Her eyes narrow as she takes a closer look at me. Something changes about her—a flicker of realization.
“Oh,” she breathes, her lips curving into a wide grin. “This is what I’ve been waiting for.”
I arch a brow, confused. “What are you going on about now?”
“You’ve got the look again,” she says, her tone bordering on smug.
“What look?” I ask, crossing my arms as I sink into one of the chairs near her fireplace.
“The one that’s brought kings and queens to their knees. The one that tells memyqueen is back.” She places a hand on my knee and squeezes briefly. “I know you said you were done wallowing, but there was still a weariness holding you back. Whatever happened tonight has shattered the haze that was keeping you captive. Now, tell me everything.”
I chuckle as I shake my head. This woman knows me almost too well.
“I found something.”
Clara raises a brow. “Dead bodies?”
“Maybe worse.” My voice lowers. “There are runes on the backside of the castle, and they’re hiding something.”
Her grin vanishes, replaced by a look of intense focus. “Do tell.”
I recount everything that happened from the moment I shifted into my wolf form. She soaks up each word, leaning back in her seat as I speak quickly, knowing there isn’t much time before I’ll need to get back to the dining hall.
“And you think it’s a man?” she asks when I finish.
“I do,” I admit, leaning back in the chair. “The voice was deep, raw…desperate even. But that doesn’t mean he’s not dangerous. For all I know, he could be some kind of monster trapped down there for a reason.”
Clara’s lips press into a thin line. “Do you think Aeson knows?”
I glance out the window, my thoughts turning toward the king. “I don’t know. I can’t imagine if I found theenergy so easily that he wouldn’t know of its existence, but with the way it’s been calling to me? Maybe he’s in the dark.”
Her eyes narrow, and her chest rumbles. “I don’t like that you feel as though you have a connection to this thing.”
She and I both, but there’s no ignoring whatever this is. I need to understand it before I officially become part of the Venaris kingdom.
I stand, knowing I’m out of time, and Clara follows me. At the door, she reaches for my hand. “Be careful, Sloane. We can’t afford to lose you. Not now.”
I squeeze her hand briefly, offering her a small, determined smile. “I haven’t lost a battle yet, and I don’t intend to now.”
Dinner is servedin one of the smaller dining rooms—a more intimate setting than the grand hall used for formal occasions. The heavy wooden table is set for two, polished to perfection, the flickering candlelight casting soft shadows along the stone walls. A carefully arranged spread of Venarian delicacies is laid out before me, but I’m not focused on the food.
Aeson is already waiting when I arrive, his dark blue eyes lighting up as he stands to pull out my chair.
“Sloane,” he greets smoothly, his voice rich with warmth. “You look radiant, my queen. Your run tonight did you good.”
I don’t let myself react to the casual possessiveness in his words, though my wolf bristles slightly at the familiarity.
“It did, thank you,” I reply, settling into my seat. “You’re as charming as ever.”
He chuckles, that easy confidence rolling off him in waves. “Flattery will get you everywhere with me.”
I’m sure it will. And I intend to use that knowledge wisely.
The first course is served—roasted meats, spiced vegetables, and a warm, fragrant bread I don’t immediately recognize. Aeson gestures for me to eat first, ever the gracious host. We fall into an effortless rhythm, discussing the arrival of my people, their transition into Venaris, and whether they’re adjusting well.
It’s all very cordial. Very…kingly. But I’m not here for pleasantries.
Between sips of wine, I watch him over the rim of my glass. “Venaris is a beautiful kingdom,” I say, swirling the deep red liquid thoughtfully. “But I’ve realized that I don’t know much about its history. Have you fought many battles?”
