Awaken - 22. Dominoes

I stretched my arms above my head, sighing softly as my shoulders popped. The sun hadn’t even begun to rise, the room was still dark and I rolled onto my side. Talon was asleep, his eyelashes fluttering slightly against his cheek. His brow furrowed. I wished that just once the man would get a decent night’s sleep without terrible dreams. Shifting to lay on my stomach, I rubbed my eyes with my fingertips. My mind replayed the events from the night before and I sighed. My body felt tense all over and I awkwardly tried to rub my neck. Fingers slid beneath mine and I closed my eyes as they kneaded. I let my hand fall back to the mattress as I felt the bed shift and Talon moved over me. He straddled my legs and his hands deftly worked my shoulders and neck. I lowered my chest back down as his delicious pressure slid up either side of my spine. A soft sigh escaped my lips and I relaxed more as he continued to massage. It was over much too soon for my liking and I felt his weight against my back as he nudged his nose into my neck.

“Mm hello.” His words ghosted over my skin, making me shudder. He climbed off me and I cracked open one eye to look at him. The room was slowly starting to fill with early morning light. He pulled all his hair up into a messy bun and his eyebrow rose when he noticed me looking. My eyes ran over his bare torso and I reached out, tracing with my fingers the scratches on his chest.

Hair secured, he rolled onto his side, his expression amused, “Admiring your handiwork?”

“Yes,” I mumbled. I scooted closer to his warmth and rested my chin on his chest as I looked up at him. I had roughly an hour and a half before I would need to be on my way to class and the thought of leaving our warm bed almost made me pout. The tips of his fingers ran over my cheeks and I moved into his touch. Cupping my face, his thumbs traced my cheekbones. He was so close. I could feel his breath on my skin and I pressed against him. He rubbed his left thumb over my lower lip before pulling it down slightly. I kept my eyes on his as I felt up his chest and downwards, pads of my fingers tracing his abs and tattoo. I took his thumb into my mouth, sucking softly. My cheeks flushed as he ran it over my tongue.

His hands tangled in my hair and he pulled my head close, his mouth covering mine after he withdrew his thumb. My eyes closed as he kissed me roughly. I snuck my hand down to wrap around his morning erection. He moaned against my mouth as I stroked firmly, him tightening the grip in my hair. Talon’s tongue ran over my teeth and the roof of my mouth as I quickened my pace. He groaned and broke the kiss. He lay on his back and used my forearm to pull me on top of him. I let my head fall back as his calloused palms ran up my chest, toying with my nipples. They moved farther up, cupping my face and he pulled me down once again. Our mouths met. I gripped his shoulders as I rocked my hips down against his. He broke the kiss again and I moaned as he slid his fingers into my mouth. Our eyes met again as I sucked on them, a filthy smirk on his handsome face. I whimpered softly as lust shivered down my spine. He pulled the fingers from my mouth, gripped the back of my neck as he replaced them with his mouth, and simultaneously pressed the fingers into me. My back arched slightly, and I braced myself with my hands on his chest as I rocked back on his fingers. There was a slight, uncomfortable drag, the spit on his fingers dried too quickly. I shuddered as another finger joined the first two. I shifted restlessly and he raised that eyebrow as his teeth tugged my lower lip.

“Something wrong?” I blushed and muttered words softly under my breath, “Can’t hear you Sunshine.”

“Don’t call me that when we’re…like this. I want more.”

“More?” His fingers hooked inside me and his lips worked over my collarbone, “Like what Kalian? What do you want?”

I gasped as his fingers explored inside me, “y-you know what.”

“Mm I can guess, but I want you to say it.” He withdrew his fingers and I huffed with frustration. I pushed his torso down on the bed, my hand going under me. His eyes widened for a moment as I guided him inside. A moan of his name left my lips as I forced myself all the way down. I let my head fall back as I adjusted. My nails dug into his chest as he rolled his hips slowly. Talon moved lazily, deliberately thrusting in and out without any of our normal frenzied speed. It was maddening. I tried to increase the pace, but his hands clamped down on my hips. His tempo may have been unhurried, but each time he pushed into me, he slid all the way home, hitting that spot almost every time. My hands didn’t know where to grip or hold as I writhed above him. I opened my eyes and gasped as an image of us from his angle flitted through my mind. I looked absolutely wrecked already. My hair was a mess, my cheeks flushed and my chest heaving as he fucked me from underneath. I didn’t know how he could take total control like this when I was on top of him, but he’d found a way.

