A Dance with Danger
Kate’s POV
I followed the Unseelie Ambassador down a winding corridor, my heart pounding so hard that I was sure he could hear it. The crystalline walls of the Seelie palace gleamed under the ethereal light, casting rainbows on the polished floors. We passed by courtiers, their curious glances following us and their whispers buzzing like insects. I marveled at the opulence around me—delicate tapestries depicting legendary battles, shimmering fountains, and walls that seemed to hum with ancient magic.
Suddenly, the air grew cooler, and the vibrant colors of the palace began to fade. The sparkling walls gave way to something darker, more organic. The transition was jarring, like stepping from a sunlit garden into a dank cave. Shadows seemed to cling to every surface, writhing like living things.
Great. I always wanted to take a stroll through the bowels of Dracula’s summer home. At least there’s no coffins. Yet.
Asher glanced back at me, a smirk playing on his impossibly perfect lips. “Having second thoughts, my dear?”
I squared my shoulders, channeling my inner badass. “Not a chance. Let’s get this over with.”
He chuckled, the sound sending an involuntary shiver down my spine. “Oh, I do hope not. The night is young, after all.”
We reached a set of obsidian doors that seemed to absorb what little light remained in the hallway. Asher waved his hand, and they swung open silently, revealing a room that made my jaw drop.
The chamber was vast, far larger than should have been possible given the corridor we’d just walked down. Bookshelves stretched to a ceiling lost in shadow, their shelves lined with ancient tomes. A massive desk dominated one corner, its surface covered in scrolls and strange artifacts. In the center of the room, a circular pit filled with what looked suspiciously like liquid shadows.
“Welcome to my humble abode,” Asher said, gesturing grandly.
I raised an eyebrow. “Humble? Did you mug the Evil Queen’s interior decorator or something?”
He laughed, the sound rich and enticing. “I merely shaped the room to suit my tastes. The Seelie Court can be so… pastel.”
I watched as shadows danced across the walls, forming intricate patterns before dissolving back into darkness. “Right. Because nothing says ‘welcoming’ quite like sentient darkness and books that look like they might eat you.”
Asher’s eyes glittered with amusement. “You have no idea, little Iele.”
He moved to the desk, his movements fluid and predatory. I found myself following, drawn despite my better judgment. Focus, Kate. You’re here for the book, not to ogle Mr. “Mysterious and Morally Questionable”.
“So,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, “about that book…”
“Ah yes,” Asher purred, pulling an ancient tome from a drawer. “The object of everyone’s desires.”
He placed it on the desk, and I leaned in, my curiosity getting the better of me. The cover was made of some material I couldn’t identify – not quite leather, not quite metal. Intricate symbols crawled across its surface, rearranging themselves as I watched.
“May I?” I asked, reaching out.
Asher’s hand shot out, catching my wrist. His touch sent a jolt through me, like static electricity but a thousand times more intense. “Careful, my love. Some books really do bite back.”
I jerked my hand away, my heart racing. “Right. No touchy the evil magic book. Got it.”
He smirked, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “Perhaps we should discuss the terms of our… arrangement first.”
Here we go. Brace yourself, Kate.
“What did you have in mind?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
Asher moved closer, his presence overwhelming. The dark and spicy scent, that I had noticed earlier in court already, made my head spin. “I think you know exactly what I want, Kate.”
I swallowed hard, taking a step back. “Look, I appreciate the offer, but I’m kind of in a committed relationship. Well, relationships. Plural. It’s complicated.”
He followed, matching me step for step. “And yet, you promised to consider all proposals fairly. Or have you forgotten your vow so quickly?”
Shit. Me and my big mouth.
“I haven’t forgotten,” I said, my back hitting a bookshelf. “But considering doesn’t mean accepting.”
Asher placed a hand on either side of my head, effectively trapping me. His eyes, bottomless pools of night, bore into mine. “Are you sure about that, my little tempest? I could transport you to heights of ecstasy you’ve never envisioned.”
For a moment, I was tempted. The raw power radiating off him was intoxicating, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted. But then I thought of Cyrus’s steady presence, of Liam’s mischievous grin. I’d made a promise to them, too.
