Page 140 of In The Shadows

“I can’t braid my hair. It keeps getting caught in my fingers. Will you help me, please?” I plead.

He gives me a knowing smirk and steps behind me, quickly getting to work. He weaves intricate braids with masterful skill, and I watch him in the mirror. His eyes raise to mine with an expression of apprehension.

“What is it, Nyx?” I ask. He continues his braiding.

“I spoke with Kira and Emery. They found the amulet, Lily.” My jaw nearly hits the counter. We were right, those damn liars.

“Kira said it’s at a trade post in Lux. After a few drinks, the owner wouldn’t stop talking about it,” Nyx continues. Hope surges through me at the prospect of finding the amulet and figuring out Leopold’s motives. This one item has caused so many problems and deaths, I’m ready to be rid of it.

“How soon do you want to go?” I ask as Nyx twists and twirls my hair, pulling it across the back of my head.

“We should be able to leave tomorrow night. Kira and Emery scoped the shop out before they left Lux last night. I had them write everything down for us to review.”

My heart thunders in my chest with vindication, knowing we’ve been right this whole time.

“Will you please tell everyone at dinner? We can organize first thing in the morning. The sooner we retrieve it, the better. Less time for them to move it,” I say. He nods behind me as he finishes placing pins in my hair, securing the right pieces in place. Taking a step back, he admires his work, and I grab a hand mirror to do the same. Half my hair is down, allowing long, flowing curls to cascade down my back. He braided and twisted the top half together, giving the illusion of a full moon.

I smile brightly up at Nyx. “Thank you! It’s perfect. Will you help me get into my dress, too?”

He rolls his eyes but lightly shoves me toward my closet. I hurry and slip into the gown Elizabeth made for me.

Holding the front around my chest, I walk back to the bathing chamber. Nyx turns to get a better look and stares at me with shock on his face. I turn so he can button the back. He places his hands on my shoulders to spin me toward the mirror. Even I’m stunned by my appearance.

The dress hangs loosely off my shoulders before dropping into a sweetheart neckline, accentuating my breasts. The bust fits snug against my body before it flares into a long skirt that billows from my hips. There’s a slit up the right leg, stopping at the top of my thigh, giving me easy access to my dagger. The coloring is something I have never seen before. The top is a deep-black as if it is night. The skirt slowly fades into a rich crimson-red, appearing as though it has been drenched in the blood of my enemies.

How fitting.

“You look beautiful,” Nyx says, wrapping his arms around my waist. I smile at him, placing my hands over his.

“Thank you for everything, Nyx.” I squeeze him close, and he plants a soft kiss on my head before releasing me.

“I may not like this, but I trust you. Even if I don’t think you know what you’re doing,” he says with a smirk. “Let’s get going before you’re late to the party.” He offers a hand, and I take it.

I slip on my boots and strap on my dagger before we head out of my chambers. The Keep is alive with laughter, and music booms throughout. Cinnamon floats in the air, causing my mouth to water.

We head toward Theo’s cell and my stomach twists as my nerves increase with each step. We stop down the way, and I take a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Nyx turns toward me, giving me a head-to-toe look-over one last time.

“I wish father were here to see you like this. You look like ... you. Whole and happy. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that light in your eyes. I’ve missed it, Lily.”

My heart breaks with his words, and I choke back tears. I’m not sure if Tobias ever saw me in a dress or truly happy. We never got that chance. Nyx pulls me into him, and I grip him tight. When he releases me, his hands cup my face and steely gray eyes cut through me.

“Please be careful with Theo. For me. I love you so much. I can’t lose you, too.” I place my hands on his, leaning into him.

“I know, Nyx. I promise I will be. I love you too,” I answer, placing a hand over his heart, feeling the cords trill between us. He kisses my forehead and steps away, heading back toward the dining hall.

Turning, I gather myself before heading the short distance to Theo’s cell. Walking along the iron bars, I watch as he braces one foot on the edge of the bed, checking for dirt. He looks ridiculously handsome in the outfit from Elizabeth.

The black trousers hug his toned legs and perfect ass in the most sinful ways. The black vest over a long-sleeved, black shirt emphasizes his broad chest. Crimson stitching on the vest trails down, drawing the eye with it.

I run a hand over my dress, double-checking how I look.

“Theo.” My voice is soft and sweet even to my ears.

“Yes, my flower.” My stomach drops at the use of my old nickname, and I can’t breathe.

Theo bolts straight up, appearing shocked by his own words, and coughs, clearing his throat. “I mean, yes, queen.”

He turns and freezes. I take in a breath, trying not to show how his slip has affected me. Theo stares, blinking slowly. Stepping into his cell seems to break the trance, and he swallows hard as his gaze trails up my body.

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