Chapter Two

A Questionable Outing

‘Damn it, where did I put them?’ I chewed on my lower lip while overturning my room in search of hair ornaments. ‘I know I didn’t leave them in Abrantia… Where the hells are they?!’

Thankfully, I had made it back to the house before Darius, so I was able to bathe and get dressed in peace. I knew exactly what I wanted to wear to the party, and had decided that getting a reaction out of Nalithor far outweighed the headache my twin would give me for wearing such a seductive dress. If this dress didn’t draw Nalithor’s interest, it’d be a strong sign for me to move on.

I had considered, for all of maybe thirty seconds, wearing something that wasn’t black. However, this dress was just too perfect for me to pass up. The contrast with my skin was nice, but that wasn’t the only reason I chose it. The thing that made this dress stand out most to me were the lace panels running down either side of the plunging neckline. My nipples were hidden by the pattern of the lace, while the rest of my skin peeked through here and there. The wrist-length sleeves were the same black lace, but the rest of the bodice and flowing skirt were solid black satin.

“You are going to give them a heart attack and more if you insist on wearing that,” Djialkan commented dryly from his perch, watching me search my vanity. “If you put your hair up he will steal your hair sticks.”

Alala warbled her agreement, causing me to turn and shoot them both a disgruntled glare.

“I’m not going to put all of my hair up,” I grumbled, rummaging around in the back of the draw. Upon finding them, I pulled them out and splayed them between my fingers with a triumphant grin. “Just some of—

“Hey! Give those back!”

“You may have them back when you return tonight.” Djialkan snorted and flew out of the window with my hair sticks clamped in his mouth. “Do try not to get into too much ‘trouble’ with the Adinvyr?”

I shot a scowl after Djialkan and then turned back to my vanity with a heavy sigh. Alala’s warbling made it sound like she was laughing at me, and I wouldn’t have been surprised if that was the case. Although I still couldn’t communicate with her through telepathy or speech, she’d been underfoot and making happy-sounding noises almost constantly since my return to Dauthrmir.

In all honesty, I hadn’t thought I would be wearing anything other than mages’ robes for another few months at least—if ever. Even though almost two weeks had passed since the beast shredded my mask, even thinking about leaving my room without a mask and hood struck me as strange. It wasn’t until my mask was destroyed that I truly realized that such things had become security blankets for me. With them, I could hide my emotions and reactions from most people. However, without them…

I shook my head and then leaned toward the mirror, painting my lips a deep scarlet. After applying sultry makeup around my eyes, I decided the look was finished, and slid my feet into black satin high heels. I rose to my feet and readjusted my dress to make sure everything was in place, then made my way to the door.

Darius had been home for nearly an hour, if the sounds of movement downstairs were anything to go by. It seemed likely that he would be ready soon, and he was in for a shock when he realized why I was wearing such a provocative dress. I smirked to myself as I neared the staircase. My brother was going to be so frustrated.

“Oh, Ari, so you are…home…” Darius blinked up at me as I descended the stairs. “I thought you weren’t going to the party? And…you’re wearing that? Isn’t it a little—”

“I received an invitation I couldn’t refuse.” I brushed my hair over one shoulder and shot Darius a sly smile. “If you’re ready you can go ahead without me.”

“An invitation you couldn’t refuse?” Darius’ face wrinkled in confusion, then he pointed at my chest. “Is it really appropriate for you to wear something like that?”

“The lace hides what it needs to hide.” I shrugged and glanced down at my breasts. “I think I look quite nice.”

“How have you adapted so quickly to Vorpmasian ways?” Darius sighed, grabbing me by the shoulders. “You seem like you’re fitting in with them so well already—and wearing a dress like that you look like one of them. But you’re not one of—”

“You’re over-thinking it, Darius. I’m just combat-oriented like they are.” I shook my head at him. “I get along with the ones who are hunters or warriors like myself, and I have no interest in the ones who aren’t.

“Most of the ones you get along with are probably healers, politicians, and other types of non-combat mages, right?”

Darius opened his mouth to protest but I ignored him and moved away to pull a long brocade coat on over my dress. I fastened the silvery clasps all the way up to my throat, earning another confused look from my twin. I met his confusion with a mischievous grin. Before Darius could think of something else to say, the doorbell rang and he took off at a run down the hall, mumbling something about fetching his coat.