“Please, Talon…” He rolled us and I cried out as his hips snapped to mine. He’d spread my legs wide and I forced my eyes to focus when he mumbled my name. My gaze met his lust-filled one, both of us starting to lose control. Talon fell forward, hauling my wrists above my head and pinning them to the mattress as he continued to pound into me. I arched up against him, my head falling back as it all became too much. My knees were crushed between our chests. I was folded in what should’ve been an uncomfortable position. My senses were too overwhelmed to notice the strain in my muscles. I threw my head back against the crumpled blankets and squeezed my legs together. I came all over my stomach and chest with a cry, my eyes becoming unfocused. He fell off his rhythm and I almost mewled as I felt him finish inside me.

He held himself above me as we both came down from the moment, panting, “Well, good morning.”

I giggled softly and wiggled my hips, “Is this what it takes for a morning to be good?”

“If you wake me up like this every day, my hatred of mornings may subside.” I shuddered as he pulled out. He rolled us facing each other and I lay against his chest, knowing that we were running out of time. He rubbed my back gently and I couldn’t help myself. Laying with Talon like this after we’d just made love and I had the biggest night of my life only hours ago filled me with so many emotions. One being the strongest for sure.

“I love you,” I mumbled it into his sweaty sternum and heard him sigh.

“I know, gorgeous.” I decided to shrug off the small hurt his response caused. I knew there was something there. I had felt it for myself. I had to be okay with the wait for the actual words. All at once, I noticed just how bright the room was.

“I’m going to be late! Ahh!” I leapt up and instantly regretted it. I found myself trying to balance on noodles instead of legs. I caught myself on the blankets and scowled at my limbs’ refusal to operate properly, glaring at their shaking. Talon watched from the bed, cleaning himself up. His hair had come loose from his bun and laid in tangled messy waves against the pillows. His lips were pink from our kisses and a light sheen of sweat covered his perfect skin. It made the black ink on his skin stand out and I bit my lip hard. I looked away as images flooded my head of what he’d do to me the rest of the day if I got back into the bed. I almost gave in. What was one day of missed classes?

I knew he was staring at me, seeing if I’d crack. His irises webbed with black as he eyed me. I could picture his smirk, his tongue running over a sharp canine as he watched me struggle with my hormones. I didn’t even have to look at him to know this. I shook my head and made my way to the bathroom, heating a bath as I realized how sweaty and sticky I was. I didn’t have long to get ready, and I tried to force my less wholesome thoughts from my mind as I scrubbed myself clean. Once the engagement was officially over and we could stop moving at breakneck speed with my training I would take off a whole weekend to relax. Or a week. I fantasized about leaving the city. Going somewhere no one would find us. Even better if it was so secluded it wasn’t even on the map.

“Staying here today?” I asked quietly as I got dressed.

“I have things to do. Unfortunately, you’ll just have to try to survive without my presence for a couple of hours.”

My interest was piqued and I glanced to him as I grabbed my bag, “Your business in town and your things to do, are they for the Verseckt?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Talon said, standing. I tried to ignore the way his muscles moved as he stretched. I was losing my mind. I could barely function normally around him now. I gathered myself, stepping to the door as he made his way to the bathroom. I hesitated for a moment and he paused in the doorway. His fingers gripping the door frame, he looked over his shoulder at me, “Yes?”

“N-nothing. Uh, have a good day I guess.” I stumbled over my words, unsure what to say after he had shot down my attempt at getting more information from him. I know I wasn’t supposed to know about his super-secret club, but I already did. What was the harm in telling me a bit more?

“You won’t stop until you know everything. That’s why. You wouldn’t be happy with the basics.” He stepped out of view and I scrambled to throw up my mental walls as I realized he’d plucked that directly from my thoughts. I shook my head and remembered that I was on a schedule. I was running slightly behind as it is. I didn’t have time to try and pry more information from Talon. I rushed from the room and dropped down the stairs two at a time. I almost ran directly into Eon. I spun around him at the last minute and chirped a greeting before continuing on my way. To my surprise, Eon grabbed my hand before I was too far away. He forced me to stop, my momentum causing me to stagger a bit.

