We arrived to a golden display in the gardens, with lanterns and fireflies. Voices drifted through the air, punctuated by laughter and the occasional cackle of a particularly boisterous witch.

The witch’s supper was a sight to behold.

It looked like a fairytale, everything covered in lush greenery, floating candles, and glittering magical accents. It smelled like spiced wine, charred herbs, and something floral I couldn’t quite identify.

“It looks more like a ritual, doesn’t it?” I muttered to Devon as we entered, the sentinels fanning out behind us.

“Witches are dramatic,” he replied with a smirk. “I thought you’d be used to it by now.”

“Careful,” I said, shooting him a warning look. “You’re marrying one, remember?”

“I’m counting on the drama,” he said, leaning down to whisper in my ear. “It keeps things exciting. I’d like to correct you there, my sweet. You’re already mine, Lady Irving.”

Before I could respond, Luciana appeared out of nowhere, her silver hair pinned back in an elegant knot. She looked at me from head to toe. “Lord Irving. Lady Irving,” she said, dipping into a perfect bow. “You’re late.”

“Lovely to see you too, Luciana,” I replied dryly, smoothing the front of my gown, the fabric now more dirt-streaked than glamorous.

Luciana’s silver eyes swept over me with a critical gleam, her lips curving into a smirk. “Are you ready to charm the elders who have been clamouring for your presence ever since they arrived? ’

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I muttered, scanning the crowd for any glimpse of the sages or the more high-ranking guests. It was hard to keep my mind on both the diplomatic nightmare and looking for Zaria or Azriel. If either of them were here, I needed to know.

“Is there time to change out of’”

“These soiled clothes?” she finished for me. Her eyes swept over my appearance, from the smudges on my sleeves to the minor tear near the hem of my skirt. “It’d be a crime if we didn’t, your grace. Julia is preparing your next wardrobe. They’ll meet us shortly. Lord Irving, Rynel, and the sentinels will escort you to the dressing chamber.”

Devon nodded at Marcus and the others. “I’m not letting you face those vultures like this,” he said.

I glanced at him sideways. “Is my dignity suddenly top of mind?”

“Among other things,” he replied, his lips twitching into a mild grin.

Luciana took a step closer. “Your grace, as charming as this is, we have less than an hour before the binding ritual commences. And we both know how witches feel about lateness. I’d had the pleasure of enduring their annoyance.”

“Don’t remind me,” I grumbled.

Luciana quickly took us to a private room in the main part of the building. She had that look and confidence of someone who would bulldoze anyone who tried to delay us. I felt Devon’s arm brush against mine as the sentinels formed a perimeter around us. He peeled off into the room next to mine with Rynel as I followed Luciana into the other room.

Inside the chamber, Julia greeted me, holding up a midnight blue gown. “Finally,” she said, exasperation written all over her face. “You’re here. I was beginning to think you’d forgotten you had an entire event to host tonight.”

“Lovely to see you too,” I quipped, stepping behind the privacy screen she gestured toward.

As I changed into my gown, Luciana and Julia kept up a steady commentary on the supper’s progress.

“It’s been manageable so far,” Julia said. “The mages have been their usual inscrutable selves, but the other guests were gossiping about the same thing. Apparently, the magic eater plague wiped out an entire coven.”

“Good. Let them talk,” I replied as I slipped on the gown. “But if it comes up again tonight, keep an ear out for anything unusual. Particularly anyone with any connection to Nelwost or the Circle of the Willow coven.”

Julia paused, her brows knitting together. “You think someone here might be infected?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted, stepping out from behind the screen. Luciana moved in immediately to adjust the dress and add the finishing touches. “But my friend Zaria is part of that coven, and I need to find out if she’s safe.”

Luciana’s hands stilled for a fraction of a second as she fastened the clasp of my necklace. Her silver eyes darted up to meet mine with understanding. “We’ll discreetly probe for names,” she said. “If Zaria is here—or if someone knows about her—we’ll find out.”

“Thank you,” I said softly, holding her gaze.

Julia smiled, but it faded fast. In a cautious tone, she asked, “And what about” her divinity? How are you handling that?”

I adjusted one of the earrings Luciana had handed me, taking my time with my response. “She’s” busy with something right now,” I said carefully. They didn’t need to know Mouriana was currently absorbing the core of a dark entity beneath the estate. “It’s a lot to adjust to.”

Julia pouted. “I’ve already had the distinct displeasure of being scolded by Lady Saffron for summoning a dark faerie.”

The bracelet in Luciana’s hand slipped from her fingers and clattered to the floor. Her eyes widened to an almost comical degree, and her face looked torn between shock and outrage. “Gracious Gaia! You contracted a dark faerie?”

I glanced at Julia. “You didn’t tell her?”

“It wasn’t my news to tell, Your Grace,” Julia said, bowing her head. “But Lady Saffron has instructed me to warn you—very firmly—to keep that out of the conversation tonight. The witches will not take it well.”

“Trust me,” I said dryly, levitating the bracelet Luciana had dropped off the floor and slipping it on. “I know.”

I could see the cogs in Luciana’s mind spinning as her eyes darted between us. “But” which faerie did you bond with?” She turned sharply to Julia. “Is that why you were so shaken after Her Grace left? Who is it?”

Julia hesitated, her lips parting, but no words came out.

“Mouriana,” I replied, looking Luciana right in the eye.

Luciana staggered back a step, her hand flying to her chest. “Mouriana” as in the dark Faerie of Fables? The “scourge of shadows” Mouriana? That Mouriana?”

