Page 11 of Staff of Nightfall

“The contract I signed with him that promises me a duchy says otherwise.” He gave her a self-satisfied smile. “You didn’t think His Highness would seize the throne without thinking about how he would rule Monparth once he had it, did you? Even sorcerers need loyal nobles to rule successfully. Unfortunately, that falls apart if anyone alerts the king. I’ll kill anyone necessary to prevent that.” He leaned closer to her, and she shivered. “But not you, Adelaide. That’s not what I want. I want you at my side as my duchess.”

Regulus tried to push her away with his good arm, but Adelaide didn’t budge. “You’re out of your mind,” she spat.

“You don’t even love her, do you?” Mother shouted. She still knelt next to Father, who appeared to be regaining his breath.

“You’d all already be dead if I didn’t love her.” Nolan reached for Adelaide. Still shielding Regulus, she couldn’t pull back.

“If you love me, you’ll leave.” Adelaide met his eyes, determined not to flinch.

“Maybe we have different definitions of love.” He ran the back of his fingers down her cheek. “Iwantyou, though.” His voice dropped to a husky murmur. “By my sword, do I want you.” She gulped against the fear strangling her and drying up her tongue.

“Adelaide—” Regulus coughed, the sound wet and concerning. “Move!” He pushed against her side. But she stayed frozen, as if Nolan’s touch had turned her to stone.

“I’ve set my mind on having you, and now I can’t get you out of my head,” Nolan said, his eyes tracing the contours of her face. He returned Regulus’ dagger to the back of his belt. “And so many people, including my parents—especiallymy parents—believe we’re engaged.” He seized her arm. “I won’t be shamed by you marrying that mongrel instead.”

Chapter 5

“We made a deal, Adelaide.” Nolan yanked Adelaide to her feet, nearly pulling her arm out of its socket. Her knee hit Regulus’ side as Nolan pulled her up. Regulus moaned. Nolan pulled her away, and she stumbled after him, her left ankle aching in protest. “By denying me and acceptinghisproposal, you’ve broken our deal.” He pushed her against the side of the couch, still gripping her wrist painfully tight. The back of her legs pressed into the couch arm. “Therefore, his life is mine to end.”

Adelaide trembled. She looked to her left at Regulus panting on the floor and tried to pull her wrist free. Nolan clicked his tongue. “Can you heal your wrist if it breaks again?”

She stilled, unsure. And any magic she had, she wanted to use to heal Regulus. She couldn’t agree to marry Nolan. But she couldn’t watch Regulus die, either.

Nolan smiled. “I do hope you’re right about your magic coming back. I was disappointed to hear while eavesdropping that the prince took it. Ah, well. That was just an extra perk. Magic or no, I desire you.” He moved closer, his eyes fixed on her lips.

Adelaide stiffened and leaned away. Only Nolan’s legs against hers and his grip on her wrist kept her from falling over the side of the couch onto the cushions. “You repulse me.”

She bit her tongue. Hurt flickered in Nolan’s eyes, but he chuckled.

“I’ll change your mind.” He looked at Regulus, who had managed to sit up and was holding his broken arm against his chest. “Not only is my inheritance, my family name, my home, and my pride at stake, but also sweet revenge. The chance to put a no-account bastard back in his place.” He looked back at her, and the greed in his eyes turned her blood cold. “And prove I’m more of a man.”

How did one defend against an immortal? How could she save herself and Regulus? With Regulus and Father injured, did they have a hope of restraining Nolan? Her mind seemed a frozen river, the thoughts moving too slow, too slow. She stared past Nolan at a bookshelf, unwilling to meet his eyes.Etiros, help us, please!

“Look at me, love.” Nolan’s voice was sickeningly gentle.

“Adelaide.” Mother’s voice. “Move!”

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