“Eon what are you doing? I’m going to be late!”

“That seems to be a common problem. Listen, we have to talk.”

“I don’t have time!”

“Kalian. You’ll have to make time. This is important.”

“What could be more important than my classes? It’ll have to wait.”

“I think you’ll find your classes can wait.” The voice sent a chill down my spine and I turned, watching as the rest of my family walked into the courtyard. My father wore his old military uniform. It was far too tight now and the cut looked old-fashioned and dated. My mother wore a dress in the same blue, her strawberry blond hair curled and carefully arranged on her head. Anika followed behind them, her arms crossed over her chest. She wore a particularly cruel sneer. I sighed, feeling my stomach drop. For some reason I had been so caught up in my tiny victory I had forgotten that I’d basically slapped my family in the face. In front of the whole court. I had humiliated them on such a scale that I couldn’t imagine how I’d do damage control. My father glared at me and my mother looked so disgusted it sent me reeling. For a moment, I was a child again and her voice was berating me for failing. I swallowed around the lump in my throat and rolled my shoulders before forcing myself to lift my chin. My days of avoiding their looks and staring at my feet were over. I looked at each of them and felt some satisfaction when Anika broke eye contact first, glaring at an opposite wall.

“I suppose this conversation was inevitable,” I said after a moment.

“You sat in front of the king and queen and implied we’d squandered your talent and deserved no claim on it now.” My father spit, his tone heavy and dripping with anger.

“I’m not going to argue with you. It wasn’t the way I wanted that particular conversation to go, but I was trapped. Saying I was unequipped to deal with court and life in general isn’t lying. Until I manifested this gift neither of you even saw me. You hid me away so I wouldn’t embarrass you. Couldn’t have the great Alauis name tainted by a powerless child, eh?”

“We sent you here! We sent your brother with you! We did what we could!” My mother shrieked at me, her hands gripping the thick fabric of her skirt, twisting it.

“Yes. It only took 20 years for you to notice your child had worth. Shouldn’t have mattered. He was still your kid.” Talon came to stand next to me. I was now flanked by Eon and him. Talon’s voice was light and filled with amusement, but I felt hatred and disgust slither through our connection.

I stood a bit taller, taking a deep breath, “Please Talon. They’re just upset.”

“You have no right to address us anyway, orphaned abomination.” Anika spat; her pretty face scrunched in disdain. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched Talon’s chin lift fractionally, a cold edge to his grey eyes as a feral grin spread across his lips. I reached out frantically, slipping my hand into his as I tried to regain control of the situation. It was quickly spiraling.

Calm down, I thought, my fingertips gently rubbing against the inside of his wrist. My entire family noticed the exchange and Anika let loose a grating laugh.

“I knew it! I knew it! You don’t just get powers like that! You made a deal on your back!” She was cackling, making a great show of covering her mouth with her hand. Her blue eyes were filled with hate and I felt my heart break a little. This was my older sister. She was my sister. And she had hated me since the day I was born. It was a painful realization. I had never felt love from her. At least Eon and my parents just ignored me. They hadn’t gone out of their way to make me feel lesser. They’d become okay with forgetting me. Not Anika. She wanted me to hurt, to suffer. It had taken me this long to see it and stop making excuses for her.

Eon took a step forward, “Watch your mouth.” Everyone in the room turned to look at him. The difference in my siblings almost gave me whiplash. Eon and Anika stared each other down and she finally looked away. Her earlier amusement fading from her features.

“You humiliated us and now you would do it again. Tell me, are you trying to end your engagement to pursue this…creature?” My father asked, a grimace on his face.

Talon’s fingers flexed and I hurried to speak before he could, “So what if that’s my plan? You won’t have to worry about it. If the king separates me into my own house, you’ll never have to worry about me embarrassing you again.”

“You’re ruining your life Kalian and you’ll take us down with you!” My mother pleaded with me. The anger had drained from her face and softened with pain as she looked at me.

I took a shaky breath, “Again. If we’re separated and I go down, I’ll do it alone.”

