Page 77 of Flirting with Darkness

My eyes widen.

Mad. They’re all mad. That’s what I want to think, what I want to believe.

And yet, my mouth remains closed, and if this man takes another step, I don’t doubt I will follow, my body governed by old laws I know nothing about.

Cissa’s always seemed dainty and cute, but looking at her now, I don’t see the cheerful pixie I so like.

I see the rage of someone—something—more powerful than I can comprehend burning in her golden eyes. “It is not a valid contract in the eyes of the crown. Mark my words, takemyguest frommyhall, and you will regret this.”

Jaynus snorts, dismissive. “You call this a hall? It’s a little more than a pleasure house. You have no power here. You no longer have power anywhere.”

Then he descends to the basement, and my body doesn’t leave me any choice, though I try to fight every movement.

I walk down the stairs after him.

6

DARINA

Iwake with the worst headache I’ve ever felt. I bring my hand to my skull, half expecting it to be split in two. My vision’s blurry at first, but it clears after the third blink, and then I gasp.

What the hell?

I am in a room larger than a concert hall, on a bed fit for a dozen occupants at its center.

A fireplace higher than a grown man roars in front of me. Guarded by two angel-like figures carved in white stone, it’s the single most breathtaking piece of art I’ve ever seen, until my eyes move to the ornately painted ceiling, the sculpted arched wall.

Where the hell am I, Versailles?

The high walls are covered in thick, velvety blue and silver tapestries, depicting filthy scenes. Women and men, some with legs spread wide, others bent on the ground, rutting like animals—withanimals sometimes. Yet the drawings are so fine only talented masters could have painted them.

Drugs. It must be drugs.

I bring myself to think back to the last thing I remember.

Night Hall. Cissa and Eochan. A drink. What was in that drink?

Blaming my cocktail is more logical than anything else I can think of. Because if I wasn’t drugged, then, things are much, much worse.

Mortals don’t know not to thank a fairy anymore. They don’t even believe we exist!

I was either drugged or cursed by a fairy.

“Ah, you’re awake.”

I hadn’t realized I wasn’t alone, but I recognize that voice to my bones. My head snaps to my left, and I find Cissa’s cousin standing by an archway so high I couldn’t guess how tall it is. Though there’s no glass and we’re in the middle of the winter, I don’t feel any cold.

Jaynus is wearing another silly costume, this one dark blue and silver, just as elaborate as the one from yesterday.

I groan.

Taking a full account of my physical state, I note no ache at my core. At least I wasn’t fucked while I was out of it. It still doesn’t explain why he’s here. Or rather, why I’m here.

I rush out of the bed, finding myself in the same dress I wore yesterday. My bladder screams for relief, but I have greater concerns.

“Thanks for letting me crash at your place. I have to go now. I have classes.” I’m rambling as I walk backward toward the closest door, keeping him well within my view.

He chuckles under his breath. “Classes?”

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