius’ eye, but he’s coldly looking ahead. His expression is mask-like.
Have I become so good at spying that I’m now invisible?
I risk waving at him.
Nothing.
My chest is tight.
I can’t stop myself running the final distance, as Wraith drops back, joining War and Lucius.
Then I draw in a sharp breath as I see the stunning pet who is kneeling on the hard floor with his head ducked.
Aurelius has his hand rested on the fae’s head. He is absentmindedly playing with the snowy curls, which cover his face.
Captivated, I stare.
Despite being on display as a pet —Dove— Daire is still the most spellbinding person in the entire hall.
He doesn’t look like the Raven King any longer.
Excitement thrills through me.
This could work.
Please, let it work.
Yet Daire still looks elegant and aloof, despite kneeling before his enemies and being wrapped in thin, revealing satins and silks that cling to his skin like feathers.
The white robe, which is as pale as his wings and hair, falls off his shoulders, revealing his scars, as well as the freshly carved welts from the academy whipping.
Daire’s white curls have been artfully piled on the top of his head with silver dove feathers woven through them. His wings are folded back, but his hands are clenched on his lap. They are burned by delicate iron bracelets that are shaped like flyingdragons. The bracelets look like they are for decoration but in truth, are cruel magic suppressors.
They also make a symbolic statement about his prisoner status, as if it wasn’t clear enough.
When Daire raises his head, however, I let out a gasp.
His face is covered in a mask.
The mask is beautiful but eerie, silver like two dove wings. The mask is decorative with the feathers etched out of the links of chains.
Daire’s otherworldly lavender gaze burns into mine.
I throw myself to kneel next to him, grasping his cold hand.
I rub my thumb underneath the iron bracelet in distress, trying to stop the iron from burning my soulmate’s blackened skin.
“Love,” Daire whispers, leaning into my touch.
Aurelius doesn’t look down but he tightens his hold in Daire’s hair, wrenching him away from me.
The light gleams off Aurelius’ heavy, gold ring.
Then Aurelius drops his hand more gently onto my head.
I battle not to show how much I want to both bite and lick his hand, the conflicting emotions confusing even me.