“Not alone,” Talon murmured, earning a sharp look from my father.

“No, not ever again,” Eon added, sounding determined.

“You are our child. You’re my baby Kalian. You truly can’t remember anything we did for you?” My mother stepped forward, her hand outstretched. Unshed tears wet her eyes and I couldn’t handle looking at her.

“I know that you gave me a life many would die for, but I won’t be a pawn. For anyone.” Talon untangled our fingers, his hand resting reassuringly on the small of my back.

“Stop touching him you freak!” My father roared, his voice bouncing off the walls.

“No, I don’t think I will.” Talon’s fingers moved down and slipped up the back of my tunic, his warm palm pressing against my bare skin.

You are really not helping. Do you want this to end in a fight?

Mm, perhaps Sunshine. Your family is grating on my nerves.

“Listen, I know I embarrassed you at court and for that I’m sorry. I am not going to take any of it back, though. This engagement needs to end.”

“The engagement and your attachment to our family.” My father grumbled.

“Yes,” I said it more softly than I wanted. My father looked at me like I was a stranger, his mouth hanging open. My mother was crying, her hand against her mouth. It was strange. I’d never seen them have this much emotion for or about me. Unless it was disappointment. It seemed…fake. I doubted they were actually sad about losing me. They were upset that they were losing a powerful bargaining chip.

“And Eon? You support him?”

“Yes,” Eon didn’t hesitate, his voice clear and strong as he came to rest a hand on my shoulder.

“You’ll regret this. You’ve both been given everything. You will fail without us. Remember this when you try to crawl back. It starts now. Get your things and get out of my house.” My father ordered, his face turning a ridiculous shade of red the angrier he got. I stared, my heart aching as it dawned on me that he was cutting us off. It hurt, but if we took this step I could end the engagement myself without having the king give me my own house and title.

Was I finally free?

*

Eon and I followed Talon through the city, carrying what was left of our possessions. My father hadn’t given us much time, so whatever we could carry in our arms was all we had left. I had felt panic start to rise almost immediately. I was beginning to think I had deluded myself. Could I live without the life I was used to? Thankfully, both Talon and Eon helped haul my things. I tried not to feel bad about the heavy backpacks that hung from Talon’s broad shoulders, or the bags looped over Eon’s arms. We had been walking for a half-hour and I was starting to realize just how big Syrin was. We had descended and were in the second ring. The traffic on the street had become more packed, the people less clean and meaner. Our little group was moving through a market and a short man barreled into me, knocking me onto my backside, “Oi! Get out of the way!” He glared down at me and then turned to leave. Eon helped me up, and I watched as Talon darted forward and gripped the man’s collar. He dragged him back and lifted, the man’s toes scraping the ground as he tried to find purchase.

“Return what you took.” He told the man as he futilely struggled in his grasp.

“I ain’t steal nothing!” The man yelled. He wore tattered brown clothes and ratty shoes that barely protected his feet. His face was dirty and his hair was greasy. He lashed out, trying to punch Talon. Talon shifted his grip to the back of the man’s neck and shook him.

“Now. I’m not having a good day.” Talon ordered, forcing the man to meet his gaze. The man’s eyes widened and I watched him throw a small bag of leather onto the ground. I bent to pick it up and gasped when I opened the small purse that carried all my money. I hadn’t even felt him take it. Talon threw the man to the ground and I watched him scurry away. Talon held out his hand and after a moment I handed the money to him. He took it and waved his hand. The money disappeared in a pool of shadow. I stared for a moment. I truly didn’t know enough about Talon’s gift.

“Come on. We are almost there.” He said as he continued to walk.

“Where is there?” Eon asked, rubbing his hands together as he looked around.

“Syris kept a place in this city as well. He traveled between the two when he was younger to reach more customers.” Turning off the main road, we walked between dilapidated buildings. Some leaned against each other like old friends, and I thought a stiff breeze might blow them over. Another turn took us down an alley and Eon snorted.

“This Syris had a thing for back alleys?”

“Yes,” Talon answered simply as we approached large, arched doors. I sighed with relief when I saw the great black tree centered on them. Its branches stretched over the dark wood, heavy with silver leaves. His fingers flicked and an ornate silver key appeared. I stepped closer, tracing my fingers over a nearby symbol painted on the wall. A circle with points at the top overlapped a triangle, an elongated plus sign extending from the bottom.