I took a deep breath, centering myself. “I’m sure your… skills are impressive,” I said, injecting as much sarcasm as I could muster into my voice, “but I’m not interested in expanding my dance card right now. How about we focus on the book?”
Something flashed in Asher’s eyes – respect, maybe? Or just amusement at my attempts to resist. Either way, he stepped back, giving me some much-needed breathing room.
“As you wish,” he said, his voice silky smooth. “Though I warn you, the night is long, and you may find your resolve… wavering.”
I rolled my eyes, moving back to the desk. “Yeah, yeah. I’m quaking in my boots. Now, can we please get on with this?”
Asher opened the book, and I leaned in, intrigued against my better judgment. The pages seemed to shimmer, the text rearranging itself as we watched.
“The Temporal Tether,” Asher read, his voice taking on an almost hypnotic quality, “is a artifact of immense power, capable of bending time to its wielder’s will.”
“No kidding,” I muttered. “And here I thought it was just a fancy bracelet.”
He shot me an amused look before continuing. “It was created by an ancient race of beings, long since vanished from this realm. Their magic was unlike anything seen before or since.”
As he spoke, I felt a strange sensation – like fingers of ice tracing patterns on my skin. I shivered, and Asher’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction.
“Cold, my fledgling fairy?” he asked, his voice low and intimate.
I gritted my teeth. “I’m fine. Keep reading.”
He smirked but obliged. “The Tether has the power to slow, accelerate, or even halt the passage of time for its wearer. In the wrong hands, it could be used to reshape the world as we know it.”
“Fantastic,” I groaned. “Because that’s exactly what we need – the ability to fuck with time on top of everything else.”
Asher chuckled. “Such language from a saint. I’m shocked.”
I rolled my eyes. “Please. I’ve heard worse from nuns.”
He raised an eyebrow at that but didn’t comment. Instead, he turned the page, revealing a diagram of the Tether. It looked exactly like the delicate chain wrapped around Liam’s wrist.
I leaned in, studying the diagram. “So, this thing can slow down any magical transformation, right? Not just for Iele?”
Asher’s eyes glinted with approval. “Indeed, my dear. The Tether’s power extends far beyond your unique situation.”
“Hmm,” I mused, feigning casual interest. “Must be pretty handy for all sorts of beings. Werewolves, vampires… even Fae, I bet.”
His lips curled into a knowing smirk. “You have no idea. Many would kill for such power.”
I raised an eyebrow, seizing the opening. “Including the Unseelie Court? Is that why you’re really here, Asher?”
For a split second, the faintest hint of surprise flashed across his face before his smooth mask slipped back into place. “My, my. Aren’t we the inquisitive one?”
“Just curious,” I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance. “Seems like an awful lot of trouble to go through for one spy. And that whole Ebonwood Expanse offer? Pretty generous.”
Asher chuckled, the sound sending shivers down my spine. “Politics is a complex game, little Iele. Sometimes the smallest pieces can upset the entire board.”
I pressed on, determined to get some answers. “And Liam? Where does he fit into all this? You seemed awfully interested in his ‘unique insights’ earlier.”
His eyes narrowed slightly, and I knew I’d struck a nerve. “Ah, yes. The prodigal prince. His time with the Tether could prove… illuminating.”
The way he said ‘illuminating’ set off alarm bells in my head. “Illuminating how?” I prodded, trying to keep my tone casual. “I mean, he just wore the thing. It’s not like he got a user manual, right?”
Asher’s laugh made my stomach flip and stirred a flutter of forbidden thrill inside me. “Oh, I’m sure he gleaned more than you realize. Magical artifacts have a way of… imprinting on their bearers.”
I filed that information away, my suspicions growing. “And how does the Ebonwood Expanse play into all of this?”
His eyes glittered dangerously. “The Expanse holds many secrets. Secrets that could benefit both our courts. But let’s return to the matter at hand, shall we?”
He turned a page in the book, revealing more about the Tether. “The Tether doesn’t just slow transformations – it regulates the flow of magical energy itself. For immortal or long-lived beings, it can act as a buffer against the ravages of time.”
