Chapter 47
Cage
I CAN’T STAND ANOTHER MOMENT near this man.
I speak directly into Felix’s mind, standing stiff at his side while he schmoozes with the duke this entire gathering is meant to honor. Felix only smiles in response, sipping his wine with a smug face. He enjoys my discomfort far too much.
My eyes continuously sweep the crowd, always alert for threats, while my mind drifts between thoughts. I brush against those present to monitor for any spark of rebellion or violence.
At least Millicent offers some entertainment.
She moves like a storm cloud through the crowd. While everyone else is draped in jeweled gowns and gold accents to flatter Felix’s vanity, she’s wrapped in black lace. Her hair isn’t pinned like the others’. It spills down her back like a waterfall of night. Her dress clings to her skin, the lace sleeves revealingthe witch marks beneath, a corseted bodice cinching her waist, and twin embroidered gold snakes rising from her hips over her chest.
She doesn’t speak much. I catch her glancing through the crowd repeatedly, likely searching for Iris. She will not find her anytime soon.
Kalix is undoubtedly hovering close, as he always does when Iris is ovulating, something I unfortunately know firsthand from his outrageously loud thoughts earlier during a command meeting. I checked in briefly, only to be assaulted by a mental montage of lust and possessiveness. Typical Kalix.
Gods above, give me strength to not tie this woman down.
I smirk as Kalix’s frustration radiates off him in waves.
Curious, I shift to Iris’s mind instead.
I can wear whatever I want. Who is he to dictate what’s too revealing?
Oh, she’s livid. No surprise there. Their arguments can stretch for hours. I pull back from their squabble. Besides, Millicent is far more captivating prey tonight.
Luca comes to her rescue, stepping up to her side. I slide into his mind next, needing to know what stirs beneath the surface. Nothing but friendship. No flicker of lust. Good. The darkness clawing up my spine settles slightly.
He’d be a fool to desire her. He wouldn’t survive it. She’d slit his throat mid-ecstasy and leave his blood staining silk sheets.
No, the little devil and her violent delights demand a firmer hand.
A hand like mine.
I roll my neck and press the rising hunger back down. Her darkness calls to mine, like oil drawn to flame. Even when I detest what she represents, she’s…delicious.
Millicent excuses herself, slipping through the crowd until she vanishes into the hallway. I reach out mentally, brushingagainst her mind. The wall is there—predictable—but she doesn’t retaliate. I’d hoped my intrusion would get her back into my view so I can look at her more closely, even if she’d spit venomously at me. She doesn’t return, either.
Goosebumps race up my arms. The magic in the room thickens, electric. My eyes scan the crowd.
Fuck.
What if she lost control again?
Felix.I cast the thought to him.Something’s off. I need to check on Millicent.
He nods to me, understanding passing between us.
I motion a nearby guard over. “Protect the king in my absence.”
“Of course, Lord Black,” the man replies, taking position at Felix’s side.
The crowd parts for me, and I stride into the hallway. No sign of her.
I pick up my pace, magic prickling at my senses. It’s strong, but it’s all around me, bleeding through the walls and humming through the floors.
I search the halls, cut through the garden, checking the corners I know she prefers. No sign of her. Growing impatient, I shut my eyes and tune into the wards.
