Page 35 of Knox
Lyrian.
Caelen’s grip on him faltered as the siren’s song washed over them. The shadows hesitated, their hold loosening ever so slightly. Knox could feel Caelen’s irritation pulsing through their connection; this wasn’t part of his plan.
The crowd’s aggression ebbed away, replaced by awe and wonder. People turned toward the source of the music, their expressions softening as they were drawn into Lyrian’s spell. Fear melted from their faces, replaced by serene smiles and quiet murmurs.
Knox took advantage of Caelen’s momentary distraction. With a surge of willpower, he broke free from the shadowy tendrils andstumbled forward. He searched for Lyrian amidst the throng of people now swaying gently to the melody.
And there he was—a figure standing atop a nearby car, beautiful as the ocean under the light of the morning sun, his long aquamarine hair falling in waves over his shoulders.
He wasn’t alone either. Zev was with him. Knox spotted the night fae warrior easily due to the delicate horns that made him stand out from the crowd, and soon, his friend’s violet eyes landed on Knox. "C’mon," he called out. "Get over here."
Knox nodded, his body moving on instinct as he pushed through the crowd. The people parted like waves, their attention wholly captured by Lyrian’s song.
Lyrian jumped down from the car, landing gracefully beside them. His eyes met Knox’s with a brief nod before he turned to lead the way. "Stay close, both of you."
They moved swiftly, weaving through the maze of vehicles and onlookers. Knox’s senses remained on high alert, every nerve in his body thrumming with tension.
He’d come so close to losing to the Shadow King just now.
How was that possible?
Why did they have to run away instead of fighting?
As they neared the edge of the bridge, a familiar figure came into view—Adrian, standing by the taxi with wide eyes and a look of sheer relief washing over his features.
"Adrian!" Knox called out, breaking into a run despite his fatigue.
Adrian rushed forward to meet them, his gaze flicking between Knox and his companions. "Are you okay?"
Knox nodded. "Thanks to them," he said, gesturing toward Lyrian and Zev. "Adrian, these are my allies."
Zev offered a quick nod while Lyrian gave Adrian a reassuring smile. "Pleasure to meet you," Lyrian said smoothly. "We should move before Caelen catches up with us."
They piled into the taxi, while the driver shot them bewildered looks. Knox slid into the seat beside Adrian, feeling a strange sense of relief despite the chaos they’d just escaped.
"Where to now?" the driver asked, glancing nervously at his rearview mirror.
Adrian gave him an address.
"So uh…" Adrian turned to Knox, then he looked at Lyrian and Zev. "My grandma wants to know if anyone’s got food incompatibilities." He shook his head with an expression of disbelief. "I don’t think I should tell her that you like to feed on sex and souls."
"Ordinary food will be just fine," Zev said with a spark of amusement. "Are you inviting us to lunch?"
"I guess so." Even though this was his world, Adrian seemed lost.
Knox resisted the urge to reach out and draw him close and tell him that things would be fine.
He’d just had to run away from the Shadow King with his tail between his legs. How could he tell anyone that anything would be fine?
Chapter
Ten
When they arrived at his apartment, Adrian paid the driver, and they made their way upstairs. The familiar smell of cooking wafted through the hallway as soon as he opened the door. Evelyn stood in the kitchen, humming to herself while stirring a pot on the stove. The TV was on, its volume low but enough to catch snippets of a news report.
Evelyn turned to them with a warm smile. "Just in time for lunch! Lovely to meet you all. I’m so glad that Adrian is finally making some friends who share his hobby."
His hobby?