I bit back a smirk and made my way to the foyer to answer the door.

“Ari, wait for me!” Darius yelled from deep within the house as I opened the door to reveal Nalithor.

The Adinvyr released an amused chuckle as he looked down at me, his tail swishing as he took a moment to examine me.

“Going to make me wait to see what’s underneath?” Nalithor teased, reaching up to tug at the high collar of my coat.

“Oh, Nali!” Darius exclaimed from behind me. I had to bite back my laughter as Nalithor pulled me from the doorway and to his side. “You’re… Ari, you didn’t tell me that your invitation was from Nalithor.”

“I’m her date,” Nalithor corrected, chuckling while my brother mouthed a few times.

“Date?” Darius’ expression cycled through anger, jealousy, and confusion before settling into a frown. “Why a date when you could just fuck—”

“One of these, Darius, you will understand that the chase is half the fun,” Nalithor interrupted, smirking. “Furthermore, most Adinvyr don’t just bed whatever strikes their face. We can be quite particular, I’ll have you know.”

“I don’t understand. What’s the point in dating or courting when you can have as many people as you want in your bed?” Darius huffed, exasperated. I just laughed in response, while Nalithor twitched.

“Do you truly think that a race known for jealousy and possessiveness would want to engage in frivolous relationships?” Nalithor countered in disbelief, confusing my poor twin even further. “Even those of my kind who desire more than one lover do not do so lightly. I will see to it that cultural classes are added to your workload. It would appear that your knowledge of Devillian cultures is still just as lacking as your knowledge of Below.

“Shall we, Arianna?”

“Ari, you’re really going in that?!” Darius yelped.

“Then you really do have something interesting hidden under your coat.” Nalithor smirked, looking down at me as he led me away from the house. “Your dear brother seems quite distressed.”

“The question is what he’s distressed by. My attire, or because his favorite teacher is giving me his undivided attention?” I countered innocently, earning a fang-filled grin from Nalithor.

The sound of fast-approaching footsteps from behind us made me turn slightly to listen.

“So wait, are you like,” Darius began as he dashed in front of us, then started walking backwards so he could face us, “her date-date, or just her escort since you two’ve been working together?”

“To put it bluntly…” Nalithor shot my brother a haughty look. “Arianna belongs to me for the evening.”

“B-belongs?!” Darius yelped as my face ignited. “But she’s a girl in case you haven’t noticed! Wouldn’t you rather have a man in your—”

“Arianna is a woman, firstly,” Nalithor corrected my twin, his tone frigid. He coiled his tail around my waist and gave Darius a dangerous look. “Were she not, then I would have no interest. I have no interest in men, and even less interest in boys like yourself. I do, however, have plenty of interest in your sister here.

“Was that clear enough for you?”

Darius made a noise somewhere between a huff and an indignant shriek, whirled around, and stormed off through the streets of Dauthrmir without us. I almost couldn’t contain my laughter, so I redirected my attention to my date instead.

“He won’t believe you for long,” I pointed out once Darius was out of earshot, then smirked up at Nalithor, continuing, “If everyone else reacts to my attire the way Darius did, I may just have to wear my coat all night.”

“You are a tease.” Nalithor laughed, squeezing me. “That you’re in heels already piqued my curiosity before seeing how flustered Darius is. Between my interest and the chill in the air tonight, I think it’s in our best interest to be on our way. Shall we?”

“Sure, let’s go.” I grinned. “I’m not so cruel as to make you wait unnecessarily.”

Nalithor chuckled and led me through the city once more. Although he released his tail’s grip on me, one of his arms stayed around my waist in a possessive fashion. I didn’t mind being tucked up against his side as we walked, though some of the looks and greetings shot our way flustered me. Nalithor expertly deflected the calls and beckoning of the citizens we passed, sometimes going as far as to shield me from view when questionable individuals tried to wander too close.

‘I guess it’s a good thing I wore a coat, if all the attention we’re getting is any indication,’ I commented as we approached a building that was at least five stories tall, and near the Scarlet District. Lavender lanterns and a myriad of blooming foliage surrounded the lacquered building, hiding much of it from the street’s view. ‘Oh? Draemiran cuisine again?’

‘You sound eager.’ Nalithor smiled, pulling me past the thick wall of hedges that lined the property. ‘I hope your attire will allow you to kneel at the table with us. At least this time there will be plusher cushions available.’