“Buffer?” I asked, genuinely curious now.
Asher nodded, clearly enjoying playing the role of teacher. “Take the Fae, for instance. While not truly immortal, they live for millennia. The Tether could theoretically extend that lifespan nearly indefinitely.”
I raised an eyebrow, pieces starting to click into place. “So it’s not just about slowing transformations. It’s about controlling time itself.”
His smile was razor-sharp. “Precisely. And in the right hands, it could reshape the balance of power between our courts.”
“Let me guess,” I said dryly, “those ‘right hands’ would be Unseelie hands?”
Asher’s eyes danced with amusement. “You wound me, little Iele. I’m merely interested in… equal opportunities.”
I snorted. “Right. And I’m the Queen of England. Come on, Asher. What’s your real game here?”
He leaned in close, his scent overwhelming. “Perhaps I simply wish to level the playing field. The Seelie have held power for too long. With the Tether and the knowledge to use it…”
“And Liam’s insights into Seelie security would just be a bonus, right?” I interrupted, unable to keep the sarcasm from my voice.
Asher’s eyes widened fractionally, and I knew I’d hit the mark. He recovered quickly, but not before I saw the flash of surprise and respect in his gaze.
“You’re more perceptive than I gave you credit for, my saintly siren,” he purred. “Perhaps we should discuss a more… mutually beneficial arrangement.”
I rolled my eyes. “Hard pass. I’ve read enough fairy tales to know that’s a bad idea.”
The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with the unspoken implications of his words. I had to steer this conversation back to the reason I was here. Stepping back, I tried to put some distance between us.
The room seemed to close in around me, the shadows deepening as if sensing my hesitation. I needed a moment to gather my thoughts, to steady the racing of my heart and clear the fog of his intoxicating presence from my mind.
I took a deep breath and forced myself to focus on the reason I was here. This wasn’t about him, or the unsettling attraction that simmered between us. This was about the book, and the answers I needed.
I swallowed hard, bracing myself. “So how do we get it off?”
He clicked his tongue, wagging a finger at me. “Now, now. That would be telling. I can’t give away all my secrets at once, can I?”
I glared at him. “That wasn’t the deal. You said I could review the book’s contents.”
“And so you have,” he purred, stepping closer. “You’ve confirmed that the information is here, as promised. The rest… well, that’s up for negotiation.”
I bristled, anger overriding my caution. “Listen here, you overgrown bat. I’m not playing your games. We had a deal.”
Asher’s eyes flashed, and suddenly the shadows in the room seemed to come alive. They writhed and twisted, reaching for me with inky tendrils. I stumbled back, my heart pounding.
“Careful, little Iele,” Asher growled, his voice losing its silky quality. “You’re in my domain now. It would be wise to show some respect.”
I raised my hands, calling on my own power. Blinding light bloomed between my palms, pushing back the encroaching darkness. Asher’s eyes widened, a look of genuine shock and surprise crossing his face.
“Looks like I’ve got some tricks of my own,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “Now, how about we both calm down and talk like civilized people? Or whatever passes for civilized in the land of eternal night.”
For a tense moment, I thought he might attack. Then, to my relief, he laughed. The shadows retreated, and the oppressive atmosphere in the room lightened somewhat.
“Well played,” Asher said, looking at me with new interest. “Perhaps there’s more to you than meets the eye, Kate.”
I let the light fade from my hands, but kept my guard up. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me. Now, can we please get back to the book?”
I turned back to the book, determined to glean as much information as I could before Asher shut me out completely. The pages seemed to blur before my eyes, the text rearranging itself faster than I could read.
“Hey!” I protested. “I wasn’t done!”
Asher placed a hand on the book, and the pages stilled. “I think you’ve seen quite enough for one night, don’t you?”
I glared at him. “We’re not finished here.”
He smirked, leaning in close. “Oh, I quite agree. We’ve only just begun, my feisty firefly.”
His proximity was overwhelming, his scent clouding my senses. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. I took a step back, putting some much-needed distance between us.
“Look,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady, “I appreciate the offer. Really. But I made a promise to Cyrus and Liam. I’m not going to betray that.”
