A roar rumbles through me, my wings spreading in an ominous wave of energy as my hands curl into fists. “Where is she?” I demand, rotating toward an approaching presence. “You gave us seven days, Marius.Seven. It hasn’t even been one.”
“I told you I would take the request back to the Strigoi. They rejected it.”
“Theyrejectedit?” The echoed words leave me on a growl. “Iam theirking. They cannotrejectmy demand.”
“The trials are not yours to dictate,” he replies, his voice calm. “It’s time to come home, Ciprian.”
My jaw cracks from being clenched so hard.
I should have anticipated this. Should have realized that my Strigoi would never give me more time with Viviana.
They want to ensure she’s the right candidate before I take this too far and finalize our connection.
Because a dead mate can incapacitate a king. They witnessed that with my father, his insanity renowned through the Strigoi Kingdom.
He lost the other half of his soul, and he never recovered.
They housed him in an isolated estate where he’ll wallow for eternity, regretting his choices. Regretting his past. Wishing for an alternative. All while living within the cage of his mind.
I was trying to avoid such a future for myself, my desire to pick a worthy human paramount to all else.
But the Strigoi clearly don’t trust my instincts. They have to test the results for themselves.
“She’s my queen,” I snarl at Marius.
“I agree,” he says. “However, the Strigoi need to be sure. Besides, we both know it’s better this way. You’re growingattached, and while your control is better than that of anyone else I know, even you have limits, Cip.”
His use of that damn nickname nearly has my fist meeting his face. “Now isn’t the time,Mars.”
“True. Your mate has entered her second trial.” He cants his head, sending his long hair to the side. “You realize it’s not against the rules to also help… yes?”
I stare at him.Helpisn’t something royals typically offer to candidates.
But there isn’t anythingtypicalabout this situation.
“Where’s the portal?” I demand, aware that there must be one nearby that ensnared my intended mate. “Take me to her.Now.”
“Make sure you save some of that sunny disposition for your people,” he murmurs, pulling out a device from his pocket.
A device I now realize is a portable portal.
One he must have used to take my mate.
Which meansheis responsible for her disappearance.
I lunge for him, furious. But he anticipates the move, his hand clasping around my arm with an electric zing. I growl at him. “What?—”
“Welcome home.” He shoves me forward, causing me to stumble into open air.
My wings stretch on instinct, forcing me to fly before I can truly tumble, and a world of blues, silvers, blacks, and grays reveals itself before me.
The bastard portaled me.
Which was precisely what I needed to do, but the shove was unnecessary.
“Asshole,” I mutter, hoping he’s behind me.
He doesn’t respond. And I don’t look at him. I’m too busy searching the palace grounds below.