‘I like Draemiran food and drink.’ I pouted at him, earning a low chuckle. ‘As for the seats, I will be fine. I can slip off my shoes if need be.’

“Welcome, Nalithor-y’ric, Arianna-z’tar.” A Rylthra man bowed and slid the doors open for us. “Your party is waiting in your usual room, Nalithor-y’ric.”

Nalithor nodded to the dark-haired Rylthra and escorted me to a small lift that carried us to the fifth floor. I caught the sound of our waiting comrades and my indignant brother as we strode down the hallway. My companion shook his head, an amused smile playing on his face, and then slid the door of the room open, motioning for me to enter first.

“There you two are!” Eyrian grinned at us when we entered. “I was wondering if there’d been a change of plans since Darius came on ahead.”

“I just don’t understand why she is his date!” Darius snapped, shooting the Draekin a glare. “Ari, keep your coat on!”

“I won’t allow it.” Nalithor shook his head, tracking me as I moved to the coat rack on our left. I began undoing the clasps as I walked, noting that the Adinvyr was watching my movements with more care than usual. “My own selfish reasons aside, it is much too warm in here for a coat—let alone one as heavy as she’s wearing.”

I smirked, watching Nalithor hang up his coat. He wore dark brocade clothing in the Draemiran style as per usual, leaving a portion of his torso exposed before the cloth met and tucked into an armored waistband. It was quite similar to kimonos I had seen him wear in the past, but there was something…courtly…about this one.

Nalithor looked much like he was stalking prey as he tracked my movements. Perhaps some people, like my brother, would have been intimidated by his intensity. I found it amusing. Nalithor’s startled expression and blushing, of all things, when I slipped my coat off my shoulders made the effort I put into my appearance well worth it. He remained silent and just watched me for a moment as I hung up my coat.

“I can always put my coat back on if you don’t like it.” I teased.

“Definitely not necessary.” Nalithor closed the distance between us and smoothed his palms down my sides and to my hips, then shot a glare somewhere over my head. “Darius, I should eviscerate you for suggesting she hide this from me.”

“B-but it’s so inappropriate!” Darius protested, continuing to stutter as Nalithor led me to our seats.

“Looking like…that…” Eyrian gaped, flushing scarlet. After a moment he yanked his eyes away from me and looked at Nalithor with a dangerous glint in his eyes. “I’m tempted to challenge you for her myself.”

“Ahhh… Which reminds me.” Nalithor smirked, watching me perch on the cushion beside him. Once I was settled, Nalithor released the seals on his power and shot a sideways look at Eyrian. “Do you still want to challenge me, Eyrian?”

“Tch, even I’m not stupid enough to get between an Adinvyr and his prey!” Eyrian snorted, raising his hands in defeat.

‘Prey, hmmm?’ I arched an eyebrow at Nalithor.

‘I am inclined to agree with him now that I’ve seen what you decided to tease me with.’ Nalithor shook his head. ‘How am I supposed to be a gentleman and keep my hands to myself when you look so appetizing?’

“Is it really appropriate for you to wrap your tail around her like that?” Darius demanded from his seat across the table.

I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep myself from laughing when Nalithor growled at Darius. My brother’s lack of a response to the aggressive sound made it even more difficult to suppress my amusement. A quick glance around the table revealed the others felt much the same, aside from Vivus—he looked more upset with Darius than anything.

“I’m sure my date can decide for herself whether or not it’s appropriate,” Nalithor countered, glaring at Darius. An involuntary twitch shot through him when I made a show of running my fingertips and nails along the hot scales of his tail. ‘Tsk, tsk, tsk. What am I going to do with you?’

‘With a smirk like that?’ I inquired, watching him pour a cup of tea for me. ‘I think the better question is what you don’t want to do to me.’

‘I assure you that my thoughts are…mostly appropriate,’ Nalithor offered, a hint of color rising to his face again as he offered me my tea. ‘I should say that, at the moment, I’m more triumphant than anything.’

‘Ah yes, I suppose I’ve indulged you once again haven’t I?’ A small smile crept across my lips as I accepted the drink from him. I took a brief sip and then set it down, deciding to let it cool further. It seemed likely we would be here for a while.

