Chapter 6

M usic and light spilled into the corridor, and I didn't know where to look first.

Melding, glimmering colors. Movement in every corner.

Lengths of sheer, drooping fabric in shades of red and orange were affixed to the central point of the round chamber's ceiling, draped to evoke the impression of a gigantic tent's interior.

An impressive golden chandelier dangled in the middle, decorated with sparkling crimson gems. Its arms held stained-glass casings, each containing a luminescent orb of magic, casting dots of radiance over the faces of scantily clad guests in gauzy dresses and low-cut silk trousers.

A handful of people lounged on thick cushions arranged around bubbling water pipes releasing a thin veil of rich smoke. Others huddled around tables laden with delicacies and drinks, smiling and chatting. Some danced to the enchanting melody of a flute and a sensual drumbeat vibrating through my core.

The only unmoving figures were the few guards lined up in tidy intervals along the walls, doing their best to blend in.

But everyone in the room had one thing in common. Their attention snapped to us.

To me .

Curious stares sizzled on my skin. Every inch of me was being evaluated, studied, and judged. I felt more naked than I ever had, resisting the urge to cross my arms over my bare breasts peeking through the wide netting of my dress.

Using my hair as a flimsy curtain to shield myself, my flitting eyes met a piercing blue gaze so vicious, a gasp wrenched itself from my throat. I'd never seen so much hatred in a brief look.

"Who—" I started, but with a flick of long, red tresses, the disdainful woman disappeared onto the dance floor.

"Hm? Did you say something?" Emily asked.

I forced the smile back on my lips. "It's nothing. Lost in thought, sorry."

"If you say so." Emily rocked on her heels, peering into my face. "Remember, if you have any troubles or concerns?—"

"I'll tell you. Promise," I cut in.

Emily grinned. "I'm glad we understand each other. So, do you like what you see?" She gestured broadly. "I organized every aspect of this event, from decorations to entertainment, invited only?—"

"Only the worst of the worst denizens this city of crime and debauchery has to offer. Exactly as I instructed," a deep voice with a slight, rolling accent cut through the ruckus.

The crowd parted like water.

People jumped and shuffled aside, making space for one man—no, an ethereal, horned apparition in a forest green gossamer tunic and black velvet trousers with fine suede boots to match.

Every step, every movement, every gesture exuded power.

For the exhale of a single breath, for the second it took my heart to skip a single beat, everyone around us ceased to exist.

For one exquisite, fleeting moment, there was only us in this room, in this world, as if my entire life led up to this point, this encounter.

I had never seen this man before, yet my chest warmed with inexplicable familiarity. One question laid heavy on my parched tongue. It made no sense, but I couldn't stop wondering, and I almost, almost, asked …

Have we met ?

Heat rose to my cheeks. My gaze drifted along his firm biceps and wide shoulders to pierced nipples, horizontal studs showing through his tunic. An oval locket dangled on his toned chest, drawing my attention further down to his chiseled abs before drifting to his face.

He smirked, the golden ring piercing the middle of his bottom lip shimmering. His pointed ears twitched, countless bejeweled earrings dangling from their shells. Even his brown horns—rising in a soft, inward curve from black hair bound in a sleek ponytail sitting high atop his head—were studded with creamy-white pearls.

His gaze met mine, and sparks ignited behind my ribs. As if I was falling into his eyes, my stomach jolted like it had on that stupid moving platform, and I had to remind myself to breathe, nearly drowning in the blaze of their green depths.

This Xar'vathi was the most arresting, handsome man I had ever met, and he was looking at me .

Smiling at me.

Creators, he was heading straight toward me .

"Do you believe in love at first sight?" the man asked as he stopped in front of me, his muscular, smooth tail brushing along the ground, flashes of decorative metal piercing its tip. Xar'vathi were usually taller than Elves and Humans, but this tall … I barely reached the middle of his chest.

His spicy-sweet cinnamon and tobacco scent swirled in my nose, and I prayed my face wasn't as red as it felt while I stammered.

He reached for my hand, soft, long fingers encasing mine. Without breaking eye contact, he bowed his head and goose bumps rushed up my arm as he breathed a featherlight kiss onto my knuckles.

Emily's laughter interrupted my flustered trance. She turned, waving at us over her shoulder. "My job here is done. Enjoy yourselves," she said and disappeared out into the hallway, the guards closing the door behind her.

"My name is Skrain Ra'shok," the man said, his digits lingering in an electric caress until he finally, and very slowly, let go of my hand. "It's my greatest pleasure to meet you, Ellaryth."

"You … you know my name …" My voice thinned. I had been so taken by him I'd nearly forgotten why I was here. "Wait, you are my client?" I spat out before I could bite my tongue.

He smiled, the sight contagious enough to make the corners of my mouth twitch up, too.

"Look at me. Do you think anyone else here could have afforded the fee I offered for you?"

More words spewed from my lips, even less appropriate for a courtesan. "How much did you pay for tonight? For me?"

His well-groomed brows quirked as he snickered. "More than the Emporium makes in years."

I inhaled sharply. "They scammed you!"

"No, Ellaryth. You misunderstand." Skrain closed the gap between us, forcing me to tilt my head back as I gazed up at him. I felt the heat radiating from him, sending me into a fever pitch. "There is no sum I wouldn't have paid, no treasure I wouldn't have traded for you. No bauble, no jewel, no artifact in my collection is worth more to me than your presence."

Every hair on my body stood, every nerve tingling. "You're insane," I breathed.

"Perhaps I am, but it doesn't matter because I got what I wanted—you. You are mine." He smiled once more, though the twist of his lips seemed different. The spark in his eyes burned hotter, hungrier. His free hand found my chin, gripping it between thumb and forefinger.

"So tell me, my priceless treasure, do you believe in love at first sight?" he asked.

My answer got stuck in my throat along with my rapid pulse.

"No," I choked out.

As if he had expected my response, Skrain's smirk grew. He leaned in, the tip of his nose brushing mine, his breath rich with smoke and wine. My tongue pressed against the inside of my teeth, yearning to taste him.

"Well then," he whispered, "I have one night to make you a believer."