The queen’s crystalline gaze flicked to me with renewed interest, though her lip curled in distaste. “And why, pray tell, have you brought this…filthy creature before my throne?”
I cringed and wanted to draw on my shadows to hide myself, but would they even respond here? This was the Elder Dimension, surrounded by Unseelie who wielded shadow magic far beyond mine. I didn't want to draw any more attention to myself—especially if my pathetic attempt failed in front of them all.
Ari put his hand on the back of my neck. “Because, Your Majesty, she possesses the power to open portals between dimensions.”
I tensed. I hadn’t opened the portal by myself. Marsha’s magic had directed my shadows to open the portal. Why would he lie to the queen?
Queen Alanna’s gaze shifted to me, and for the first time, I didn’t feel like something she wanted to scrape off her shoe. Her crystalline eyes held genuine curiosity. “How?”
My mouth opened, but no sound came out. What could I say? I didn't even understand it myself. I looked at Ari, hoping he'd take over, save me from having to explain what I couldn't.
“She’s part Unseelie and has the power to use shadows.”
This was what I didn't want the queen to know. I'd die before I became her slave.
The queen’s perfectly sculpted eyebrows rose a fraction. “That’s…rare among my people. Even rarer among half-bloods.” She leaned forward in her throne, studying me with the intensity of a jeweler examining a potentially valuable stone. “Have you witnessed this ability firsthand?”
A ripple of excitement coursed through the assembled courtiers. They pressed closer, silk rustling and jewelry chiming as they jostled for better positions. I could feel their eager stares like pinpricks against my skin—hungry spectators waiting for the entertainment to begin. My stomach churned. I was nothing more than a trained animal to them.
The queen made a dismissive gesture. "Remove their shackles. I wish to see this power for myself—unhindered."
Guards stepped forward, keys jangling as they unlocked first Ari's restraints, then mine. The moment the metal fell away from my wrists, relief flooded through me. My shadows stirred, no longer suppressed by whatever magic had been woven into those bindings.
Ari released me. “Show her.”
His fingers caught my chin, forcing me to meet his dark eyes. The gesture appeared almost gentle, but his grip was iron. "If you refuse," he murmured, his voice pitched low enough that only I could hear the threat beneath the silk, "you can kiss your vampire enforcer goodbye forever."
Bastard. He knew exactly which button to push, which threat would make me comply. I wanted to jerk away, to spit in his face, but he had me cornered. Enzo's life hung in the balance, and Ari knew I'd do anything—even trust a liar—to save him.
Queen Alanna's head tilted with feline curiosity. "Vampire enforcer?" The words rolled off her tongue like she was tasting something exotic. "How... intriguing."
Ari's smile was all sharp edges. "Her mate."
Rage flooded through me. Son of a bitch. He'd just painted the biggest target on Enzo's back, handed the queen the one weapon she could use against me. I glared at Ari, but he wouldn't meet my eyes. Of course he wouldn't—he knew exactly what he'd done.
He snapped his fingers as if summoning a pet. "Perform, Joy."
The snap echoed through the great hall like a gunshot. Every eye in the room fixed on me, waiting. Their stares burned like brands on my skin, but beneath my humiliation, something darker stirred. The shadows in the corners of the room seemed to lean closer, responding to my rising anger.
If he wanted me to perform a show, I’d give them a show they wouldn’t forget.