‘You really are quite beautiful, you know,’ Nalithor commented, causing my face to burn scarlet in response to both his blunt compliment and his warm smile. ‘I’m going to have to make sure I don’t lose sight of you. Xander looks as though he’s already plotting to take a bite out of you, and I can’t have that.’

‘That’s…probably more pleasant than what my brother is thinking about doing to you, at least.’ I shot him a sly look. ‘I can’t say I blame him, though. You can be quite distracting.’

‘Me? Distracting?’ Nalithor laughed, pulling me closer to his side. ‘How does that work, exactly? You’re still not affected by my power.’

‘You’re attractive and you smell good. That’s plenty to make you distracting,’ I replied, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. ‘The regal attire and exposed skin exacerbate the matter of course… As do those smirks of yours.’

“Okay, Ari, what do I have to do to get you to let me have him?” Darius demanded, pointing at Nalithor. “Obviously you cast some sort of spell on him to make him—”

“Why should I let you have him?” I interjected, shifting on the cushions so that I could slip one arm behind Nalithor’s back and placed my free hand on Nalithor’s lower abdomen. “It would be rather rude of me to let someone he doesn’t want have him, don’t you think?”

‘And you called me a scoundrel.’ Nalithor chuckled as I rested my cheek against his chest. He seemed amused, and took the opportunity to coil more of his tail around my hips, then rested his left hand on my thigh. ‘Not that I’m complaining, mind you. I could certainly get used to this.’

“I want him!” Darius protested. “Get your hands off him! If you don’t agree, I’ll kick you out of the house!”

‘He thinks that is a valid argument?’ Nalithor shook his head.

“Mmm…too bad. Mine.” I dismissed my brother’s protests and rubbed my cheek against Nalithor’s chest, listening to the rumble of his chuckle as his tail tightened around me. “Or…are you going to challenge me again, Darius?”

Darius and the others froze in place with wide eyes when I released a ripple of intermingled power and bloodlust. Despite their fear, Nalithor seemed to approve. He let out a throaty laugh and began stroking my thigh, his fingers dancing in just barely an acceptable area. I found it very distracting, but not at all unpleasant.

“Whether you kick her out or not doesn’t matter,” Nalithor began, his voice full of amusement while my brother grew angrier at each consecutive pet. “Your lodgings are temporary, and you have been told this time and time again. You and Vivus will be relocated soon, as will Arianna. If you kick her out prematurely…I will simply take her under my wing since I intend to make her my partner anyway.

“Aside from that… You have already challenged Arianna once before, Darius. You know that she can and will wipe the floor with you, and that she doesn’t even have lift a finger to do it.”

“Darius-zir, this is supposed to be a celebration of successful hunts,” Eyrian added, clamping a hand on Darius’ shoulder and narrowing his eyes. “If you can’t accept that Arianna is Nalithor’s date, your choices are challenge her…or shut your mouth and sit down. You were invited because you’re her brother.

“If you aren’t going to act like it, I will be happy to remove you—if Nalithor doesn’t beat me to it.”

‘Ahhh… I’m glad you’re so different from your twin,’ Nalithor mused, walking his fingers along my thigh. ‘I do hope you realize that I’m not going to let you out of this position any time soon, my dear.’

‘You do seem to enjoy the attention,’ I commented dryly, before glancing to the side at my silently fuming brother. ‘At this point I’m almost certain that Darius would’ve been furious regardless of what I wore.

‘I enjoy your attention,’ Nalithor correct me with a purr. ‘That said, I hope you aren’t just trying to rile up that boy.’

‘The answer to that should be rather obvious.’ I huffed, shifting to look up at Nalithor. ‘I don’t have to do or even say anything to rile Darius up when it comes to you. I could sit still, keep my hands to myself, and remain silent all night…and he would still attempt to wrest you away from my “shameful influence”.

‘Besides, it would be rather insulting to treat a warrior—let alone my date—in such a reprehensible fashion.’

“Didn’t you say she’s yours for the night, Nalithor? Not the other way around?” Darius inquired, his brow wrinkled with confusion. “If you’re really a dominant, doesn’t that mean she’s way out of line?”

‘He genuinely doesn’t understand?’ Nalithor paused, his hand resting fully on my upper thigh. ‘Or to both of you—’

‘Darius was almost never allowed outside the palace,’ I offered, shifting to fetch my tea. ‘X’shmiran novels are just as poorly informed as our educational literature.

