She chuckled. “I organized the dresses as a favor to Locke, but something told me he wouldn’t bother getting someone to help you dress for the opening party. Most of the time, Locke and the others turn up to these things looking like they either are ready for war or simply don’t give a shit. Which hey, doesn’t bother me, but if they’re expecting to be able to keep you here without the Taratun interfering, it needs to look like you’re well taken care of.” Her face softened then, and she added, “Most of the monsters in the city look forward to the Week of Orash. It’s not just about adding new blood to the houses. Every time, it’s like a chance for new hope.You’renew hope.”
My face blanched then at what she was implying, and I squirmed in my chair. “I’m just a new shifter. I’d hardly say that makes me new hope for Katakin.” I hoped she bought the lie that Locke had told me to spin—that I was a newly turned shifter—but she shook her head.
“I know why Locke asked for vials of my blood. You’re still human. You have no idea what you could mean to us. To all of Katakin.”
Fuck. So she knows.I had no idea if Lyr would keep the secret, but it wasn’t like there was anything I could do about it. “I’m no one’s hope,” I replied. “I’m not even sure I’m still human.”
“Well, whatever you are, don’t let anyone else know,” she said sternly. “Locke is right to keep you here. There are those in Katakin who won’t be happy that you haven’t turned. Those who would kill you if they found out your secret.”
As if she hadn’t just talked about me being murdered, she went back to my hair, teasing and working it until she was happy. Then she put down the hairbrush and turned her attention to the smaller brushes in the case along with various pots of different colors. Bending down in front of me, she started on my face. Her brow scrunched with concentration as she worked, and I stayed stock-still, all the while thinking about what she’d said.You’re new hope.I didn’t care about the monsters in Katakin, and certainly didn’t want to be anyone’s symbol of hope, but deep down I couldn’t help wondering whether it did mean something that I hadn’t turned into a monster yet.
CHAPTER 15
~ Raine ~
WhenLyrwasfinallydone and I peered in the small mirror she held up, I hardly recognized myself. I had thought I looked tidy during the Night of the Offering when I was back on the island, but it was nothing compared to this. My hair was pinned in a loose bun behind my head, with a few soft curls left to frame my face, and black paint lined my eyes and covered my lashes. My lips were now glossed with a deep shade of red, and pink stained my cheeks, bringing color to my face.
Inside some of the boxes were different styles of heels, and Lyr had finished my outfit with a pair of red open-toed heels with lace flowers that climbed over my ankles. They weren’t like the boots I’d become accustomed to, but I could walk in them and could probably even fight in them if I had to, and that was all that mattered.
I tried to tell myself that I didn’t care what I looked like, and Ididn’tcare, but when my mind went to four specific monsters, I couldn’t help the rush that went through me when I thought that they might see me like this. Frowning, I shook my head.None of this matters. You shouldn’t care what they think.But I couldn’t squash the feelings of anticipation and exhilaration.
“Wait, don’t you need to get ready too?” I asked Lyr, only just remembering what Asher had told me a few nights ago. Lyr had managed to create her own house, and I had to assume that meant she was expected at the party as well.
She waved her hand dismissively, seemingly not at all fazed that she might not have much time to prepare herself. “The Taratun council tolerates my house with my mates and me because we keep to the shadows. No one will care if I attend the celebration. But yes, I should be on my way.”
I wished I could ask her more about her house and her mates, but I got the feeling divulging secrets wasn’t in her nature. I helped her gather her things, and when the pair of us walked back into the common room, Locke, Kade, Asher, and Darian were all there, along with Lyr’s companion Nic.
Kade’s golden eyes widened as he took me in, his appreciative gaze filling with desire as he eyed my body in the dress.
“Wow, Sharachi. The leather outfits are hot, but this… Lyr, you’re killin’ us,” Asher said with a grin and a pained expression as he admired me openly, his gaze lingering on the deepVof the dress.
Darian stepped forward and clasped my hand in his before spinning me in a circle. “You, darling, are exquisite.”
Heat flooded my cheeks at the attention. Even Nic raised a brow at me. He still watched me with distrust, but there was a hint of surprise in his features.
Lyr gave us all a self-satisfied smile as she placed the hairbrush in my free hand. “Now you won’t have to use your fingers.”
I nodded at her gratefully and gave her a wry grin. “Thanks.” When I turned back to the others, my gaze finally landed on the last monster in the room. Locke stood preternaturally still as he stared at me, but fury feathered his jaw.
What the hell?
“I said you could help her fit in, Lyr. I didn’t tell you to make her look like…” Locke trailed off as if he was struggling to find the words, but then he finished with, “this.” That last word was filled with venom, and though I told myself I shouldn’t have cared what he thought, it still stung.Definitely not going to miss this asshole when I’mgone.
Lyr placed a hand on her hip, unimpressed with his attitude. “I think what you mean to say is ‘Thank you, Lyr. You have a magical touch. Raine looks beyond gorgeous, and it’s all thanks to you.’”
“She needs to blend in, not become a target,” Locke said, stalking closer to Lyr, but he stopped when Nic’s thick body moved to block him.
“You put a target on her the moment you brought her to your rooms,” Lyr bit back. “The moment you didn’t send her to the Taratun like the other newbloods. I’ve heard whispers, Locke. Many of the alphas already know about your special treatment of her. When they see her tonight, no one will question you if you tell them you were just infatuated with her beauty and took her to have your fun. They won’t question you because they’ll all be wishing they could do the same. Do you think the other newbloods aren’t going to look like goddesses as well? It’s the Week of freaking Orash.”
Goddess, the way they were talking like I wasn’t in the room irritated the hell out of me, but I could see the logic in what Lyr was saying. Pulling my hand from Darian’s grasp, I turned to her before Locke could respond. “Thanks again. I really appreciate your help.”
Her gaze slid from Locke to me, and she smiled. “Try not to get yourself killed, Raine.” And with that, she retrieved the small makeup case she’d left resting on a table and gracefully glided from the room with Nic following behind her.
As soon as they were gone, I rounded on Locke. “Do you have to be such a dick to everyone?”
His dark eyes only hardened in response.
“You should see what he’s like to the monsters he hates,” Asher commented with a shit-eating grin. Locke turned his glare onto the demon, but Asher didn’t seem bothered.