“Talon, what’s this?” I ran my fingers along the neat black lines.

“It’s the tria prima, the three primes. They’re supposedly the three basic components of all matter. Syris used it along with the tree to attract customers.”

“Witchcraft?” Eon asked suspiciously. Talon glanced over his shoulder at him with an annoyed expression on his handsome face.

“Alchemy.” I supplied. A jolt of glee slid through me at the proud grin Talon sent my way. He pushed open the doors and waved his hands in front of his face as dust rose up to meet him.

“Why did you not stay here when we arrived in the city?” Eon’s face was impassive, but a note of suspicion still remained in his voice.

Talon looked back at him again and then his gaze shifted to rest on me, “I had…my reasons.”

“You’re a lecher. You stayed with us only to seduce Kal.” Eon finally relaxed, a small smile forming on his face.

“I think it’s funny that you believe I did the seducing. You may want to reevaluate the mental image you have of your sweet little brother.” I rolled my eyes as the two of them playfully shoved each other, trading insults. It made me forget for a few minutes how bad my day had started. I could almost picture what our dynamic would be like without the constant drama. Our little group was strange, but now it was the only family any of us had.

We stepped into a small foyer. Unlike the home in Krinn, it was brightly lit. The lamps burned brilliantly and gave the nearby rooms a warm feel. The foyer’s floor was tile, the night sky painted under our feet. It opened to a large main room. Plush cream-colored couches were arranged around a fireplace made from a light, rough-looking stone. The room was painted blue, the shade of a robin’s egg that made the space feel tranquil. Talon’s home in Krinn hadn’t felt like this. It was far darker, less warm, almost uninviting. Talon ran his fingers over one of the small tables that sat next to the couches. He tsk’d softly at the dust that came off.

“How long has it been since you stayed here?” Eon questioned, picking up a book off a neat shelf near the entrance that I hadn’t noticed.

“A while. This place was always Syris’ favorite. I never feel right here. I…still feel him.” Talon had taken the book from Eon. He carefully set it back in its spot and ran his fingers down the spine almost lovingly.

“Is that why it looks like you had nothing to do with the decorating?” Eon chuckled, motioning to the light room. We both seemed to notice the dip in Talon’s mood as we entered.

“There does seem to be a lack of candles and melted wax. Also black.” I added, giggling when Talon looked between the two of us, eyes narrowed.

“Such manners! Were you taught to insult your host when you were growing up?” There was mock outrage in Talon’s voice and I smiled broadly up at him as he spoke, “Anyway, my rude lords, come this way.” We followed him down a hallway to the left of the front door. Talon opened a door at the end and we were in a small bedroom. A single bed was pushed against the wall, it’s mattress bare. A desk sat beside another door on the wall across from the bed and a small dresser stood in the corner. Talon rummaged through the dresser, emerging with blankets and pillows. He dropped them on the bed and pointed to the door next to the desk, “Bathroom. There should be the basics in there. Unless they’ve gone bad.” Talon shrugged.

“Thank you.” I tried to ignore the exhausted slump of my brother’s shoulders as he set about making the bed. I thought about offering to help, glancing sideways at Talon who shook his head. Eon finished the bed by himself, plopping down on it with a heavy sigh. It was small and not extravagant, but I was still more than grateful. We left the room. I noticed the drained look on Eon’s face. Today had been hard on him too. I had to remember that. I wasn’t the only one who’d had my entire way of life snatched away. Talon and I had returned to the main room and we walked down a hallway that stretched in the opposite direction from Eon’s. We passed a small kitchen and another bathroom. Talon pushed open a door and I found myself in another bedroom. A double bed sat in the middle, a dresser, and desk on opposite walls. He dropped the bags he’d been carrying, and I watched him roll his shoulders and crack his neck.

“Thanks for helping,” I said softly. I set the bags I’d been responsible for on the dresser, realizing Eon still had some of my luggage. I was positive my brother had taken a nap as soon as we’d left the room. I’d have to get my belongings later.

