I apologize for any insult, my king. Please accept my humble apology and blood offering as penance.”

“I do not perceive your apology as either humble or sincere, Runaeska Charon.”

She stared at the floor, focused on the thick red liquid between the grouted stones, watching in numb detachment as the drops that fell from her clenched fist hit the dark red surface and splattered outward. The morbid image of her bleeding out and being left to die flashed in her mind, and she shuddered at the thought, knowing it was an utmost certainty if she remained among the court. Then she glanced at Eric.

He was livid. Harsh lines creased his forehead, and his lips were thinned. His eyes had taken on that strange glowing hue; fine lines crackled and extended throughout.

“Come on,” he ordered.

She slid the dagger back into the holster, struggling momentarily as the sharp edge snagged the leather. When she placed her trembling fingers into his outstretched hand, she felt the weight of the king’s stare, and she peeked at him through her lashes. His beautiful face was sinister, and witnessing her departure seemed to incense him further.

“I will bring this matter to the attention of the Goddess Idona, Eric.”

A growl rippled through Eric’s chest, and he yanked Runa close. His voice was an ominous rumble of outrage. “I intend to seek out Idona this very night. So I issue fair warning. If you proceed, you best prepare for her ire at being laden with this foolery twice on one Samhain.”

Eric wrapped an arm around her waist and guided her toward the large wooden door at the far end of the room. The sound of olde sidhe filled her ears, spoken briskly. The voices changed, becoming heated as the king’s irritated voice rose in anger. She scurried for the door and stepped into the narrow corridor.

“You should not have given the bastard your blood out of obligation, Runaeska.” Eric released her. “He is undeserving of the honor and intentionally disrespected the Erinyes and the Draigen who serve them by questioning my decision.”

“I didn’t know.” She sighed softly, adding, “And it’s Runa, not Runaeska. My father is the only one who calls me that.”

She peered around, studying the vines along the walls. A door at the end of the hall was open—the very same that contained the vortex Eric had brought them through. She didn’t know how to access portals; she had never been taught. Could she go to it and think of home to cross?

“Don’t even think about it, Runa. Unless you wish to renege on our agreement? I’m sure Seevier wouldn’t mind if I took you back.”

“Why won’t… Can’t I just go home?”

Eric stared at her with an odd expression, as if unsure how to answer. He clenched his jaw and wrapped a hand under her arm. Taking a right, he led her down another corridor.

She hesitated before repeating, “Why?”

He kept his eyes forward and answered gruffly, “You could warn your sister of what we intend. Is that not the way of your kind?”

Runa shrieked in frustration and pulled free. After being thrown into the fire by Octavia, there was no way in Hades she would do anything to save her wretched ass.

“When I say Octavia can rot, I mean it. She’s an evil she-bitch who deserves to burn. I wouldn’t piss on her if she caught fire.”

His full eyebrows lifted in surprise, and a playful grin formed. “Is that a fact?”

“Absolutely. She can simmer.”

Eric’s expression changed as raw desire radiated from the depths of his bright green eyes. “You’re not very forgiving,” he murmured, stepping forward and brushing against her, “are you?”

She took a shaky step back, unsure if she was excited or frightened by the prospect of him stalking her, thinking perhaps it was a bit of both. “No, and if you don’t let me go home, I’ll know where you sleep. Just think of all the possibilities.”

He continued forward, and she mirrored each step back until the wall stopped her short. He placed his hands on either side of her head and bent at the waist. His face descended as he lowered his wide shoulders. Her stomach folded in on itself, and her heart started racing. He was what every male aspired to be but would never compare to. His large body was perfectly proportioned, broad shoulders and corded arms filling out a rugged physique that towered over her.

And then there was his unbelievably gorgeous face…

Eric’s heated breath caressed the corner of her mouth, and she realized the fae had it completely wrong. The sidhe dark king was not the personification of sex, lust, and temptation. That title belonged to someone else entirely.

And he was standing just inches from her.

“With you in my bed, I can think of all sorts of wonderfully wicked possibilities.” He met her gaze, and her lips parted in awe. Up close, his irises flashed brilliantly, shifting from creamy jade to jeweled emerald. The pupil widened, nearly eclipsing the colored portion. “And I promise you, aiarya. I won’t be sleeping.”

​