In the Wake of the Wicked (The Veridian Empire, #1)

by V.B. Lacey

“You don’t have to worry about my reaction to your magic. I trust you, Rose. I know if you use it, there must be a good reason. I only want you to be careful. Remember the consequences.” He brushed a thumb against my bottom lip. “I’m not going anywhere just because we have a disagreement. Do you believe me?”

It felt…good, learning how to release these defenses I’d had all my life. Learning how to let someone choose me. I’d never had anyone to call my own before.

He wasn’t going anywhere. He was mine. “I believe you,” I whispered. “And, Leo, about what you said at the ball. I⁠—”

The wind shifted, bringing with it the sweet scent of lavender and sage and the image of olive skin and green eyes. My breaths evened out, my nerves settling. She was my peace. I’d spent the entirety of my adulthood seeking vengeance. It took one woman appearing in my life to make me see the beauty in contentment. The relief in quiet. And while I still desired retribution for my father, it was no longer the single driving force in my mind.

I never thought I’d be the kind of woman to crave these simple touches, but I’d found over the past weeks that I loved how casually he showed his affection. How difficult it was for him to keep his hands away from me, even if it was a quick brush of his thumb against mine.

“I would run anywhere with you, Rose. Even if it means we run to our end, I would go with you.”

I love you, little wolf.

But it simply stared at me, and for a moment, it almost looked as if it…it smirked. Could dragons smirk? Fates, I was losing it. I had to get out of here. I had to find Leo and the others and⁠— In the blink of an eye, those navy and silver scales disappeared, the monstrous body shifting into a sleek black button down shirt and pants, with dark blonde, wavy locks blowing in the wind as he rolled his neck. Nox winked at me. “Hello, darling.”

“What do you need from me, sweetheart?” My breath hitched. “Just…just stay here. Don’t leave me.” “Leave you?” His brow furrowed. “There is no world, no emperor, no magic that could tear me from your side, Rose.”

“What do you say, little wolf? Are you up for an adventure?”