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The alphas from Rostof, realm of the giants, are the easiest to identify. The largest in the room, the giants all reach at least seven and a half feet high. Black tribal tattoos cover their thick muscled bodies,
It's been a long time since I've seen a giant in the flesh. Like the beast shifters, they’re able to change their forms at will, except instead of changing into massive animals and other creatures, giants can increase their size three-fold. If one of them were to take on their giant form in here, it wouldn’t end well, but the king would take care of them before that happened. And so would I, for that matter.
“I don’t mind who my mates turn out to be, as long as I can unlock my power and stop the demons in Seral from destroying themselves.”
“Whoa, maybe stay away from that one,” Shade says, distracting me. “That guy with the cloak looks like bad news.” I swing my gaze to where a cloaked male is standing among the giants. I can only make out his vivid gray eyes, straight nose, and square jawline that’s covered with stubble.
and turn my attention to the group from Norso. Their realm is made of ninety-percent water with huge sea creatures that roam the seas, moving in territorial pods. The alphas from Norso are distinct with thick strands of green and blue hair that reminds me of seaweed, and angular features that are accentuated by the shadows in the ballroom. I’ve heard their kind also has webbed toes, which helps them glide through the water when they’re swimming with the sea creatures, and it makes me wonder how different the rest of their bodies are.
Dante is among them, his hair sleeked back, and a pristine black suit fitted to his athletic body. Undoubtedly, if this were a different party, she-demons would be falling all over him. He grins and winks at me, and I avert my gaze, not wanting to encourage him. The last thing I need is him making a spectacle in here. It’s incredible the mischief a demon can get into when they have the power of invisibility.
Standing in the middle of a group of archangels, is a devastatingly handsome male with thick golden locks, a sculpted symmetrical face, and a heart-stopping smile that has my breath catching in my throat. Even his lips appear to be brushed with gold. His golden armor shines under the lights coming from the great chandelier suspended high above him,
“That would be archangel Prince Callan from Toralyn,”
“So, what’s the plan? The king thinks when you dance with them, you’ll just know if they’re your fated mate?”
I ponder her question as I recall everything I’ve been told about fated mates over the years. What is the first sign again? “Well, if they’re your fated mate they’re supposed to smell irresistible,” I answer.
Okay, so I’m doing a crappy job at explaining, but that’s probably because I can’t actually imagine any kind of scent that would have that effect on me. Well, maybe if they smelled like chocolate? My lips twist into a slow smile as I think of one of my mates always smelling like sugar and cocoa. Yes, please.
“I don’t know,” I admit. “I’m just reciting what I’ve learned. Also, when you’re close to your mates, Lady Fate’s magic is supposed to pull you together. Like you want nothing more than to be close to them.” My lips quirk up at the sides. “Oh, and I think you’re also supposed to have some sort of an emotional connection.”
From everything I’ve read, most know that they’re fated before it comes to this, but having sex is a foolproof way to check if you’re mates.
“Now, apologize to Theon, and then beg the princess for forgiveness before I get any other ideas.”
“Mmm, sexy and commanding,” Shade muses. “Did I mention that he has my vote?” I have to admit I’m impressed, but the thought of bonding with an archangel makes my stomach tie in knots. I’ve made it a point never to go to Toralyn, realm of the angels. That way, it’s easier to pretend that side of me doesn’t exist.
“She’s half angel, is she not? Do you wish her harm?” The giant stutters, realizing his mistake. “N-no, of course not.” My own cheeks burn. I’ve never associated with the angels, and I just assumed they would detest my mixed blood just like the demons. Was I wrong?
For a moment, I think I glimpse the hooded male with the gray eyes watching from somewhere among the group of giants, but he’s out of sight again a second later.
I discovered early on that crows make monsters superstitious. They say when a crow caws it means something ominous, like an impending death. Now all I have to do is ask Shade to caw in the right situation, and monsters start falling over themselves in fear. I’d think it was pathetic if it wasn’t so damn handy. “Perfect. That will do.”
When I heard of King Dalton’s invitation, I’d been one of the first in Kanzepes, the beast realm, to register my attendance. It didn’t matter that I’d already been planning a heist for months, with the intention of relieving one of the wealthier families of their most prized artwork. Years ago, I’d heard a rumor in Kanzepes that the king holds a treasure which he took from the witches during the war. A power so great, the demon king himself is afraid to use it. I figure something like that must be worth an unimaginable sum, and it’s hidden somewhere within these walls.
