Page 144 of Hunger & Harmony

Smiling, I tug him closer to my face.

“Whatever I wish for?” I place a sweet kiss on his lips. “That’s a tall ask considering I have everything I want.”

It’s cheesy, and we’re both laughing, but it’s true. Even after this honeymoon, we’ll return to West Court Records. I want to be a part of the process and help in some way for Arteria’s next album. I also want to do my best as Sancte Noctis’ new queen.

“Everything?”

I nod without hesitation. I do have everything I want. Beyond my wildest dreams. More than freedom and music, I have love. For myself, for Niko, for friends and family, and for the life I’m living.

“I’m glad.” He brushes my hair back, his gaze softening. “I feel much the same, my starlight.”

Fate showed us the way, but we’ve chosen this path together. Hunger didn’t have to be destruction, but harmony was an intentional choice. It didn’t come without sacrifice.

Rules were never meant to hold us. They bent just enough for us to be brave enough to choose.

Because together, we became both.

Together, we’re hunger and harmony.

HAUNT

Applause lingers in places like this. It clings to the walls, like stage smoke and sweat.

This stage is empty. A single bulb flickers behind me, casting shadows over the velvet seats of the auditorium. I don’t need any more light than that.

Crossing my leather boots over each other, I cast my scowl along the entrances. Still nothing. How long am I expected to wait?

I adjust my position on the ash wood stool. I’m bored with this. A miracle, considering what a disaster the past week has been.

The Midnight Crown has stabilized. Their new queen—the Exalted Resonant—has bent the prophecy back to its original form.

I knew she was special. I never anticipated that, though.

That fucking Leech King ruined everything. At some point, he might’ve been useful. But he stood in my way and took Cadence with him.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

Just as my fingers clench into fists, the screech of a door echoes. I peer through shadows, glancing over my shoulder at whose footsteps approach.

“You made it.”

His silhouette is laughably unimposing. Still, no matter what fake inflection he puts on his voice, I know his heart is winter—cold and devoid.

“You’re late,” I fire back.

“Now, now,” he says. “It’s tense all around.”

“No shit.”

Stiff silence stretches between us. He’s never appreciated my sharp tongue. Some bullshit about ladies speaking properly. I can’t find it in me to care.

“The Resonant was never meant to survive. Now, she sits on the throne.” He gestures to me, gloved hand catching the flickering light. “That wasn’t our agreement.”

My eyes narrow at him.

“Excuse me for not bending fate.”

“Ah, but it’s not about bending it, darling.”