Nalaka goes on, “Elgar has four kingdoms: Kallahan, Elveron, Saltmere, and Arvendal.” If she notices my hesitation, she doesn’t mention it. My brain is on the verge of short-circuiting, but what’s the point in fighting it? Massaging my right temple in response, I might as well let it fry; it’s not like it’ll change anything.
“So, uh… What other types of races are here?” I ask, trying to sound casual, but there’s a nervous edge to my voice I can’t quite hide.
The elf glances at me, weighing her words before answering. “There are witches, people with thesight… elves and some smaller communities. But you’ll learn more about them tomorrow.” Opening my mouth to say something, but before I can get another word out, my elbow bumps into someone, jerking me sideways.
“Oh, shit, I am sorry, I didn’t see you,” I mutter, barely having time to process what just happened before a sharp sneer cuts through the air, right in my face.
A flash of sharp teeth glints, but there’s nothing playful here. In fact, it turns my blood cold, and I take a step back. What the fuck is wrong with this guy?
“Are you blind, little girl?” He bites, but before he can get any closer, he’s pulled back by the collar of his neck. Nalaka quickly steps into the space she just cleared.
“One more word, Zenik and you will for sure lose all possibilities of ever being an alpha, even if that possibility is next to nothing.” My new ally’s sharp tone stops the brute from coming any closer. Instead, he grunts afucking watch where you’re goingand shoves past us. His friends follow, snickering as they go. And I stand here, stunned, my pulse barely calming down.
“What the fuck is his problem?” I ask, stunned.
“Lycans,” Nalaka states, her voice dripping with irritation. “They’re known for having an attitude problem, especially today.”
“Wait, lycans as lycanthropy as in…werewolves? Are those real?” Nalaka pauses, giving me a puzzled look before stopping in front of a black door marked with the number 241.
“Yes. Best stay in your room tonight and lock it properly.”
"Oui, chef, oui," I shoot back with an exaggerated tone of sarcasm. She hands me my key, her expression puzzled, as if she’s questioning my state of mind.
“There are also centaurs and halflings around, but they’re peaceful. No need to worry about them. I think you should rest, though. This has probably been a lot to digest. My room’s on the next level, door 364. The stairs are at the end of this hallway. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
At this point, I shouldn’t be surprised by anything. After fighting demons, travelling through portals, and learning about creatures like elves… this should be just another day in my life.
“Of course,” I mutter under my breath. “I’m sure the next thing I’m going to run into is a vampire.” Nalaka stiffens.
I can feel the change in the air before she speaks.
“Those are Netherworld’s creatures. And it’svampyr.”
“Noted,” I reply dryly. “Bad guys, don’t get close.” I stifle a yawn as I step inside my room, the door closing behind me with a soft click.
11
Kai
WASTING BREATH
Nalaka hasthis annoying habit of being damn good at everything. Like, unnaturally good. Kvirr must’ve kissed her forehead or something, because she never misses a beat and trust me, she loves rubbing that in. I’ll be hearing about it until the day I die, maybe even after.
We're both corporals, which basically means we're stuck in each other’s pockets 24/7. Briefings, debriefings, mission planning, you name it, we’re there, side by side, trying not to throttle each other. And thanks to protocol, we’ve got front-row seats to every fancy-ass event, which feels less like a social circle and more like a damn chokehold. And if Nalaka hadn’t walked in when she did...
Well, let’s just say Avilyna wouldn’t have been standing. I wasthisclose to dropping to my knees and losing myself between her thighs.
That scent?
It was pure sin,sweet, dangerous, and fucking addictive. The kind of thing that claws into your brain and doesn't let go. But it wasn’t until I had her pinned, skin against skin, that I nearly lost it. I expected fear,wantedit, but arousal… That came as a surprise.
That she liked it.
Every nerve lit, and with the full moon rising, everything sharpens. Strength, hunger, instincts... The whole beast package.
Taking a deep breath, I sink my teeth into the steak. The meat is barely warm anymore, but it doesn’t matter. I chew slowly, jaw working while my thoughts spiral.
“Okay, uh, hey, broody McBroodface?” Wyll’s voice drifts from behind the fridge, muffled by clinking jars. “What crawled up your spine and died?”
