Chapter 19 #2
"Dancing with some warrior who's been trying to get her attention for months. She's finally letting loose." Brenn's grin turned mischievous. "You should see her—she's actually having fun instead of glaring at everyone."
Before Jade could respond, Councilor Xylen appeared at Raikar's shoulder like a shadow given form. His pale features remained composed, but something cold flickered in his deep blue eyes.
"General Veyth," Xylen said, his voice carrying that particular tone of authority that expected immediate compliance. "I require a private word regarding the High Commander announcement. There are... protocols to discuss."
Jade felt Raikar's reluctance through their bond, his protective instincts flaring at the thought of leaving her side. His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.
"Can't it wait until tomorrow?" Raikar's tone held a subtle edge of challenge. "Tonight is for celebration."
"I'm afraid not." Xylen's smile never reached his eyes. "Duty calls, as you well know. It will only take a moment."
The weight of political obligation settled over Raikar like a mantle. Jade could feel his internal struggle—the Alpha in him that wanted to tell Xylen exactly where he could shove his protocols, warring with the disciplined General who understood the game they had to play.
"Go," Jade said quietly, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "I can mingle on my own."
Raikar's blue eyes searched her face, looking for any sign of distress. Finding only determination, he nodded reluctantly. "I'll only be a moment."
She watched him follow Xylen through the crowd. The bond stretched between them as the distance grew, but it held strong.
"Want to grab some of that wine?" Brenn suggested, but before Jade could answer, she noticed her friend's attention had been captured by a group of young warriors near the dance floor.
"Actually, go dance," Jade said, reading Brenn's longing glance. "I think I need some air anyway. This crowd is a bit much."
Brenn hesitated. "Are you sure? I don't mind staying—"
"Go have fun. You've earned it after putting up with my training sessions."
With a grateful smile, Brenn disappeared into the swaying bodies on the dance floor, leaving Jade alone in the sea of celebrating panthers. The noise level seemed to double without her friend's buffer, conversations blending into an overwhelming cacophony that made her head pound.
Jade navigated through the crowd toward the back of the estate, seeking the terrace doors she'd spotted earlier. The cool night air beckoned like salvation, promising relief from the energy of so many predators in one space.
The terrace was blissfully quiet, overlooking Xylen's manicured gardens that stretched toward the jungle beyond. Jade breathed deeply, letting the humid air fill her lungs as she gripped the stone railing. Stars glittered overhead between Nova Aurora's twin moons, and she felt her shoulders relax.
"Quite the celebration in your honor."
Jade spun toward the voice, her combat instincts flaring before she registered the speaker. A woman emerged from the shadows near the terrace doors—elegant, poised, with the kind of refined beauty that spoke of careful breeding and political advantage.
"I'm Sera," the woman continued, gliding closer with fluid grace. "I wanted to congratulate you on your... achievement. Raikar is truly fortunate to have such a strong, capable mate."
The pause before 'achievement' sent warning bells clanging in Jade's mind, but she kept her expression neutral. "Thank you. How do you know Raikar exactly?"
"A friend of the family, you might say." Sera's smile was perfectly crafted, revealing nothing. "Though I suppose that's changed now, hasn't it? Raikar is truly the most impressive man I've ever met. Such a shame he had to reject me, but I hope there are no hard feelings."
Jade's blood chilled. This was the council's chosen mate—the woman Raikar had publicly refused in favor of her. The political implications crashed over her like a cold wave.
"Of course not," Jade replied carefully, though every instinct screamed danger. "I'm sure you understand he had to follow his heart."
Something shifted in Sera's perfectly composed features, a flicker of something predatory and cold. "Oh, I understand completely how foolish men can be sometimes. But just because he rejected me doesn't mean I can't still change his mind."
The statement hung in the humid air like a blade, its implications crystal clear. Jade opened her mouth to respond, to assert her claim and make it clear that Raikar had made his choice, but Sera moved with shocking speed.
A sharp prick stung Jade's neck before she could react. Her hand flew to the spot, her fingers coming away with blood, and she looked down to see a tiny syringe in Sera's palm.
"What did you—" Jade's words slurred as the world tilted sideways.
Her knees buckled, strength draining from her limbs like water through a sieve. The bond with Raikar pulsed with alarm, but whatever Sera had injected was clouding her thoughts, making it impossible to send a clear distress call.
"Sorry, Jade," Sera said, catching her as she swayed. "But you're going to have to leave the celebration now. Come with me."
Jade tried to fight, tried to call on her martial arts training, but her body refused to obey. The drug coursed through her system, leaving her conscious but helpless as Sera dragged her away from the terrace, away from the party, away from any hope of rescue.