Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 69119 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 346(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69119 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 346(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Taron pressed a hand to his sternum and scowled. “The dragon isn’t happy to be here.”
“I know.” I leaned into him, offering comfort. “Royal berserkers don’t love proximity to other royals. It makes the beasts inside… twitchy.”
Even my phoenix flared at the ultra-high level of tension. Except for the peace wafting from the two couples, the air hung thick around us with warning heat. Ancient instincts on edge.
“That’s why we only meet inside our stones,” I added. “And why we keep it short.”
King Malachi canted his head. His sharp suit gleamed like polished coal, and he leaned against the stone frame like the movie star he was. “Let me get this straight,” he said. “Your American firebrand took over your dragon, you died, rose from the ashes as a phoenix, and instead of murdering each other, you cuddle now?”
“Exactly.” I nodded solemnly, sensing precisely where he was heading with this. “And no, I don’t owe you an unnamed boon for wedding an American. You let him through the traveling stones, so I consider us even.”
He sighed. “That’s debatable but acceptable.”
My gaze swept the circle and landed on Sebastian, King of Krakens and seduction itself. Ethereal. Mysterious. Dangerous. The man who may or may not be Bronwyn’s firebrand.
Of all the royals, he was arguably the most beautiful. But a moral compass? He had none. He was known to discard women like they were tissues. However, the true danger of him was his inherent cruelty. I thought he might enjoy the torment he inflicted on others.
Worry for dear Bronwyn grew. Even still, I understood her attraction. Rays of light hit him, revealing hints of a pearlescent sheen, reminding me of the inside of a seashell. Threaded through his black hair were silver streaks that resembled moonlight reflecting off water. His irises possessed starburst patterns that shimmered with the luminous sheen of ocean glass, constantly shifting color. From stormy blue to green-gold, to ink-black. Anyone who held his gaze for prolonged periods of time experienced sea sickness.
He noticed my perusal and smiled in a way that could topple a kingdom. “Is there something you wish to ask me, Olyssa?” The words slid from his tongue as if part of a song. Or a spell. “Or just something you wish you could have?”
Poor Bronwyn. For her sake, I didn’t rise to the bait.
Taron bowed up, gearing for a fight.
But Sebastian laughed, delighted, and even that was a sardonic ballad. “Don’t worry, mortal. Well, former mortal. I prefer my bedmates less...” With a single look, he mentally stripped my garments. “Mouthy.” He arched a brow at me. “I hear your sister will join me soon. I’ll be sure to give her a proper welcome.”
Ja, poor Bronwyn.
Rather than threaten the royal, I linked my fingers with Taron’s, ensuring he didn’t fly over and rip Sebastian to shreds. I’d seen the kraken king fight. When enraged, his shadow split again and again, each incarnation growing tentacles that stretched and coiled and attached to his victims, draining their power. But his voice became his most dangerous weapon. Velvet soaked in venom, that’s what it was. Low, slow and mesmerizing. A melody laced with a compulsion to listen and obey. Once one royal started fighting, all would join, despite taking gelu root. The urge to destroy was always strong among the leaders. While Taron could take Sebastian, obviously, I preferred this day be about love and not death. But make no mistake, if he harmed my sister, I would end him.
I turned back to the others, then aimed for a cheery tone. “As you can see, a fight has already transpired. Sebastian infuriated us, but we didn’t kill him. Ceremony over. Bye.”
Without waiting for a response, I winked at Taron. “Race you to the palace.” I darted through the traveling stones and came out on the other side in the sky. I flared my wings.
“Hurt her and die screaming,” I heard Taron call to the kings before taking flight.