“Loyalty. How… sweet. But tell me, Kate, what happens when your transformation is complete? When you’re no longer the woman they fell for?” Asher asked with an expression that was equal parts seduction and challenge.
His words hit me like a physical blow. It was a fear I’d been trying to ignore, pushed to the back of my mind. Now, brought to the surface, it threatened to overwhelm me.
“That’s not-” I started, but my voice cracked.
Asher pressed his advantage, moving closer. “I could help you, you know. Teach you to control your powers, to slow the changes. All you have to do is say yes.”
For a moment, I was tempted. The offer of control, of understanding what was happening to me, was almost irresistible. But then I thought about everything I had fought for, the strength and independence I had cultivated. Relying on Asher would mean giving up a part of myself, and that wasn’t something I was willing to do.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. “Thanks, but no thanks. I’ll figure it out on my own.”
Asher’s expression shifted, an unreadable but intrigued look crossing his face. “You’re either very brave or very foolish, my defiant dove.”
I managed a weak grin. “Why can’t it be both?”
He laughed then, the sound rich and genuine. “Indeed. Well, I can’t say this evening hasn’t been… entertaining.”
I glanced at the book, still open on the desk. “So that’s it? You’re not going to tell me how to remove the Tether?”
Asher’s smile turned predatory once more. “Now where would be the fun in that? Besides, I think you’ll find the solution is closer than you realize.”
Before I could ask what he meant, the shadows in the room began to writhe and twist. I felt a surge of panic as they enveloped me, but before I could react, they dissipated. I found myself standing in the hallway outside Asher’s chambers, the obsidian doors firmly shut. I turned around, surprised to see Cyrus and Liam’s parents waiting there, their faces etched with concern.
Cyrus rushed forward the moment he saw me, his eyes wide with concern and determination. “Kate! Are you alright?” he asked, his voice tinged with urgency as he quickly scanned me for any signs of harm.
“I’m fine,” I reassured him, offering a small smile to ease his worry. “It was intense, but I managed.”
Before I could say more, Liam’s parents approached with their usual composed demeanor, their eyes assessing me critically.
“Liam has been returned to the dungeons for now,” his father stated, his voice measured and calm. “His hearing is scheduled for tomorrow morning.”
“You and Cyrus will stay with us tonight,” his mother added, her tone as cool and calculating as ever. “We need to rest and prepare for what’s to come.”
I nodded, grateful for their hospitality. “Thank you. I also managed to confirm that the book contains important information about the Temporal Tether. We need to discuss how to use it.”
Cyrus’s eyes narrowed, a protective anger flashing within them. “Did Asher try anything with you?” he demanded, his voice low and fierce.
I shook my head, keeping my voice steady. “He tried to mess with my head, but I could handle him.”
He let out a breath, visibly relaxing, though the tension didn’t entirely leave his posture. “Alright. We’ll deal with him later. Right now, we need to focus on tomorrow.”
We made our way to the quarters of Liam’s family, the tension easing slightly as we settled into the more familiar surroundings. The opulent rooms were a stark contrast to the unsettling darkness of Asher’s chambers, and I felt a surprising measure of comfort in their warmth.
As I prepared for the evening, my thoughts kept drifting back to Asher. His dangerous allure, his seductive words, and the way he seemed to see right through me. I couldn’t shake the feeling that he had his own plans, ones that involved more than just political maneuvering.
His offer had been tempting, disturbingly so. The idea of control, of understanding my powers and slowing the changes, was almost irresistible. But I couldn’t afford to trust him, not when so much was at stake. Yet, the encounter had left me with more questions than answers. What did Asher really want? How far was he willing to go to achieve his goals? And what role did I play in his schemes?
As the night wore on, I found myself replaying our conversation, searching for hidden meanings and missed clues. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that Asher was playing a long game, one that required me to stay vigilant and cautious.
Despite the comfort of the guest quarters, sleep didn’t come easily. My mind was a whirl of possibilities and dangers, my heart still racing from the encounter with Asher. Whatever tomorrow brought, I knew one thing for certain: this was only the beginning of a much larger battle.
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