Page 141 of Harbinger

Lunaris Nocturn.

It was an establishment only accessible to supernatural beings through a portal at the end of an alley that merely looked like a brick wall to humans.

The place pulsed with shadow light, glowing crystals embedded in the onyx walls, and floating candlelight that dimmed and flared in tune with supernatural energy. The ceiling mimicked the night sky from multiple realms, changing constantly above us. Each round wooden table had its own enchanted menus that served to highlight the dishes most designed according to each patron’s mood and desires. The floors beneath our feet were veined marble and striking. Soft music played through an enchantment.

It was really something. Somehow cozy and possessing a powerful mystique also.

I shifted my weight beside Nyx who was on my right, with Kai to the left of the curve of the round table, then Ariana between him and Nyx. Although, she wasn’t actually here right now. While she’d changed clothes magically into a sexy, edgy black dress with a scoop neck bust lined with silver gems, going to the bathroom was one thing that needed to be done the non-magical way. So instead of us heading back to the Academy first, she’d dipped into the bathrooms here right after we’d ordered.

As I stared down at my appetizing meal, reminding myself not to tuck in until Ariana returned, I marveled at it. Seared Inferno Boar Ribs were ultra-well-done, just the way I liked it and coated in a fire-pepper rub, and served with garlic potatoes and thick, creamy butter.

I also had a drink of Ashtone Whiskey which I’d already tried, and it had hit the spot. It was smoky and brutal with one hell of a kick. And like all the alcoholic beverages here, spelled, so supernatural beings could actually feel it.

As Kai peered at me over his glass of deep red wine, I took things in a direction away from my Celestial blood link, and asked instead, “Am I only the second male you’ve been with? I’m aware that Nyx used to be very sexually prolific, but it’s not the case with you, is it?”

Nyx choked on a mouthful of his berry vodka cocktail.

Kai, for his part, eyed me steadily. “Why do you ask? Would you prefer to believe that yours is the only other ass in that respect that I’ve reamed with my glorious cock?”

“Do you have no class?” I asked, looking around at the other patronsandthe waitstaff within the restaurant. I saw a couple of heads turned our way slightly—two female vampires sitting over on the far end of the establishment who looked to be having a romantic evening together. “No manners? We’re in a luxurious restaurant. Upscale? That sort of thing?”

“He radiates class when he’s around his parents. You should see him then,” Nyx told me. “They kind of demand it. They’re steeped in tradition and a whole lot of elitism. Things are almost scripted for Kai when he has to attend an event at the Maven Coven as their revered son and thenext in line.”

That explained a great deal.

“They must have hated the fact that you didn’t continue on at Maven Coven and came to this Academy instead.”

Kai took a big gulp of his wine. “It took some convincing.”

“It was kind of the one point of rebellion that he was allowed,” Nyx filled in. “He sold it as him broadening his horizons and wanting to interact and understand other supernatural beings who weren’t only magic-wielders.”

Kai waved his hand dismissively. “Can we not get into that?” He eyed me. “The answer to your first question isyes.It’s just you and Nyx.”

“Huh. I never would have guessed. Until tonight with the starry-eyed way you were over it.”

“Starry-eyed?” He scoffed. “You’re rewriting a great deal there, V.”

“Strongly disagree.”

A smile cracked and he winked at me. “It was a glorious experience. I absolutely won’t deny that.”

“Same for me.” I took another sip of my drink, curious now. “So, what about women then? It can’t just be Ariana. You’re too… skilled… for that to be the case. I assume theskillwhen it comes to men is due to Nyx’s extensive experience, him teaching you, right?”

“Damn straight,” Nyx said, wiggling his eyebrows at Kai.

Kai grinned at him. “Well, he’d only accept the best.”

“Hey,” Nyx said, laughing. “That was your obsession with obtaining knowledge thing.”

A self-satisfied smirk spread over Kai’s face as he told us, “You see how that benefits everyone?”

I chuckled, then took another sip of my drink. “And women?”

“A couple of girlfriends, only one was a sexual partner.”

I gaped at him. “What? You’re not serious?”

“Sure am,” he said, leaning back in his chair.

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