The morning after the mating ritual was a blend of chaos and silence. The Irving household which was typically structured like clockwork was completely unravelled. Some of the guests were now scattered across the estate like fallen leaves—passed out in guest rooms, lounges, and, in one case, a particularly decorative patch of shrubbery in the west garden.

I stood by the window in Devon’s chambers which was our chambers now, watching the estate slowly come to life. My reflection in the glass was as much a reminder as the ache in my limbs.

The night itself had been wild and more than I could have ever imagined. Reckless didn’t even begin to cover it. I’d never been consumed so completely, both by him and an insatiable hunger to be thoroughly satisfied. He had kept his promise of making love all night. At some point after dawn, we’d returned to his chambers which was much bigger and utterly magnificient.

Behind me, I heard the faint rustle of sheets as Devon stirred. I turned to find him sitting up, his stormy grey eyes still heavy with sleep. “You’re awake early,” he muttered, running a hand through his tousled hair.

“Couldn’t sleep with all the noise,” I replied as I wondered if he couldn’t hear it too. Maybe it was because my heightened hearing was still quite new and developing. “The estate’s a mess. I need to go oversee the cleanup.”

“That’s Ellison’s nightmare now,” he said with a shrug, but his grin was faintly wicked.

I smirked. “Not any more. Luciana’s handling the household. I gave her complete control yesterday.”

Devon blinked, his brows lifting in mild surprise. “You didn’t waste any time.”

“I couldn’t afford to,” I said, moving to the edge of the bed. “She’s far more capable than Mrs. Ellison who was trying to instigate the staff against me. If they don’t respect me, I don’t want them here. I won’t have anyone undermining my authority as your mate.”

His grin widened with a glint of approval in his eyes. “You’re irresistible when you’re strict.”

I rolled my eyes, but didn’t argue. “Careful, Alpha. Flattery will only get you so far.”

“Good thing I’ve got other talents,” he replied without missing a beat.

I huffed a laugh. The truth was, I was beginning to feel it. The responsibility for the Irving Island and Devon. I had such an indescribable desire to protect him.

Without a word, I crawled back into his arms and he settled us both back into the bed. His arms tightened around me, the warmth of his embrace seeping into my skin through the thin fabric of the sheer robe I’d hastily draped over my shoulders. His broad, bare chest, was warm against my cheek, the faintest sheen of early morning rays from the window highlighting his muscles.

“How are you feeling?” he asked softly. “Someone mentioned something was aching earlier.”

I chuckled as my fingers slid down to rest against the faint scar just above his heart. I traced the mark absently, letting my touch linger there. “Well, my entire body still aches,” I admitted.

His hand slid up my back, his fingers caressing the small of my back. “That’s what happens when you bite off more than you can chew, you little terror.”

I raised my head, meeting his smirk with a narrowed gaze. “Excuse me? Who’s the one who kept going long after I begged for mercy?”

“I don’t recall you begging,” he said, his smirk widening into a full grin. “You’re far too proud for that, aren’t you, lady Irving?”

I flushed, smacking his chest lightly as he laughed. “Don’t push your luck, Irving.”

He caught my hand, his grin softening as he brought my fingers to his lips. “Never, C—il.”

I sighed, letting myself relax fully in his arms. My fingers found their way into his hair, tangling in the thick, dark strands that still held the faintest scent of cedarwood.

“Thank you,” I murmured, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between us.

He tilted his head down to look at me, his brow furrowing slightly. “For what?”

“For this,” I said, gesturing vaguely with a hand that still traced slow, idle circles against his chest. “For making me feel safe.”

His thumb brushed against my cheek and the touch was feather-light. “You don’t have to thank me for that, C—il,” he murmured before his lips curved into a teasing smile. “But you can thank me for last night.”

A laugh bubbled up before I could stop it, and I shook my head. I lifted my hand to cup his cheek, my fingers brushing against the faint stubble that shadowed his jaw.

“Keep dreaming,” I whispered.

His smirk deepened, but before he could counter, I leaned up, closing the space between us. My lips brushed against his in a soft kiss, a quiet thank-you. Devon met me halfway, his hand sliding up to cradle the back of my neck, holding me steady as his lips moved against mine with a tenderness that unravelled every last knot in my body.

When we broke apart, his forehead rested lightly against mine, his hand still cupping the nape of my neck.

“I’ve got to take care of a few things,” I murmured, even though the words were reluctant as I forced them out.

His thumb traced a small, lazy circle against the base of my neck as he pulled back just enough to meet my gaze. “You’ll join me later?” I asked, tilting my head slightly, my fingers still resting against his cheek.

“Of course,” he said, and his voice was a comforting rumble. Then, before I could move away, he leaned in and caught my lips in another kiss, deeper this time.

When we finally parted, I lingered for just a moment longer, committing the feel of him to memory before I stood, and reluctantly broke away.

His gaze followed me as I moved to gather my robe, and I didn’t miss the faint smile tugging at his lips. “You’re going to have the staff even more afraid of you now,” he teased lightly. “Not that I’m complaining. It’s quite the delicious look on you.”

I smiled as I draped the robe over my shoulders. “I’m glad you like it,” I said.

And as I stepped out of the room, I carried the warmth of his touch and his scent with me.
* * *

The estate was buzzing by mid-morning. Julia and Luciana worked like spirits, moving through the staff and attendees with an efficiency that would’ve impressed even my mother. My brothers had finally made their appearances, looking both hungover and smug as they loitered in the main hall, teasing the Lycans who crossed their paths. I was sure Devon would want the island emptied of our guest by sundown. Some were long gone while others lingered, and I understood why. They rarely visited the Irving Island, it was a rare opportunity to loiter around the Alpha’s domain.

