Page 102 of The Midnight Order
“Well, I feel like your story will be interesting.”
I smirk. “I was only telling you a story, so you’d go to bed.”
“So eager to be rid of me?”
“No, it’s just you asked me—” I sigh. “Never mind.”
“So, what was your standing at court?”
“I was a lord, essentially. I represented my family and their interests while there.”
“What’s your last name?”
Her curiosity isn’t misplaced, but it’s been so long since I’ve had someone so curious about me that it feels foreign to be in the hot seat.
“Thorngray.”
“But I thought Jasper said that none of you were Thorngrays, but that it was the coven name?”
“Mm, I’m the coven leader, so the coven takes my last name.”
“What?”
“The others have told you their stories, yes? I’m the oldest of us; therefore, I’m the leader.”
“I just thought?—”
“You just thought Jasper was in charge because he’s the natural leader, right? It’s an honest mistake. I don’t take offense. My progeny does me proud. But no, I’m the head of the coven of the Midnight Order, and all things go through me.”
“Well, then.” She swallows, and I follow the motion of her throat with my gaze.
I don’t know if I’ve shocked her and made her more uncomfortable in my presence or if my being the head of this coven appeals to her, but she doesn’t run.
That has to be a good sign, I tell myself.
“So, in court, there were ladies, yes? All I know about courts and kingdoms is what I’ve watched on television.”
I can’t fight the smile that curls my lips. “Why are you so concerned with my love life at court? You’re the only one with my attention now, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
That seems to have stunned her, and a very intriguing rouge coloring fills her cheeks, calling my fangs to descend in my mouth at the sight.
“I don’t know. You’ve lived a magical life, and I’m just curious about it, I guess.”
She winces as I stiffen and sit up, tossing my legs over the edge of the bed.
“I’m sorry, Lowell. I didn’t mean to make light of what you’ve been through. What they did to you wasn’t okay.”
“It’s not that. It’s that anyone could think living this long is magical. I’ve well exceeded my expiration date, and yet, I’m still fucking here.”
I don’t mean to turn the mood in the room sour, but Silver has this aura about her that allows me to be open and honest with her, to be myself, my true self, that I even hide from my coven members.
“I don’t know what to say to that other than I’m so sorry you feel that way. I can see how you would, though. You lived most of your life being tormented and abused, and then another major portion of it cursed.”
She sits beside me, sideways, looking at me as she reaches for my hand.
I give it to her and turn to face her on the bed’s edge. “Many people have hurt me. Even when I was at court, it wasn’t a tranquil life. You have to watch your back in an environment like that. There’s always someone trying to warm your bed or line your pockets for a leg up, to move up the ladder to get closer to the king.”
Her eyes soften as she rubs her thumb over my hand. “Hey, what did you mean earlier? When you told them I was yours?”
