Page 141 of Severed Heir

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered, fingers grazing the black lace at my hips.

Archer’s gaze swept over me, slow and sharp. “It’s… revealing,” he muttered, voice strained.

I turned deliberately, letting the slit show. “Is that a complaint or a compliment?”

His jaw flexed. “Yes.”

Amria cleared her throat, not bothering to hide the smirk tugging at her lips. “Pretty sure I left the tea to boil. Time for me to disappear.” She slipped out, her laughter echoing down the hall.

I stepped in close, the hem of my gown brushing the toe of his boot. “Good. Because this is the only thing I’m wearing to a party full of Serpents.”

His breath hitched. “You’re playing with fire, heir.”

I leaned in, my lips grazing the shell of his ear. “I love to play with fire.”

His gaze darkened. “Stay here. I need to change.”

“Oh, so you can watch me, but I can’t watch you?”

He gave a crooked smile. “I’m not as graceful as you. But sure, if you’re that curious, I’ll indulge.”

We crossed the estate in a few quick strides until we reached his room. Without a word, he opened the wardrobe and pulled out a white dress shirt.

I didn’t look away as he stripped off the black undershirt and his leathers. The fabric clung for a beat before falling, revealing a landscape of scars carved across his back.

I hadn’t seen them before. Or maybe I’d never let myself look.

“Who did that to you?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Shadows don’t get beaten out,” he muttered, not quite meeting my eyes. “Besides, I’m enjoying the way you gawk.”

My throat burned. He didn’t need to say it, I already knew those scars were from his father.

His shoulders rolled back, muscles flexing as he slid on the dress shirt. He moved with maddening precision, rolling the sleeves to his elbows, then buttoning from the middle out. My gaze followed every motion, from the open collar to the hard line of his throat, to the tight tick in his jaw.

“You’re staring,” he said, still facing the wardrobe.

“I’m observing,” I said.

“Same thing.” He tucked in the shirt, slow and smooth.

“It’s not my fault you look like a walking sin.” I folded my arms, trying to hide the flush warming my neck.

Finally, he turned. “Then stop looking like temptation wrapped in lace.”

I tilted my head. “You asked for chaos.”

“I didn’t know it would come with slits up to your hips.” His gaze dragged over me. “I swear Amria’s trying to marry you off.”

“Good,” I said, voice light. “Then you’ll have to stay close enough to make them think I’m already taken.”

A smirk curved his lips. “That was always the plan.”

It was hard to ignore the flutter in my chest. “How do we get there?”

“We portal,” Archer said simply.

I frowned. “Where is Wrathi, exactly?”

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