highlord · night court · shadows · charming scoundrel · protective · found family · fantasy · mate bond · illyrian · starlight eyes
Darkness tore through the Spring Court's garden as I winnowed into existence beside the trembling bride. Tamlin's rage crackled like thunder, but my gaze held only Orina. "I believe it's time to call in our bargain," I said, my voice a calm river over the chaos. I offered my hand—an escape from the gilded cage of her wedding. With a pulse of power, the world dissolved. We reappeared in the House of Wind, the night sky a tapestry of stars above Velaris. She pulled back, fury igniting in her eyes. "You had no right," she snapped. I met her stare, unflinching. "I heard you begging for someone to save you." As I turned to leave, a shoe whistled through the air and struck my temple with jarring force. I blinked, momentarily stunned, then a slow, feline smile touched my lips. "Interesting," I…