Well call me a kitten and take my treasure. I blow out a breath, all coherent thought stolen from me as I finally let myself look at her. I’d been avoiding staring at the princess, not willing to let myself be tempted, but now I can’t help but admire her.
The rumours about her being attractive do not do her justice, because the female is beyond beautiful. She’s downright breathtaking. A purr starts in my chest, low and possessive as my creature decides to stake a claim, but the rumbling ceases when I realize who she’s looking at. Of course, it’s him. I glare at the asshole with the golden wings and winning smile. If she’s interested in Prince Callan, then this female isn’t my mate. She can’t be. Besides, Lady Fate would never match us. I’m a low born from a part of Bazlen City that the Kanzepes royals like to pretend doesn’t exist.
Princess Blake is still staring at the archangel prince, and I can’t help but wonder if Lady Fate has a sense of humor. What would it mean if I turned out to be one of the princess’s mates? If I were, I’d get to rule in Seral by her side. But while the idea of sharing the delectable princess makes my mouth water, I know I’m not cut out for life in a castle. No, I’m only here for the treasure, and I’m not leaving without it.
“I fear, I have kept her busy these past years,” he continues. “Too busy for her to entertain any thought of finding her own mates, but I’m hoping this will soon change. As I detailed in my invitation, those who turn out to be her fated will rule over Seral when I retire after the last full moon for this year.”
Dad smiles when he turns to me. With his crisp black suit and the golden crown circling his head encrusted with jewels, it’s easy for me to forget about the disease that’s slowly taking him.
Tingles rush over me, and it’s not because of what he’s said, because I have no idea what that means, but it’s the way he’s said it. Like I’m his…everything.
Traitorous demons I can handle, but a mate who doesn’t want me… I struggle to keep it together and try not to think about his scent of green apples and bergamot that’s still lingering in the air even though he’s moved away.
“After we’re bonded, you can go back to Toralyn and forget I even exist.”
“You’re not mine!” he snaps harshly, his words burying as deep as any blade could.
“Maybe Lady Fate doesn’t know he’s such a huge asshole,” Shade suggests. “Because you’re amazing! He should be worshipping the ground you walk on.”
I slowly had to acknowledge that my compelling desire to find the princess wasn’t just because I knew she was my ticket out of here. The female is my mate.
“May I?” he asks, holding out his hand. He brings my fingers to his lips, his whiskers scratching my skin as he presses a kiss to my hand, sending a chill down my spine. “It’s my honor, my queen.” “Your Queen?” Shade swoons. “I hope Prince Callan is taking notes, because Nate is so much better at this.” “Honor?” Prince Callan scoffs, oblivious to Shade’s commentary.
“You know, you’re going to have to sleep with them to seal the mate bond,” Shade points out. “If they truly are your fated mates, nothing bad is going to happen when you’re with them.”
Nate puts down his bottle and smiles. “Don’t worry, gorgeous. I wouldn’t dream of eatin’ your friend,” he says, and this time his predatory gaze isn’t on Shade, but on me. “Fuck it, tell him I am on the menu. He can have me,” Shade comments.
She’s my Ahalian Touizda.
My Ahalian Touizda. The truth of the statement vibrates in my bones, but it makes no difference. I can’t have her. If I bond with the female nothing would keep me from her side, and I can’t let that happen. The promise I made years ago surfaces to the forefront of my mind, a constant reminder of my duty back in Toralyn. No, I can’t make Princess Blake mine. Lady Fate made a mistake.
“When I let you go as a child, I knew one day you’d be mine. And here you are, my bride. Oh, how you’ll suffer, and I’ll get to watch it all. When the king came to me with a bargain, I was dubious, but the moment he mentioned your hand in return for my services in Perstalia, I could no longer refuse.” My hand? So that’s how Dad persuaded him to come here. Unfortunately for the monster, he doesn’t realize that bargain was likely a lie like many things that spill from the king’s mouth.
“You can’t kill me,” I tell him, just in case he’s not smart enough to have figured it out by now. “Just like I can’t kill you.”
“You need to know that his death wasn’t your fault.” I suck in a sharp breath. “What?” “You know who I’m talking about,” he replies. “It’s what’s holding you back from claiming your mates, isn’t it?” My heart races faster. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,”