Talon had found more sheets and was moving around the bed, “Course little prince.” He started making the bed and I hurried to help him. We worked without speaking, the silence comfortable. All at once, it occurred to me how…domestic the current situation was. It was rare that Talon and I did something like this. I had always had people to do this for me. I wondered what other couples did? Talon and I had moved fast, ignoring most of the normal courting process. The time we’d spent together was filled with tension and life-changing decisions. We didn’t relax and enjoy each other’s company very often in a way that wasn’t sexual. I had been at class most days and then I’d come home to study. Talon and I would spend nights together, but there was little meaningful conversation.

I fluffed a pillow as he reclined on the soft blankets, he looked tired, “Little prince is new.”

He let his eyes slip all the way closed, “You’ve been moving up in the world. Who am I to put a cap on your ascension? It isn’t far-fetched.”

“If I was a prince, what would that make you?”

He cracked an eye open as I joined him on the bed, “Probably fat and lazy.”

I laughed softly, smacking his shoulder, “No, I mean your title. Don’t be dense.”

He stilled for a moment and I realized the implication in my words. Partners only received titles when they were married. This man couldn’t even tell me the depths of his feelings. I watched the color drain from his face as the idea of marriage crashed against his deep-rooted fear of commitment.

“Talon, I’m not asking you to marry me. I’m not that lovesick or delusional.” I sighed, my earlier humor dying.

“Uh, haha, of course not.” He laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his head.

“Not everything has to be so serious.” I was proud of how calm my voice was. I wanted to be hurt, sad, or even angry, but I stayed strong. The rational part of my brain won out and I laid back against the pillows.

Thankful the conversation was over, Talon rolled onto his side, toying with the ends of my hair, “I do care about you.”

“I know.” I smiled reassuringly and he caressed my cheek.

“Tyren and Athel are going to be livid.” I sighed, trying to steer the subject to safer waters.

“I’m sure they’ll understand. Large banquet one day and disowned the next? You’ve been busy. Actually, Athel will probably still make you run.” Disowned. That’s what I was. That’s right.

I winced and watched him frown, “Sorry, I guess the wound is still fresh.” He tugged me into his chest, strong arms holding me tight as he rested his head on top of mine. I felt tears well up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Eon was going through the same things and didn’t feel the need to turn into a blubbering mess. I’d been doing so well staying strong.

Talon’s fingers worked up and down my back and I let myself fall into a restless sleep.

*

“This could certainly make things easier, my lord.” Tyren tapped his chin as he thought, “However there is no guarantee the king will allow you your own title. It isn’t just a word you know? A title includes land, servants, and responsibility. He did request an audience with you yesterday, but I informed him you had other duties to attend to.” I had been surprised at Tyren’s lack of disappointment in yesterday’s missed lesson.

“Thank you, teacher.” I toyed with the edge of my tunic, the threads fraying.

“The king won’t let you stay in the second layer. I’m positive he will move you once he’s told. He may already know. He cannot have his favorite new prodigy staying in the slums.” I glanced over to where Talon leaned against the wall, his face gave nothing away. The tension in his jaw did, however.

“What about Eon and Talon?” I asked, looking back at Tyren. His dark curls had gold pieces twisted in and he wore dark kohl around goldenrod eyes. A turquoise vest hung off his shoulders, his chest bare and tan pants on his lower half. He looked more dressed up than normal and I wondered what the occasion was.

“I’m unsure if the king will give them much thought to be honest. You are both disgraced if your parents disown you. You are the king’s newest obsession, but Eon doesn’t have that luxury. I’m not sure he’ll care since he has nothing invested in your brother. Talon generally stays under his radar since joining the Verseckt and I’m sure he’d like to keep it that way.” Talon nodded once and I groaned.

“So, I’ll be separated from them?” I heard a whine creeping back into my voice and frowned.

“Hard telling. We’ll have to request an audience with his majesty and plead our case. You did well last night but that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear.” I opened my mouth to ask another question when the main door downstairs slammed open. The three of us turned toward the noise. I noticed a knife whip into Talon’s hand. He tucked it against his wrist, hiding it from view. Tyren’s hand lingered over a lump of metal on his desk. We instinctively seemed to know that something was wrong.

