ho owns you,” he agreed. “You’re going to be my greatest weapon, Valora. I can’t wait to properly use you.” He turned as Adrik approached with a hint of dark amusement in his handsome features. “Ah, there you are. Enjoy the show?”
“I did, yes,” the prince replied. “She’s magnificent.”
“Isn’t she?” Necros smiled. “I owe you thanks for steering me in the right direction.” He clapped Adrik on the shoulder, causing my lips to curl down.
He couldn’t mean…
“Anytime,” Adrik murmured, his dark eyes meeting mine.
No flicker of regret.
Only pride.
Was this all a setup? Another cruel, wicked game? One where Adrik feigned an interest to ignite my power?
“Shall we celebrate?” Necros asked.
Adrik turned with him, oblivious to the turmoil destroying my mind and piercing my heart. “Indeed. A toast to the future?”
“As we dine on the blood of our enemies,” Necros agreed, guiding Adrik away.
I knelt in the grass, stunned, feeling even more alone.
I trusted you, I whispered. I trusted you to help me…
And I have, Adrik replied. Don’t give up on me yet, sweet star.
His mental caress drew a tear to my eye, confusion fluttering inside my cracking chest.
And before I could ask what he meant, he was gone. Again.
If Necros hit the female on his lap one more time, I’d have no choice but to punch him in the jaw.
The king was deep into his cups, sloshing demon blood–infused wine across the table as he guffawed over the words of one of his pompous nobles. All I wanted was to go to Valora, but I was stuck dining with a horde of imbeciles.
Today had gone as planned.
She’d demonstrated her power—and her control—in a brilliant sweep of flames. Then proved something I had suspected about her ties to Necros. He couldn’t absorb her energy, but he was immune to it. Which made his comfort all the more important. It wouldn’t be easy to destroy him, not when the strongest among us couldn’t hurt him.
Except, something else had happened out on that field. I’d conducted a little test of my own by seeking out her power during her rage. And she’d given me part of her flame.
The key to her power is through her heart, Lux had repeatedly said.
It seemed she was right. But she also always told me I’d have to use and abuse Valora’s love to absorb enough energy to finish off Necros.
And I wasn’t sure I could do that. Not anymore. Not after the last few weeks with her.
She deserves better, my soul whispered. She deserves to be a proper queen.
Although, it would be so easy. Because even now, I felt her energy humming through my veins. I had access to her heart, to the very power I required to fulfill my life’s quest for revenge.
Alas, I couldn’t do it.
I couldn’t chance hurting her.
I sighed, sipping my wine, and again pushed the female beside me off my thigh. She kept trying to touch me, to play, and I had no interest in her or any of the other naked women in attendance.
The only one I wanted was locked up in her rooms. Her presence a live wire electrifying my insides, calling for me, begging me to come to her.