Movement startles me awake, and my eyes snap open to find Lyana asleep on her back. Silver moonlight filters in through the curtains, casting her body in a pale glow.
Her long black hair spreads beneath her on the pillow. Dark lashes fan over pink cheeks, and her lips are open in a small O.
I prop my weight on my elbow as I study her, relaxed in sleep. Her gently rounded ears where an Elf’s would be pointed, lovely, smooth skin, and full, perfect pink lips. She is enchanting, my bride, and I am completely mesmerized.
She shivers, and I carefully pull the comforter over her shoulders, tucking her into their warmth before rolling onto my back. I stare at the ceiling. I can hardly believe I am married. Although I have not bound her to me in the ways of my people, I already feel protective of her, possessive even.
She vowed to love, honor, and cherish me when she spoke her human vows of bonding, and I am deeply moved by this.
A muffled scream in the hallway abruptly cuts short, and I freeze. The heavy sound of booted steps echoes outside the door. I slip from the bed and creep toward it.
I glance over my shoulder at Lyana, but she does not stir. Perhaps her human ears are not as keen as mine.
I stop beside the door, my sharp fangs and claws descending as I ready to defend us against whatever lurks in the hallway.
A deafening boom sounds, and the wooden door flies inward. A man wearing the tabard of Prince Fredrik’s house rushes inside. Lyana jerks upright in bed, her gaze wild and unfocused as light floods the room.
The soldier doesn’t even take two steps toward the bed before I slash with my claws, ripping his throat out. Red sprays from his wound as he drops to his knees and crumples to the floor in a pool of blood.
Lyana’s frantic eyes meet mine. I can only imagine the monster I must appear to her. “What’s going on? Who was—”
“One of Prince Fredrik’s guards.” A snarl rumbles in my chest as I study his lifeless form. “We must find your parents and my people. Hurry. Get dressed.”
She nods, and we retrieve our clothing. We face opposite walls as we dress. There is no time for awkwardness between us.
I grab the blade from the side table and place it in her hand as I meet her gaze evenly. “Do not hesitate to use this. Do you understand?”
She nods, and I take her other hand in mine. “Let’s go.”