‘However… There isn’t exactly anything in our culture comparable to what he is thinking about. I would wager that Darius has been mulling over romance novels in our absence instead of his textbooks and schoolwork.’

“If he were to own her, she would own him,” Xander spoke oh-so-helpfully, pointing at my brother. The Vampire grinned when Darius turned scarlet. “And that’s assuming they wanted the kind of relationship you’re thinking about. Not everyone ‘Below’ wants to have such a—”

“Darius, at this rate you’re going to have so many classes to attend and so many books to read that you won’t have time for anything else!” I interjected before the conversation could wander further. “Whether or not you ‘understand’ at the moment is irrelevant. We’re here for good drink, good food, and pleasant company—right?”

‘Just give up already!’ I kept my thoughts private, settling a firm glare on my brother. ‘Even if Nalithor liked us both… There’s no way in the hells I will share him. I refuse.’

“But…” Darius frowned, his gaze shifting over my head and to Nalithor. “Nalithor, you’re an Adinvyr. If you wanted her, couldn’t you just ‘charm’ her, or whatever it is your race does? Assuming you at least want to feed from her or bed her—”

I released a small sigh. As usual, fucking seemed to be the only thing my brother cared about. It was like any other possibility vacated his thick skull—especially when it came to Nalithor, for some reason. No matter how far back I searched my memory, I couldn’t recall a time when I’d seen Darius so dead-set on “obtaining” a specific individual before. ‘Does Nalithor’s power as an Adinvyr affect my brother? Or is something else going on?’

“Arianna is immune to the ‘charms’ of an Adinvyr. I have to earn her attentions the hard way, as it were.” Nalithor chuckled and picked me up by the waist, startling a yelp out of me as he settled me in his lap. “As for what I would like to do to her… Well, first is the matter of releasing whatever seals are keeping her in this Human form.

“I’m rather certain I would break her otherwise. Quite literally.”

“B-break?” Darius choked on his drink, both of us turning scarlet. Though, I had to stifle my laughter when I spotted his priceless expression. “Fine, fine! I give up. I’m going to need a lot more drinks now after that. Thanks.”

‘Not going to run away?’ Nalithor teased, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me back against his chest.

‘It doesn’t seem necessary,’ I replied with a small smile. ‘However, I have to admit that I’m a little concerned that Darius is this upset. Threatening to kick me out of the house is questionable. Even for him.

‘Ah! Before I get sidetracked though, I wanted to ask you if there’s any way I can help with studying the samples you collected from the beasts.’

‘You would like to help?’ Nalithor leaned down to nuzzle my shoulder, his tone curious. ‘Ahhh… We have been procrastinating about teaching each other as well, haven’t we? A week and a half mostly to ourselves, yet…’

‘Well I am supposed to provide you with information about X’shmir and its beasts,’ I replied, biting back a whimper when Nalithor’s fangs grazed the side of my throat.

‘Mmm… I’ll make you a deal then.’ Nalithor let out a playful laugh and straightened himself. ‘After you’ve submitted to the remainder of your medical examinations, you’re welcome to come find me—wherever it is I happen to be working.’

‘Humph… Better not be any needles involved,’ I grumbled, pouting. A twitch ran through me as Nalithor smoothed his hands over my thighs, prompting me to shoot him a look over my shoulder. ‘You really are enjoying this too much, aren’t you?’

‘A normal woman would be a quivering mess on the floor by now,’ Nalithor informed me, his tone a little too serious. ‘I think you underestimate just how strongly my kind affects their prey.’

“Ari, have you figured out where you’re going to work?” Darius inquired out of the blue. “I found this cute little bar that’s hiring, we should both—”

“I’m not sure if I’m suited for something that doesn’t involve killing things,” I pointed out with a small frown, attempting to tune out Nalithor’s amused laughter. “Granted, I suppose neither of us are truly suited for work.”

“I don’t think we’re that bad.” Darius pouted.

“I’m sure there are plenty of people in Dauthrmir who would be willing to train you,” Nalithor commented casually. Something about his tone made Darius and I both turn brilliant red, and I bristled.

“You’re having too much fun, Nali.” Eyrian pointed at Nalithor, drink in hand.

“Oh that reminds me!” Darius flashed me a bright grin and leaned forward in his seat. “What were your results for the DSO test, Ari? You never told me.”

“Still not telling,” I muttered, crossing my arms.

