Thalvor’s expression darkened instantly, his amber eyes flashing with barely contained fury. “Absolutely not. She isVirelyn blood. She has responsibilities at my demon house. She will return home with me after the festival ends. This complication is unacceptable.”
My demon surged forward so hard I had to lock every muscle to keep from shifting into my other form. The thought of anyone—especially her own father—trying to take Isolde from me sent pure rage rolling through my veins.
“She’s not going anywhere.” My tone left no room for argument. “Not while the veil is this thin and her aura is unstable. She stays under my protection.”
Thalvor shook his head. “That stupid girl never should have said a word about her little issue with her aura.”
“My mate is not stupid,” I growled. “And if you’d been a decent parent, maybe she wouldn’t have been terrified of her powers. You did nothing while she stifled her demon half past its breaking point.”
Thalvor took a step closer, power crackling faintly around him. “If her abilities are causing problems, that is a House Virelyn matter. Not yours to decide.”
“It became my concern the moment I recognized the bond,” I argued, refusing to back down. “And it became a security issue the moment a rift opened inside The Abyss. She stays.”
Thalvor scoffed. “You think you can keep her here just because fate foolishly decided to pair you with my heir? As if you’re worthy of a Virelyn? She was supposed to form an alliance that strengthened our house, not tie herself to the hotel’s hired muscle.”
I’d been prepared to dislike Isolde’s father from the little she’d said about him, but he was even worse than I expected. He spoke of his daughter as though she were an asset on a balance sheet, not a person.
Adan raised a hand before I could respond. “Enough. Thalvor, I understand your concern for your daughter andyour house. But Kastiel is right about the timing. The gate is vulnerable tonight. We cannot afford additional instability. Isolde remains here until we understand what’s happening with her aura.”
Thalvor’s lips pressed into a thin line. He shot me one last cold, warning look. “This isn’t over, Skaithe. My daughter is not a prize for you to claim. And if her instability causes any damage to your precious hotel, don’t expect House Virelyn to clean up your mess.”
He turned on his heel and left, the door closing hard behind him.
Once we were alone, Adan exhaled and leaned back against his chair, studying me with that knowing look I’d come to hate in the centuries since we met. “You’re wound tight. I’ve never seen you like this.”
I dragged a hand through my hair. “The bond hit harder than I expected. Her aura is crackling like lightning instead of throwing off the typical succubus pull. It’s feeding the rifts. But every time I get near her, my demon wants to…”
I wasn’t sure how to finish that sentence without sounding like I was losing control. Adan trusted me to be in charge of the security of everyone in his territory—including his pregnant mate—and I’d never given him reason to doubt that choice. Until now, when I needed his faith in me more than ever.
“Don’t fight the bond so hard it makes you stupid, Kastiel. She’s your mate. That changes things.” Adan’s mouth twitched. “Figure out the cause of the rifts and keep her safe, but don’t pretend you can lock away what’s happening between you two while you unravel the issue with her aura. It won’t end well.”
My chest expanded on a deep breath. I was relieved that he seemed to understand.
“Don’t look so surprised.” He stood and circled his desk to clap me on the shoulder. “You waited a long time to find yourmate. What kind of friend would I be if I interfered with your only true chance at happiness?”
I arched a brow. “You’re my friend, but you’re also a powerful demon who refuses to take any risks with Calliope.”
Flames swirled in his eyes, and his voice was deathly cold when he announced, “You take care of your mate. I will ensure mine and my unborn child are safe.”
“I’d like to move her to the suite adjoining my quarters.”
He dipped his chin in agreement. “Keep her close.”
I gave him a short nod and left before he changed his mind. Or his demon decided Isolde was a threat.
I went straight back to the VIP suite I’d put Isolde in. When she opened the door, her green eyes were wide with uncertainty.
“I’m moving you. Your father knows about the bond now. He’s not pleased. My wing is more secure. Staff and family only. No one gets in or out without my permission. It’s the safest place for you right now.”
She hesitated, searching my face. “Because of the rifts or because of him?”
“Both,” I admitted, the honesty slipping out before I could think about it. “I’m not letting anyone take you from The Abyss tonight. Especially not while the veil is this thin.”
Relief flickered in her eyes, and the same awareness I felt. She nodded and slipped her shoes back on. “Can I bring the book I was reading?”
“Of course.”
Before she could go grab it, the book appeared in her hand. “Oh my, that’ll take some getting used to.”