I heard Phelti’s loud voice ring above the confusion of the students downstairs, “Who gave you permission to slam Master Tyren’s door open? You idiots can’t knock?” A smack echoed loudly and a noise like a growl escaped Tyren, startling me. I heard the other students dissolve into chaos. Heavy footsteps stormed through the classroom below and the two men in the room with me exchanged a glance. I looked between the two of them before returning my focus to Tyren’s new metal door. He waved his hand and the panel moved to the side slowly. Three soldiers strode into the room, silver helmets gleaming in the sunlight from Tyren’s windows. They fanned out and I froze as Lex marched to the front.

He ignored everyone else in the room once his eyes found mine, “Kalian Alauis, the king has summoned you. I’m to bring you to him at once.”

“For what?” I glared at him, crossing my arms defiantly.

Lex flashed me a blinding smile, “Not my place to ask. Come with us.” He had inched closer and Talon detached from the wall, his fists clenched around what I knew was the blade’s hilt. I shook my head at him and he paused, nodding as he controlled himself. I looked back to Lex, who was now in my space. A thin bandage was wrapped around his neck and I lifted my chin, a proud smile on my lips.

“No matter what victory you think you earned last night, this isn’t over.” He hissed just loud enough for me to hear.

“I gave you the choice to end this, but don’t forget that I won’t sit idle. I’m no longer in the game of empty threats.” I said, my voice firm and unyielding. I caught Talon falling back in his former place, a smirk on his face.

“We shall see. The king is waiting.” I nodded as he turned back towards the stairs. Talon, Tyren and I all moved together, but Lex turned to hold up his hand.

“Only Kalian was summoned. Neither of you were invited.” Both men looked annoyed. Tyren schooled his features into calm neutrality instantly. Talon’s smirk turned less friendly and he blew a kiss at Mallex. I watched Lex’s shoulder tense and grinned. Talon knew just which buttons to push to ruffle the blond man’s feathers.

“Fine, let’s go Mallex.”

“That’s Captain Nainde to you, student.” He had dragged out the word student, making it sound like an insult. It made me wonder if he knew my parents disowned me and this was a subtle jab. I couldn’t make myself care.

With one last look at both Tyren and Talon, I followed Lex and his soldiers out the door and down the stairs. Phelti sat at a desk, Ajul dabbing at a cut on her cheek with a cloth. Her eyes were filled with barely suppressed rage as they followed Lex across the room. I glared at Lex’s back as he marched us through the room. Any redeemable qualities I had tried to assign to him slipping away. He truly was cruel. Phelti was trying to protect the other students from what she saw as a threat. The nagging thought creeped into my head that she had possibly also been trying to stall them for my sake. I turned back to the girl who met my eyes, her lips pursed in a grim line. I threw a glance over my shoulder. Tyren was descending the stairs, anger flaring when he laid his eyes on her. A soldier slammed the door and my view was cut off.

“Have you had fun playing house with the abomination?” Lex’s tone was light, but the set of his shoulders was rigid and he spoke without turning to look at me.

“There are a lot of things that I do with Talon, but I’m sorry to disappoint. That’s not one of them.”

“So you admit he’s an abomination?”

“I’m not playing these games with you, Captain.”

“I know where you’re staying. Get used to it. That’s all he can offer you. You’ll never attain the life you’re used to.”

“What makes you think I need a man to give me the life I want?” I snapped and the soldiers around us seemed to be committed to looking anywhere but at either one of us.

“You are weak. You have never lived in the real world.” Lex snapped right back, stopping and turning to look at me.

“Weak, huh? I seemed to handle myself alright last night. How’s your foot, Lex?” I met his gaze, mine heated with anger.

“Don’t get overconfident. You have your share of tricks like Verloren. Verloren isn’t invincible and neither are you.”

“You’re right Lex, but you aren’t any better than us. The first chance he gets, Talon is going to come for you.”

“I’ll welcome him and when I rip his disrespectful tongue from his mouth, it’ll be my wedding gift to you. You all think you have choices here, but I won a long time ago.” I tried to retort but Lex jerked his head at one of the men before he walked away from me. The man shoved me forward roughly and I barely managed to stay on my feet. These men had turned from my escorts into my jailers and Mallex wanted me to know exactly who’s side they were on.