Page 1 of Claimed By the Fae Lord

Prologue

Raina

The Past …

The silver filament of my gown shimmered like moonlight under the giant chandeliers, attracting both envious and disdainful looks in equal measure. Every gaze felt intrusive, every cutting glance a silent attack.

Guests gave me a wide berth, like I was a contagion to be avoided. I could extend my arms, spin, and come nowhere near touching anyone, even if I were holding a spear.

Even in a crowd, I stood alone.

At least I’d learned the importance of hiding my feelings before I’d reached double digits. It wasn’t easy growing up trying to please those who could never be satisfied, but I did my best.

My best had never been good enough.

If Mother and Father had not demanded it of me, I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t be within a hundred miles ofhim, assuming he showed up.

Liam had yet to make an appearance. I prayed to the gods he wouldn’t, but the gods weren’t known for granting me any sort of mercy, small as this one might be.

In a self-induced trance, I’d gone through the motions when getting ready for the evening. Then again when we arrived and greeted our hosts.

Of course, my parents abandoned me the second they saw an opportunity to interact with those they deemed worthy of their attention. I wasn’t on that list.

So here I stood, bracing for it, for the moment I knew would eventually come. Watching bodies promenade around the dance floor, I envisioned him passing by with another female in his arms.

The last two social gatherings had communicated loud and clear how Liam was choosing to deal with the end of our relationship. Just two weeks ago, he’d kissed a beautiful forest nymph I’d never seen before.

The asshole had waited until I noticed him. Then he kept his glare on mine when he took her lips, right there in front of everyone.

Maintaining my composure while he trampled all over the last shreds of my dignity was a difficult feat. I wasn’t sure I could do so again.

As I sipped at my glass of honeyed wine, I let my eyes wander. Fae flitted about, dressed in finery worth enough money to feed every soul on the continent. It was disgusting.

Looking down at the skirt of my gown, I felt like a hypocrite. Perhaps my misery was deserved.

Suddenly, the hairs on the back of my neck prickled with an all-too-familiar energy signature. I didn't need to turn aroundto know Liam had entered the room. To me, his magic was as distinct as his russet eyes.

My heart skipped a beat and then pounded furiously. I’d known him nearly all my life and he still had this damned effect on me.

I watched from the corner of my eye as he wove through the crowd with grace and authority. He looked dashing in his black ensemble, his brown hair artfully tousled as always.

Forcing my attention away, I took in the growing crowd. Their chatter was a dull hum buzzing like a gnat I wanted to squash.

I wondered if anyone else felt as out of place as I did. As … unhappy.

Unbidden, my head swiveled at the sound of a deep laugh, one that haunted my dreams.

Liam was now standing with a group of fawning females hanging on his every word. His arm snaked around one and her hand went to his chest.

The V of her neckline dipped obscenely low, showcasing her enormous breasts. The shiny bright red fabric brought even more attention to her shapely figure.

This time, it wasn’t longing but a festering anger that built in the pit of my stomach. At myself. At my parents.

At Liam.

As if on cue, his dark orange eyes met mine across the throng of partygoers. For a split second, I thought I saw something flicker in those depths.

It vanished as quickly as it appeared, replaced by the same cold mask he'd worn during our last encounter. A wicked grin curled his lips.

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