Page 4 of The Night Prince

My heartbeat stops its cacophony in my ears. We’ve done this before, I think—in the kennels beneath Sebastian’s castle.

Sebastian. Goddess. I killed Sebastian.

A fresh wave of panic cascades over me.

“Princess.” The word is sharp and commanding. “Breathe. In... and out...”

A half-burned candle flickers on the bedside table next to a cup and a pile of books. A decanter of whisky sits on the mantlepiece where Blake left it. There’s a throbbing pain in my side. James bit me—only hours ago.

Rain patters against the window.

“That’s it. Come back to me, Princess.”

Warmth radiates from the figure before me. The tight grip around my lungs eases, and my breaths come easier. “Callum?”

“Aye. I’m here.”

Callum’s expression is gentle, at odds with the tension in his body and the hard biceps straining against his shirt. His hair, the color of dark sand, is brushed back from his forehead, and his green eyes flicker with concern.

“Are you in pain?” His forehead creases. “Do I need to get Blake?”

“No... I... it was just a nightmare, I think.” I release a breath.

“What did you dream about?”

I shake my head as I try to remember. “I was in a prison, and Blake was there, and something was pursuing me. And...” I tense as our conversation earlier this evening comes back to me. I bring my knees to my chest. “Goddess, I need to tell you something about Blake. He’s plotting against you.”

Callum frowns. “What?”

“Everything he did... that bond he created that links my life to his... It was all part of a plan to steal the Wolf Throne. He’s going to help you become the Wolf King, then he’s going to challenge you. He knows he’ll win, because our lives are linked. You won’t kill him, because if you do, I’ll die too.”

Callum tenses. “He told you this?”

“Yes.”

Callum stares at me for a moment, his biceps like steel. A soft laugh escapes him and warms the cool air.

“This doesn’t concern you?” I ask.

“Oh, it concerns me. It’s just... I couldn’t understand it, before. Why he’d done it. He threw everything away that he’d spent years working for. He set me free, he fought James, and when he saw you dying... His face...” He swallows. “He saved your life. I’ve been searching for the reason for it since we got here, and I could find none. I started to think...” He shakes his head. “I don’t know what I thought. But this...this...makes sense. I find comfort in that, I suppose. Even if it complicates things somewhat.”

“We need to break the connection between Blake and me.”

“We do. But he won’t try to kill me until I’ve won the throne.”

My pulse quickens. “You think he’ll try and kill you.”

“I’m certain of it. I forfeited to James, and for years, people have speculated about what would have happened if we’d fought. It weakens his claim. Blake won’t allow himself to be seen as weak.” I grip Callum’s wrist like I’m scared he’s going to be ripped away, and Callum smiles. “He will not defeat me. We have time. Until then, he could be useful. Get some rest, and wecan worry about it later.” He runs his thumb along my cheek. “I’m sorry I left you alone. With all the chaos of the battle, it was the best time to get one of Blake’s messengers into the castle to send word to Fiona and Ryan.”

“I know. I understand.”

My blood warms at the proximity of him. This time it’s not fear that pumps through my veins. It’s something raw and feral that wants release.

Callum’s expression darkens. “Princess...” His voice is rough and low, almost a warning.

I reach for his face, desperate to pull him closer. Pain bursts in my side where James bit me, and I wince, my hand hovering above the sheets.

Callum’s jaw clenches as his gaze drops to my waist. “Can I see?”

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