A sneer downturned the edge of Maddox’s mouth.
That time, I couldn’t stifle my laugh. Poor Maddox had another muffin rival. I turned my face into his bicep and playfully nipped at his shirt. “Oh, stop snarling, big guy.”
He pressed a kiss to my hair.
“Banana ones?” Nina asked with her mouthful. She’d swiped a roll from the basket.
My big grump sighed. It was his favorite flavor. A double whammy.
Briar seemed to catch it too and softly coughed into his closed fist.
After Lord Onyx thanked them and said they could be excused, they bowed to him and headed for the door. They glanced back at me with toothy grins before stepping into the hall, whispering amongst themselves until they were out of earshot.
“It appears more of my demons have taken a liking to you,” Onyx told me.
“They’re really nice,” I responded and took a drink of wine. Just a sip. Too much would have me crawling up on the table and pretending to be a smoked boar or something else ridiculous. I was a silly drunk. “Koga is nice too. Like Mae, he’s quiet but I can tell he’s a good guy. Gentle.”
“He hasn’t always been gentle. Once, he commanded a unit in my father’s army.” Onyx shifted his gaze to the window. “War changes you, for better or for worse. After my father’s death, Koga laid down his sword and never picked it up again.”
The mention of his father drew the attention of every knight around the table.
“How old were you?” I asked. “When your father… um.”
“Nineteen,” he answered, gaze distant, like he was stuck in a memory. “And full of rage. I wanted to burn the world.”
Maddox kept his eyes on Onyx, his muscles coiled and prepared to spring at the first sign of danger. Callum appeared the same, squeezing the handle of his fork.
“And now?” Briar asked. “Do you still wish to burn the world?”
“Now?” Onyx took a breath and relaxed on the exhale, averting his eyes from the window. “I’m much too tired.”
A nudge to my leg drew my attention. Oreo stared up at me, a whine tearing through his throat.
“You hungry?” I smoothed my hand over his head. “Want some of this yummy lamb?”
His answering butt wiggle gave me my answer. As he eagerly gobbled it up, I made a mental note to ask Fane about Fenrir demons and if they had any dietary restrictions. I wanted to make sure Oreo didn’t get sick. I’d never forgive myself.
Once the puppy had his fill, he licked my fingers and went over to curl up in front of the fire.
“He’s such a good boy,” I said with a smile. “I think he had fun walking around the market today. I’d like to take him out to play tomorrow too if I can.”
“You’re free to do as you please,” Lord Onyx responded. “Despite what your mates believe, you aren’t a prisoner here.”
“Isn’t he?” Callum squared his shoulders. “With Nocturne pacing outside the barrier like a predator on the prowl, hunting Ev like prey, this realmishis prison.”
“What do you propose we do then, knight?” Onyx’s tone remained steady, but there was a dangerous gleam in his eyes. “Go beyond the barrier and kill them?”
“Seems like a good idea to me.” Callum shrugged. “With them gone, he wouldn’t need your protection.”
“Interesting point.” Onyx looked at me. “They are relentless in their pursuit of you. Even for Nocturne, I find such persistence strange. I can’t help but wonder why King Silas wants you so badly.”
Maddox stilled beside me, as did Briar.
“Revenge, you know?” I answered, trying to play dumb. “His grudge against my dad is ridiculous at this point.”
A cloud of suspicion hovered over him. “There your heart goes again. Thrumming like a hummingbird’s wings. Are you nervous, little bird?”
“Me? Nervous.” I flicked my hand. “Never. I’m cool as a cucumber.”
