Chapter 19: Alkan - Fated to the Night King

The taste of her blood still haunted me.

Perfect. Sweet. Delicious.

Any craving I'd ever had was nothing compared to the almost instantaneous want that flooded through me.

I was doomed the moment the first drop of her blood landed on my tongue.

Because I knew in that instant that she was so much more than she appeared to be. More than she even realized.

Among Istakarrans, there is one thing we prize above all others.

A Fated Soul.

To find your Fated Soul is a gift that cannot be measured. It's rare. It's precious.

It lasts for eternity.

And now, in front of my own court, I'd found my Fated Soul.

The knowledge had been staggering, and I'd lost myself in the joy of such a thing. In the taste of her.

It explained so much. The protectiveness I felt for her and the way I'd struggled with my control.

For my people, this could be a sign of hope that would unify us all further.

But I'd also learned something else as I swallowed down her blood with each beat of her heart.

She was lying. I could see it in the memories gifted to me in the exchange.

Out of order, somewhat muddled and even hazy, it still didn't change the fact that I heard the orders she was given. To gain a foothold among my court and to learn the secrets of the Silver Sickness that were hidden here.

As if Thalon knew what we were trying to do and had acted to stop us in the most powerful way he could. To send a beautiful temptation into our midst and use her to gain the knowledge he needed.

Danvers and Gus cornered me afterwards, their questioning eyes on me.

"This was a terrible idea." I growled the words at them, the only two people I truly considered friends among the court.

"She did exactly as you required, Alkan," said Gus, lowering her voice as members of my kingdom watched us and talked amongst themselves. "You can't take back the sanctuary you've promised."

"I won't, but she's lying about not endangering this court. I could taste it on her."

"Good. Then you are prepared for whatever she may try to do." Her keen gaze sharpened, examining me, before she said, "But that's not actually what has you all stirred up, now is it?"

I snarled, but she didn't back away. Neither did Danvers. The intelligent man leaned close, and I could see his mind working through the evidence before he gave a decisive nod.

"Ah, so that's it." He clapped me on the shoulder, squeezing it in solace or solidarity, I wasn't sure which. "She's your Fated Soul. No wonder you made her your Source."

"Oh, Alkan," said Gus, her eyes alight with happiness. "That's wonderful."

"It's a mess, is what it is," I growled.

"It just proves all of this is meant to be."

The woman was practically glowing with joy and excitement, all for me. But I couldn't celebrate this. It complicated things even more than they already were.

"She is our enemy. Here to find a way to defeat us. And you're distracted by the romantic trappings of it all."

Our little corner of the Great Hall was shrinking, as people circulated closer, no doubt hoping to overhear our conversation.

"Then convince her to work with us, Alkan. Show her how she can help her people by joining with us instead of fighting against us."

Danvers said it like it was the easiest thing to do. "And how do you suggest I do that, exactly? Never address the deception and pretend all is well between us?"

Gus took my hand in hers, squeezing hard, and dropped her voice as low as she could. "Show her who you really are, Alkan. Show her the heart you have, the way you care for all of your people, and even those no one thinks of. Share the parts you keep hidden and you'll be surprised by how she does the same with you."

"It's good advice," says Danvers. He looked around. "You should go get her, though. The crowd is wondering why she isn't out here with you. I'm sure they're questioning how you could finally choose a dedicated Source and then not be seen with her."

I forced my face to remain impassive, belying the battle raging in my mind. I wanted Sena beside me forever. At the same time, I wanted her as far away from me as possible.

"I'll go," said Gus, giving me a warning look. "You will be kind to that girl or so help me, Alkan, you'll hear no end of it from me."

I watch her leave, notice the way she offers easy smiles to all who stop her with questions, waving away any concerns as she makes her way to the waiting room behind the dais.

"She's opinionated, but she's right," offered Danvers when I looked to him for support. "I know finding your Fated Soul is not what you anticipated, but you aren't cruel, Alkan. You never have been."

I give my friend an exasperated look. "Need I remind you of all the people I've killed? Or of all the people you had to patch up because of injuries I gave them?"

"I remember the people you killed were threatening those you cared for and wouldn't stop until they were dead. And that you gave others a chance to survive. None of that is cruelty."

"Excuse me, my King," said a low, snide voice. I straightened my shoulders, pasted on a wide smile I didn't mean, and turned to face the man who'd chosen to approach.

"Valmont," I said, loud enough for those gathered close enough to hear. "So glad you chose to attend. Your previous absences have been remarked upon."

He bowed, but it couldn't hide the smirk on his face. "It is always nice to be missed."

When I said nothing in response, his face colored and his lips twisted down. Trustworthy, he was not. It was why I hadn't approved any of his requested pairings for previous Covenant Nights. None of the women he'd selected deserved to be united with such a snake even on a temporary basis.

"Out of concern, only, I wonder if it is wise to choose a Shifter as your dedicated Source, Sir. She is pretty, of course, but also, we've been at war with her people for an age."

"She came to us in need of sanctuary. It doesn't appear she's in any hurry to return to the Pack Lands any time soon. And as our Court Physician likes to remind me, I need to feed regularly."

"At least until Covenant Night," he added smugly, looking between me and Danvers as if he could glean any information from us. "It's hardly a permanent arrangement."

"And weren't you just worried about me being connected to our enemy? A temporary commitment ensures we are both suited and, as you so easily pointed out, it will protect the rest of the court from any subterfuge she may choose to engage in."

"Ah, well said, Sir." He flicked a glance over his shoulder, seeing Gus walking our way with Sena at her side. "She will be well watched by you, I'm sure."

I caught the warning tone of his voice and stepped into his space, crossing my arms over my chest to crowd him even more. "She will not leave my side. That you can be sure of."

Even a veiled threat toward Sena had that protective urge rising up and I curled my hand into a fist. Smiling, I showed a hint of my fangs, even to convey the promise of violence should he doubt the message.

Valmont was a snake, but he wasn't stupid. He backed away, ducking his head down, and offering only, "Joy to you and your Source, my King," as he did.

"Everything okay?" asked Gus, looking back toward Valmont. Sena watched him as well, but there was no recognition I could see on her face.

"Everything's fine," I grumbled, moving to stand beside Sena as more eyes landed on us. "But we're about to be swarmed."

"I'll take care of this." Gus stepped into the breach, clapping her hands with confidence and drawing everyone's attention. "Not only do we have a full dinner menu tonight, but our king wishes to celebrate this evening by sharing the Umber Vintage of bloodwine with us all. May the enjoyment begin."

There were cheers all around us and Danvers shot me a smug grin with a shake of his head.

"They were easily distracted," he added, then leaned in close enough to add in a quiet voice, "I'll return to my work. If you wish to view our progress, feel free to stop by."

I gave him a silent shake of my head and then he departed with a low farewell to Sena.

Leaving me alone with the woman I wanted to both devour and destroy.

Or would she do the same to me?