Page 79 of The Truth-Teller's Bargain

His words thrilled her in a way she wondered if she’d be disgusted with herself for later. He was using her fear for others’ safety as a way to get her to look out for herself, and she had to admit, it was very clever.

“Tell me,” he demanded, and she beamed up at him, eyes wide and full of adoration.

“I understand.”

What he said next should have been criminal. “Come,” he commanded, sending heat to her core. “Let’s find our friends again.”

The sensations grew more intense with every passing second. Alethea’s wide eyes took in everything around them, all at once. The fire shows, the bonfires, the music, the incredible displays of magic—it all amazed her in an entirely new way. The vibrant flames danced in her eyes, the rhythmic music pulsed in her veins, and the masterful magic left her breathless. Every sight,sound, and touch seemed amplified, as if the world had finally come alive.

Nakir’s touch stayed on her back, never moving, always guiding. His steady presence became her anchor, grounding her amidst the overwhelming spectacle.

She wasn’t sure how long it took them to find Emi and Dawes, but she caught sight of them near a large bonfire, the flames casting eerie shadows on their faces. She immediately went to rush forward until she noticed their exchange was... tense. Emi’s usually vibrant expression was clouded with distress, her hands clenched at her sides. Dawes, normally so composed, appeared equally unsettled. He brushed some hair out of Emi’s face—a gesture meant to be comforting, but it only seemed to upset her further.

Alethea hesitated, lingering in the shadows with Nakir, unable to intrude on their private moment. Emi’s shoulders trembled, and Dawes, with a mix of concern and frustration etched on his face, tried to soothe her. It was a stark contrast to their usual camaraderie, leaving Alethea with a sinking feeling in her chest.

“I think they need a moment,” Nakir whispered as they hovered just out of earshot.

Discomfort sent tingles into her fingers, and she tried to fight it by fussing with Nakir’s dark blazer until sounds of ecstasy began to permeate her psyche.

“Oh,” Alethea uttered, stepping to the side as she realized how close they were to one of the previously unoccupied tents. The entrance was still open, but from the sounds she could hear coming from within, it was now currentlyin use.

“If someone leaves the tent open, it means they’re open to others watching... or joining,” Nakir explained with a knowing smile, his voice low and intimate.

Alethea’s entire body heated, and she hid her face in Nakir’s jacket, earning her a chuckle. Every one of her nerve endingsbuzzed at his tone, the effects of the ambrosia taking a firm hold on her.

“Why don’t you join them then?” she shot back, brave considering her current position.

“I’m otherwise engaged,” was his soft reply.

The sounds in the tent came to a crescendo, and she felt her breath hitch, clinging tighter to Nakir. She didn’t miss the way a low growl vibrated his chest.

Alethea let her head fall back to look at the stars above, lips parting in awe at the way they danced around one another in perfect harmony with the music. It was near dizzying to watch, though she hardly noticed the way her body swayed to the beat. She held onto Nakir’s arms for support, but his face was just out of her celestial view. He held her upright by her lower back, giving her enough room and support to lean up at the stars. His body against hers, the sounds of lovemaking beside them, the intense drumbeat of the music, and the ambrosia coursing through her system had her forgetting who she was.

She wasn’t a princess, an Oracle, a runaway.

For the moment, she was simplyfree.

She became aware of Nakir’s gaze, solely focused on her in a way that was staggering. How could he look at her that way, as if she’d hung the stars in the heavens above them? And what did itmean?

“What is it?” she asked him, throat tight with unexpected emotion. “What are you thinking?” It wasn’t fair that she had to answer every question with the truth while everyone else could say whatever they wanted.

Nakir’s hands wandered up her back, holding her close to him as he spoke, each word careful and deliberate. “I’m thinking you are the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes upon. That I wish I could hold onto this moment forever.”

Her belly warmed, and she leaned in closer, their lips like magnets to one another.

She imagined if she kissed him now, she’d drag him into a nearby tent and beg him to put his mouth on her; to taste her and touch her; to strip her of her shimmering blue dress. She would beg him to free himself from his trousers, to lay her down on the soft blankets and rugs and chase those euphoric sounds from her. She wanted to beg him to show her the stars behind her eyes; to take pleasure in her body; to take them both to the edges of desire —

“Dance with me?” Alethea tugged on his hands to bring them closer to the music, the pounding drum beats, the heat of the bonfire. She neededmore. More sound vibrating against her bones. More heat on her skin. More of Nakir against her.

He obliged.

Alethea had never danced the way she saw the revelers dancing—sensually, every move improvised, an interpretation of their body’s innermost desires. She was ordinarily too self-conscious to even begin to attempt to dance, but the ambrosia had emboldened her. Nakir was much more skilled. He somehow matched the partner dances she’d grown up with to the sensuality and improvisation the haunting music called for. She followed his lead with closed eyes and trusting hands, her body finding its own rhythm.

She wasn’t sure of how long they danced. She was no longer aware of the passage of time, only his strong hold on her; the way he spun and lifted and dipped her in the firelight. She wondered if this song would ever end, or if she’d remain here forever, a thin layer of sweat building on her brow from the exertion. Either way, it was pure bliss. She’d never been so at home in her own body before, so at ease with her own movements. It was as if the ambrosia had unlocked something deep and sensual within her.

But the song did end. Slowly and wonderfully. Alethea’s breath came in pants as Nakir dipped her low one last time. He brought her back to him, and her hands landed against his chest.His heartbeat thundered against her fingertips, as did the heat radiating from him. Her hair was entirely a mess now, tangled and wild down her back.

When their gazes met, she knew he’d see it.