Page 16

He smirks and grips me tighter. “This marriage is going to be a lot more fun than I first imagined.”

I snort-laugh. “Fun? You think me dreaming up all the ways I wish you to die is fun?”

He nods. “I like dangerous things, Arkana. And you are by far the most dangerous, most diabolical little thing I’ve ever encountered.”

My stomach does a little flip. The longer I gaze into the shadowy depths of his brown eyes, the more intoxicated I become with this twisted game. The more our tension grows. Provoking him gives me a rush unlike any other.

“Well, then perhaps you should sleep with one eye open tonight.” I let him guide me back into the parlor, away from the watchful gaze of my uncle and mother.

He shakes his head. “And miss the surprise of violence? Not a chance. It’s more exciting if I can’t see it coming.”

I chuckle. “There is something seriously wrong with you.”

“You have no idea, beloved.” Bell nods to the various men who pass us.

These are heads of families who have come from all over Melancholia to pay their respects. Graves Estate will remain open to mourners until the burial ritual. After my father is sealed inside the crypt below this house, the windows will be left open for the ravens. They will mourn for him too.

I introduce him to those who are the most important in Nocturnus, Cage Blackwell and Vale Wickford, the founders, and then, of course, their cohorts and seconds in command—Vlad Harker and Aquarius Thorn. Bell lingers with each one of them. He has a way of seeing deep into someone’s eyes. As if he can see the soul hiding behind the mask. He holds one handshake particularly longer than the rest before we traipse back into the viewing room and pour another drink.

“Have we met before?” Aquarius Thorn asks. At six foot four, the blond man towers over us. His blue-green eyes sparkle, but his expression is as cold as the shoulder Atreus has given us.

Bell tilts his head, feigning interest. Another trait of his I’ve picked up on. He arches an eyebrow as well. “I don’t think so. This is my first time down here. I’m from the North.”

Aquarius nods. “I guess you just have one of those faces, then.” He turns toward me and takes my hand in his. “My condolences for your father. He was a good man. And also, congratulations on your betrothal, Arkana. Although, I am a bit sour that your father did not accept my offer.” He winks at me.

My cheeks heat. Thank the gods he didn’t. While Aquarius Thorn is strikingly handsome, he’s also twice my age. We stare at each other for the most awkward silence of the day before I feel Bell’s grip tighten around my arm again. “Well, your loss is my gain. Come, beloved,” he grits out.

Aquarius smirks and raises his glass in salute. “To the victor, go the spoils.”

Once back in the viewing room, drinks in hand, Bell digs his fingers into my hips again. “Did you enjoy the way he salivated over you?”

I gasp. “He was the same age as my father.”

“And yet, you didn’t dissuade him,” he growls in my ear.

“Your mood swings are making my head spin. It would do no one any good to bark at a Nocturnus elder who was simply being playful,” I hiss under my breath.

“No, he was being arrogant and disrespectful. And next time I will slit his fucking throat.”

“And here I thought I was the dramatic one. Why are you so threatened by him, anyway? My father apparently turned his offer down.” I dig my nails into his wrist.

“I’m not threatened by anyone. But next time, I’m not going to stand by as another man ogles my wife. He does not get to bask in your beauty. None of them do. They can keep their eyes on the fucking floor when you enter the room.” We’re nose to nose, our breaths hot on each other’s faces.

“Why don’t you tell me what this is really about? You don’t even know me… You can’t be that jealous,” I whisper.

His eyes are almost black with rage. “I just… don’t like the Thorns.”

“You said you’ve never met one before.”

He looks away, his jaw clenched. “I haven’t.”

“So in the five minutes you spent with one Thorn, you’ve decided you don’t like any of them?”

He glares back down at me again. “Exactly.”

“Bullshit,” I rasp.

He’s lying, and I want to know why.