Itake an automatic step backwards, fear causing my heart to pound even faster. I flick my gaze towards first Rafael and then Everett, but they remain asleep.
“Don’t worry.” Krys rolls his dark eyes, a wry smirk tugging up his lips. “I just put a glamour on the room. They can’t see or hear us, currently.” He takes a step back and gestures for me to follow him out of the room. “Let’s have a talk, shall we?”
I grind my teeth together but do as he says—mainly because I don’t know if he’s a threat to the oblivious sleeping men.
Who is this man?
Krystian’s…evil twin brother?
“I can see the wheels in your head spinning.” Krys leans against a stone pillar, kicking out his legs and folding his arms over his chest. “Ask your questions.”
“Who the fuck are you?” I demand.
The wind is biting and cold, instantly eliciting goose bumps on my bare arms and legs. I mimic Krys’s posture, but mainly to ward off the chill, the dagger still clutched tightly in my hand.
“I’m Krystian,” he answers simply, shrugging a single shoulder. “Whom I’m assuming you’ve met.”
“You just said your name is Krys,” I point out.
“Krystian decided we need separate names.” Annoyance crowds his features.
“I’m…so confused,” I confess.
“I’m the same person.” He pushes off the pillar to take a step towards me.
This time, I don’t counter it with one back.
“I’m Krystian, but I’m a better version of him, one that doesn’t allow inhibitions to stop me.” His lips curve. “I’m assuming you heard the difference between a light elf and a dark elf, correct?”
I think through my limited knowledge of the various supernaturals.
“Light elves get their powers from the sun. They’re usually peaceful and kind and empathetic and all of that, right? Dark elves’ powers derive from the moon. They’re more likely to give in to their dark urges, and they lack… How did you describe it? Inhibition. They lack inhibition.”
I stare at him as something occurs to me with startling clarity.
“I can see your mind putting two and two together.” Krys’s smile broadens. “I was born at the exact second day turned to night. As such, I exhibit traits of both a dark elf and a light elf.” He executes a dramatic bow, bending at the waist. “I’m still Krystian, but at night, there’s nothing holding me back. Nothing stopping me. I don’t feel guilt or pity or empathy or any of the other emotions that may hinder my counterpart.
“Krystian is terrified of me, though I have no idea why.” He laughs, the sound mirthless. “I believe his fear is what causes the disconnect between us. I have no idea what happens during theday; he has no idea what occurs at night. We’re practically Jekyll and Hyde at this point.”
“But you’re the same person,” I clarify, studying him carefully.
“I think I’m the more fun version, but essentially, yes.” He extends a hand, and I notice the inky veins extend to the tips of his fingers. “Now, come with me.”
“Why?” I eye him suspiciously.
“Because I’m going to kidnap you, obviously.” His ovoid eyes glitter.
“Most kidnappers don’t announce it ahead of time,” I point out.
“I’m not like most kidnappers.” His mouth molds into a smile, and I can’t decide if it’s charming, devious, or a combination of the two. “You trust Krystian, correct? You must, if you’re willingly staying in a room with his teammates. If you trust Krystian, then you can trust me. I’m still him.”
“You literally just said you’re kidnapping me,” I argue. “And I’m not dressed for an outing.”
I gesture towards my bare legs. He doesn’t need to know I have literally nothing else on besides the T-shirt.
“I think you look perfect,” he says, the pale strands of his hair kissing the angles of his face.
“Fine,” I huff. “Let me change quickly.”