Several of our companions shot me questioning looks, so I just “humphed” and glanced away.

“I still think you must have tested as an alpha female,” Darius pointed out, causing me to burst into laughter. “What? Are you saying that isn’t the case?”

“Someone being an ‘alpha’ doesn’t mean what you seem to think it means, Darius.” Azhar snorted in disbelief, finally breaking his prolonged silence. “She can be an alpha and a slave. It is not unusual for two alphas to—”

“Pet,” Nalithor corrected with a growl, causing me to glance over my shoulder at him again. He grinned at me and added, “I like the term ‘pet’ better than ‘slave’. It suits my tastes more accurately, and does not carry the same negative weight as ‘slave’ has come to carry.

“At least in the common tongue.”

“So, Nali, you’re a ‘pet’ then, right?” Darius’s blunt question made me almost choke on my tea. My poor brother was even more oblivious than I thought.

“Quite the opposite.” Nalithor chuckled. He raised a hand to my throat and squeezed gently, summoning darkness around it. “I think this one would make an excellent pet, however.”

“You haven’t earned the right to collar me yet!” I barked as Nalithor nuzzled into the right side of my throat. His lips curled into a grin against my skin as he chuckled.

‘“Yet”?’ Nalithor purred before flicking his tongue up my neck, then nibbled on my earlobe. ‘Your inner Adinvyr is showing again.

‘Even if I couldn’t hear your heartbeat, I can certainly feel it.’ He paused to run one of his claws down the left side of my throat. ‘All things considered, I’m rather surprised you can keep your thoughts tame.’

‘At least I can’t claim you’re boring,’ I muttered, suppressing a shiver. ‘Still…this isn’t conducive to ordering dinner, let alone having it.’

‘Perhaps I should have you for dinner,’ Nalithor teased, even as he loosened his grip on me and let his hand fall from my throat. ‘You really are going to be a fun chase, aren’t you?’

“How was your hunt in Ceilail?” Eyrian spoke up, drawing Nalithor’s attention from me. “You were gone for so long I thought I’d have to come bail you two out myself. Were the more beasts than our contacts implied?”

“Ah… No.” Nalithor shook his head, his gaze flicking to my brother briefly and then to Eyrian. “The situation worsened while we were on our way to the forest; I had to fly us both there in order to stop our prey before they could leave. As such—”

“You flew?” Eyrian sighed, holding his fingers to his temples for a moment. “That was reckless, Nalithor, even for us! What would you have done if you were unable to move after?”

“I’m quite certain the feisty one here could have handled our prey by herself had the situation called for it.” Nalithor interjected with a chuckle, ruffling my hair. “Arianna destroyed the beasts herself, allowing me to focus solely on our prey and rescuees. She was still raring to go even after I let her have so much of our—”

“Let me?” I shot him a look. “I would have taken them from you if you pushed me.”

“You could try.” Nalithor smirked.

“I would succeed.” I snorted, crossing my arms.

“As I was saying,” Nalithor laughed, “after our prey were dealt with, my energy was spent. We remained in the forest while I regained my strength, and ended up having to deal with some other matters while there. You’ll learn of them when I get to make my full report.”

Eyrian settled a challenging gaze on Nalithor for a moment, but the Adinvyr clearly wouldn’t budge. Nalithor glanced toward my brother again and then back to Eyrian, earning a small sigh from the Draekin. Eyrian looked disappointed, but nodded his head and muttered something in a language I didn’t recognize.

‘Didn’t you report in this morning?’ I prodded the back of one of Nalithor’s hands as it crept up my leg.

‘Our time was limited, I only managed to give them a briefing before I had to make my way to the academy,’ Nalithor replied, giving me a brief squeeze with his tail. ‘He’s unhappy that he didn’t get to join us. I usually take the time to regale him of the details when I hunt without him, so he’s cross that I haven’t yet done so—and that I claimed you for myself tonight.’

‘If Darius wasn’t here—’ I started, but Nalithor just shook his head.

‘We can’t rightfully ask him to leave unless he makes a scene again.’ Nalithor lifted me off his lap and set me to the side, shooting me a small smile. ‘Eyrian and I have been friends for a long time. He never stays cross with me for long, and I’ll soon have my opportunity to fill him in. Don’t worry.’

