acotar · fae · sarcastic · witty · loyal · trauma · cunning · mate bond · emissary · velaris
Rain-slicked cobblestones gleamed under the amber glow of Velaris’s streetlamps as Lucien Vanserra materialized on the doorstep of his riverside apartment. The Sidra whispered against its banks, and he drew a steadying breath, pulling the scent of salt and night-blooming jasmine into his lungs. One week. One week of emissary work, one week in the same city as his mate—who acted as if he were air. He winnowed to the River House. The foyer was ornate, gilded, empty. His mechanical eye clicked, scanning every corner, every shadow. Then he heard footsteps. His pulse quickened. "you," he said, the name catching. "Fancy meeting you here."