“Yes, Luciana,” I said, unable to contain the laugh from creeping into my tone. “That Mouriana.”

Julia rubbed her temples. “I knew she wouldn’t take it well.”

Luciana threw her hands in the air, pacing in a tight circle. “Take it well? You bonded with the most infamous dark Faerie in existence, and you expect anyone to take it well? Gaia, protect us!”

“She’s not a daemon,” I pointed out. “She’s intense, but she’s good people, I swear.”

Luciana stopped pacing, opening her mouth to argue, but shutting it pretty quickly. After a while, she sighed and shook her head. “I’ll find a way to process this later. For now, we’ll focus on the supper.”

“Wise decision,” I said, clasping the final piece of jewellery Julia handed me.

Luciana crossed her arms and groaned. “I’ll keep an extra eye on you tonight, your grace. Thanks to someone, you’ve outdone yourself when it comes to “recklessly impossible decisions.’” She glared at Julia as she said it.

“Good to know I’m keeping things interesting,” I joked, adjusting the silver clasp at my waist. “But Julia’s not to blame. You know how summons work? My blood and aura pulled Mouriana; Julia was just the broker.” I paused, checking my reflection in the tall mirror framed by twisted silver vines. It fit like a second skin, brushing softly against my skin as I moved. The colour made my green eyes pop. “Now, find out if my mate’s ready so we can wrap this up.”

Julia bowed and rushed out to do what I said. Luciana stepped back, her serious eyes appraising me like an artisan critiquing her own work. Her fingers tapped against her hips, her nails painted glossy black. “Midnight blue suits you,” she said finally. “With the right lighting, they might not even notice how tired you look.”

I arched a brow at her reflection in the mirror. “Tired?” I asked. “I am not tired.”

“Your eyes tell a different story, your grace,” she countered, folding her arms. There was genuine concern in her voice. “Is it the Faerie? Is she draining your energy?” she asked like she was ready to fight Mouriana.

I tilted my head to look at her through the mirror. “Mouriana doesn’t work like that,” I said finally, stepping back from the mirror and smoothing the front of my gown. “She doesn’t drain me—at least, not in the way you’re thinking.”

Luciana’s eyes narrowed. “You’re evading the question.”

I couldn’t help but smile as I wondered, not for the first time, why Mouriana hadn’t offered any snide remarks since we’d returned to Irving Island. I wondered if she was really preoccupied with absorbing the dark core. Or maybe she was just giving me enough rope to hang myself.

Taking a step past Luciana, I said, “I’d just like to say Mouriana’s silence is the most unnerving thing about her. Now, go find Devon. If I have to suffer through this evening, I’d prefer to do it on his arm.”

She snorted softly as she walked toward the door, her heels clinching against the floor. “I’ll fetch him, your grace,” she said in mock subservience. “Don’t think this conversation is over just yet. You’re not the only one suffering through this dinner. So far, those witches have called me everything short of a leech, and I doubt they’re done.”

I exhaled sharply, irritated by their audacity. “I apologize on their behalf,” I said, keeping my tone neutral. Luciana glanced back at me in the doorway. The flickering light from the hall flooded into my room. “You’ve handled far worse audiences, I’m sure.”

The corner of her mouth twitched with a smile. Before slipping out and disappearing down the hall, she muttered, “Midnight blue suits your grace and arrogance.”

As I shook my head, a soft laugh spilled out. I caught my reflection in the mirror again. I looked poised in the gown, but my eyes did give away how exhausted I felt, just as Luciana had said. Even so, I couldn’t resist admiring myself.

A single knock interrupted my thoughts, and the door creaked open to reveal Devon. His stormy grey eyes swept over me as he stepped inside with all the serene confidence of a Lycan. His smile was as devastating as ever, and I could feel my heart stutter in response.

I whispered, “You look amazing, Alpha,” as I closed the distance between us.

“And you,” he murmured, “are breathtaking.”

He held out his hand, the gesture both casual and commanding, and I slipped mine into his without hesitation.

“Let’s get this over with,” I said, swallowing hard as my eyes roved his beautiful face.

The mischievous grin on his face widened as he pressed a kiss on the back of my hand. “Lead the way, Lady Irving.”

“I see we’re sticking with that,” I said, stepping out of my bedroom and into the corridor. Our sentinels stood at attention, lined up with military precision, while my attendees flanked us with the grace of shadows. As soon as Devon and I started walking, they fell into step seamlessly.

“Knowing how it makes you feel?” Devon responded, and his voice was a low rumble that sent a sizzling heat through me. “I relish the satisfaction it brings you, Milady.”

I chuckled softly, slipping my hand into the crook of his arm. You’re an insufferable tease, I thought, letting the words flow through our bond.

I accept the accusation, my love, he replied with a sidelong glance. You are a blinding star, C—il.

It was difficult not to laugh at his unexpected sweetness. But Mouriana’s dry voice shattered the moment, and her irritation was as sharp as ever. Ugh, keep this vile out of my space. I’m trying to focus here.

My smile grew as I let her revulsion wash over me. Mouriana’s particular brand of honesty had become a strange comfort, even if she was perpetually unimpressed with everything. Noted, I thought back to her. We’ll try not to blind you with our affection.

“You know,” Devon said with a smirk, his voice low enough that I was the only one who heard him, “she’s just like you.”

Mouriana’s shocked gasp was loud in my mind. Take that back! She snapped with melodramatic offence.

Devon and I laughed quietly as we descended into the grand hall of the gathering. The moment was short-lived. Before we’d had a chance to take it all in, the guests began to gather around us like moths to a flame.