“So, you said you ‘let’ her deal with the beasts?” Eyrian tilted his head to the side, looking at me for a moment then back to Nalithor. “That’s unlike you.”

“He would have become my prey if he interfered,” I pointed out, causing the Draekin to arch an eyebrow at me. “Unlike you lot, I’ve always hunted alone. I don’t like to share. My prey is my prey, and anyone that interferes can expect—”

“She is more than capable of handling herself,” Nalithor interjected dryly, nudging me. ‘Are you ever satisfied, my dear? You should permit me to help with that.’

‘Cheeky.’ I shot him a look.

“Isn’t hunting scary though?” Darius frowned at us. “The beasts in X’shmir are huge, and they’re so dangerous! Are the beasts on the Rilzaan Continent weaker, or are Devillians truly just that accustomed to battle?”

“For mortals, certainly,” Azhar murmured, gripping his chin in thought. “Elves have some chance against the lesser beasts, as do Humans—if they outnumber the beasts. Both are useless against the more powerful Duxes. We haven’t fought enough X’shmiran beasts to know, yet, whether one is stronger than the other.”

“A hundred mortals wouldn’t stand a chance against a single Dux,” Xander added, likely having noticed Darius’ confusion. “Both empires typically utilize demigods—such as Eyrian, Azhar, and I—against Duxes. If the situation is desperate, the empires will send an army of mortals to deal with a Dux, but we avoid it best as possible.

“I think we need to get a few more drinks in you if you’re still thinking about serious things.”

“That’s an idea I can get behind!” Eyrian grinned, lifting his tankard.

‘Now, now, no pouting.’ Nalithor chuckled, brushing a stray curl off my shoulder. ‘You’re still a little drained from helping Ceilail, and fighting the beasts… You should relax. Get to know our companions, make friends…or lavish me with attention. I certainly won’t complain if you decide to focus on me for the evening.’

‘I’m sure you get more than enough attention as it is,’ I remarked dryly, shaking my head at him.

‘Not from anyone as interesting as you.’ Nalithor chuckled. ‘Truly, Arianna. You needn’t be so guarded while in the city. Enjoy yourself.’

‘Hunting is how I enjoy myself,’ I pointed out, glancing to the side at him as he sighed. ‘I’m not accustomed to the company of other people, but I will try. Just hope a beast doesn’t wander near.’

‘If a beast does draw near… We can see who kills it first.’

? ? ?

Several hours later I sunk into the steaming bath at my house and released a shaky sigh. Once Darius’ had settled down, and consumed more drinks, dinner had been quite pleasant. Eyrian, Xander, and Azhar seemed like interesting people, but I wasn’t quite sure how to converse with them. Any attempt at conversation on my part usually involved killing beasts, and those three seemed to view that as “work”.

Nalithor, however, had been…testing. All night. There had been little serious conversation between us, and an incredible amount of teasing on his part throughout dinner and after. It was like he was trying to determine what it would take for his power to affect me. The Adinvyr was proficient at dancing the line between inappropriate and not.

Despite my supposed “immunity” to him, I was so damned aroused I could barely think straight.

‘I can’t believe I almost invited him back to…’ I crossed my arms on the edge of the bath and buried my face in them, shutting my eyes. I had to calm down. ‘My bloodlust and physical lust are getting worse. I’m starting to think those “inner Adinvyr” jokes of his aren’t jokes at all.

‘How am I supposed to take care of this problem when every damned Adinvyr in the city can probably sense my thoughts if I—’

I twitched, losing my train of thought when I recalled the sensation of his lips traveling along the side of my throat. The sensation of fingers trailing down my spine made me tense and check to make sure I was still alone. Since coming Below I’d scarcely felt him reaching out to me in such a manner, but now it was even more distracting. I shivered and dug my nails into my arm hard enough to draw blood, growling in frustration.

My desire was spiraling out of control. I wanted to call Nalithor back to my rooms and have him pin me to the nearest surface. The mere thought of having him buried inside of me sent another shudder through me and elicited a whimper.

Shrieking my frustration, I stalked through the water and headed for the steps leading out of the bath. I couldn’t take it anymore, I had to do something about my arousal before I lost my damned mind or the Adinvyr’s wandering power lured me into his clutches. There was no way I could function like this, and I was beyond caring if every Adinvyr in the city noticed my lust-driven thoughts.

Something had to be done, and calling on Nalithor didn’t seem like the right move.

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