“Ah, there she is,” Cullen drawled when he saw me descending the staircase. “The newly minted Lady Irving herself.”

“Does the title come with immunity from your nonsense?” I shot back, brushing past him.

“Not a chance,” Yeon chimed in, his grin identical to Cullen’s. “But we do come bearing news.”

“Good news or bad news?” I wondered.

“Depends on your definition, Luna,” Cullen said, falling into step beside me. “Mother’s already making plans for the Witch’s Supper. It’s happening tonight.”

“Tonight?” I halted mid-step, turning to glare at him. “Why so soon, and why didn’t she bother to tell me this earlier?”

“Because she assumed you’d be” preoccupied.” Yeon smirked. “And judging by that sparkle in your eyes, I’d say she wasn’t wrong.”

Heat crept up my neck, but I ignored him, turning to Julia, who had materialized at my side. “I take it you knew of this ceremony at sundown?” I asked her and she nodded. “Is everything ready?”

She nodded again. “It will be. Luciana and I have been working through the night. The gardens will be transformed by evening.”

“Good,” I said, exhaling. “We’ll need it to be perfect. All the high lords and ladies from the Oriental houses will be attending the Witch’s Supper. Think of what my mother would like and run with that.”

Julia’s smile faded slightly. “And the Faerie thing, your grace?”

“I haven’t had time to think on it,” I said as I glanced toward her. “Did you speak with my mother yet?”

She nodded.

“And?”

Julia’s gaze flicked briefly to my brothers—Yeon leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, Cullen slouching beside him like he owned the place. The silent message in her glance was clear enough: Not here.

I sighed. “We’ll talk later.”

Before I could say more, Yeon’s voice broke in from the side. “And what if the D—Quan send Garythorn again?” He leaned casually against the banister.

“It’ll be his funeral,” I replied with a shrug, adjusting the charm chain around my wrist. “The witches aren’t as forgiving as the Lycans when it comes to intruders at sacred events. He’d be set ablaze before he could blink.”

Julia let out a soft chuckle, a wicked little sound. “Now I wish they would send him.”

Cullen snorted, shaking his head as he pushed off the wall. “That’d be one hell of a spectacle.”

“Maybe too much,” Yeon added with a lazy smirk.

“Then they’d better think twice before they try anything stupid,” I said.

Julia tilted her head thoughtfully. “It’s almost poetic, isn’t it? Garythorn’s magic is already rotting. Fire might be the perfect ending for him.”

I met her gaze and allowed myself the faintest of smiles. “Let’s hope we don’t have to test that theory tonight.”

But in the back of my mind, I had a feeling that Garythorn might be bold, or foolish, enough to show his face again. If he did, this time, I wouldn’t even have to lift a finger. The witches would make sure he regretted it.

“We must return to Morinpar and head to Imperial Obelisk with Father,” Yeon said as he adjusted the clasp of his deep crimson cloak.

I tilted my head at him. “Why the urgent need to return to the capital hill?”

Yeon exchanged a glance with Cullen, standing there with arms crossed over his chest. Finally, he answered, “There’s been a troubling incident with a water coven. The magic eater plague has claimed an entire community in the west. It’s the first occurrence of its kind since the plague began, and the regional councils are gathering to address it.”

I knew of the plague, of course, but hearing that it had decimated an entire coven made me very uneasy.

Cullen’s voice broke through my thoughts. “Your mate may be gone for a while. He’s bound to take the lead in the investigation.”

I frowned as a thought occurred to me and my gaze snapped back to Yeon. “This plague” what percentage of its victims have been witches compared to Faes or other races?”

Yeon’s sharp blue eyes narrowed slightly, his hand moving to adjust the brooch pinning his cloak. “I couldn’t say with certainty,” he admitted, but his tone turned more thoughtful at my question. “But it’s worth investigating. I’ll look into the numbers and let you know, your grace.” He dipped into a mock bow.

I rolled my eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corners of my mouth. “Be safe,” I said, watching as my brothers turned to leave.

They waved and quickly retreated down the corridor, the sound of their boots fading into the distance.

Julia leaned in slightly. “You suspect it’s targeting witches?”

“Yes,” I murmured, crossing my arms. “And I don’t know why, but I feel it’s deliberate.” Her brows furrowed as she thought about it. “What came of your discussion with my mother?” I asked.

I turned to face her fully, the fabric of my gown rustling softly as I moved. “She wants me to summon the faerie in servitude to my house,” Julia said, lowering her voice. “And she wants the contract mediated before the witch’s supper.”

I huffed, folding my arms tighter against the faint breeze that swept through the courtyard. It wasn’t surprising that my mother had made arrangements without informing me. Did she expect me to divine her plans through sheer intuition? The supper was a sacred gathering that I needed to prepare for.

I would need to tell Devon, though I suspected he was already preoccupied with the plague issue. My brothers had made it clear he’d be leaving soon. The thought of him gone, diving into yet another dangerous investigation with this cult troubled me.

Julia’s light step brought her closer. “Your grace,” she said, her tone coaxing but firm, “we must move quickly. It’ll take time to call the faerie, and even more to negotiate terms.”

I exhaled, glancing toward the door my brothers had disappeared through. My fingers brushed against the folds of my gown as I straightened my shoulders. “Let’s get to it,” I said. “Before anything else can go wrong.”

Julia nodded, relief flickering briefly across her face.

“I’ll meet you in my chambers,” I added. “I need to speak with my mate before we begin this.”

She gave a small bow before retreating toward the direction of my chambers. I stood still for a moment, thinking about Devon. We’d barely had a moment together, and now he may have to leave for a while, and with the witch’s supper coming, I may not be able to go with him.

Still, if I had learned anything, it was to make the time count, no matter how fleeting, and I intended to do just that.