16. Lyra
Chapter 16
Lyra
It’s been a few days since my last dream, and the nightmare still haunts me. I can’t stop thinking about the visions I’m having, which are oddly similar to what the Echosphere showed me. Tonight is our engagement party at Colton’s parents’ palace—the Elders’ Palace—and I’m somewhat nervous, considering the last time I saw them was when I was in Drew’s throne room.
Colton comes up behind me while I’m getting ready in front of the mirror and wraps an arm around my waist, bending to kiss the top of my head. “You’ve had so many late nights recently. I feel like we’ve hardly had a chance to talk,” I say, looking at him in the mirror.
“I’m sorry. Tonight, after the party, I’ll take you somewhere special,” he replies, giving me a cheeky grin and winking in the mirror.
“I like the sound of that.” I turn to face him. He’s dressed nicely, beige pants with an off-white shirt, a black vest, and a black jacket adorned with fancy buttons. I reach up, putting my hands on his arms and savoring the feel of him as he leans down to kiss me. It’s a quick kiss, and then he moves away to let me finish getting ready, but a part of me wishes he would take me back to bed.
“So what have you been up to these late nights? Sorting things out with your parents?” I inquire, applying a swipe of red lipstick. I’ve given him space, waiting patiently for him to share on his own terms, but my curiosity has been piqued—especially after witnessing the military camps with Hollie.
“No, not exactly. I’ve actually been spending these past nights assisting Dorian,” he reveals.
“Oh?” I turn to face him.
“But let’s not talk about that right now,” he says, a smile emerging. “It’s almost time to go, and I know you’re already anxious enough as it is.”
“I’m not that anxious, but I want to know,” I insist.
He simply kisses the top of my head again. “Come downstairs when you’re ready,” he replies, leaving the room.
I pout at my reflection in the mirror. He must know something about the camps and all the other developments—I can’t imagine Dorian would keep such things from him. And if Dorian is still supplying the military with weapons, Colton has to be aware that something significant is underway. What are you hiding, Nyx?
Shaking off my suspicions for the moment, I slip into an almost sheer pale-blue dress with delicate straps. It clings to my form down to the floor, elegant yet comfortable. I study myself in the mirror, pinning my hair back on one side while letting the rest cascade in waves down the other. Deciding that the red lipstick is too bold for my outfit, I switch to a soft pink shade instead. With a final glance, I slip into some strappy heels and head downstairs.
Colton’s eyes start to glow as he watches me descend the staircase, and his gaze intensifies, warming me to the core. “I am the luckiest man in all the realms,” he murmurs, and I can’t help but smile as I wrap my arms around his neck, tilting my head to meet his lips.
“I can’t wait to take this off you after the party,” he whispers, his voice a low rumble. He pauses, his breath hot against my neck as he plants a trail of light kisses up to my ear. “Although, I have to admit, the dress doesn’t leave much to the imagination. I’m not sure I want everyone else seeing you in this tonight. Are you trying to make me jealous?”
His tone is teasing, but there’s a hint of real concern there too, making my heart flutter with a mix of delight and a touch of guilt.
“Maybe a little. I thought it might keep your attention on me all night,” I tease, feeling his arms tighten around my waist, his fingers tracing circles on my lower back. “My attention would be on you all night even if you wore a flour sack,” he murmurs against my ear, making me giggle. He gives me one more kiss, then asks, “Are you ready for this?”
I nod, resting my head against his chest, savoring our last moment alone before the whirlwind of the party. “Ready as I’ll ever be,” I whisper back, and he channels us.
The Elders’ Palace is nothing short of breathtaking tonight, transformed into a place of opulence and enchantment befitting a celebration of Fae royalty. As Colton channels us directly into the festivities, we step into a part of the palace I’ve never explored before—a grand ballroom that dazzles the senses.
The vast space is bathed in gold and ivory, with enormous vaulted ceilings from which delicate crystal chandeliers hang, casting a cascade of sparkling light across the polished marble floor. The air is filled with music and chatter as guests dance and mingle.
The room teems with at least one hundred Fae, each wearing their finest attire—gowns shimmering with gemstones and suits tailored in silks, at least half the crowd displaying their wings in a riot of bright colors. Servants glide through the crowd like wraiths, offering silver trays laden with exotic cocktails and canapés that seem almost too delicate to eat, crafted to delight both the eye and the palate.
“Let’s greet my parents first,” Colton suggests, guiding me through the throng. His presence commands respectful nods and hushed whispers, though many give us space, perhaps wary of me... Gods, I hope not.
The ballroom extends into a spectacular open terrace, transformed into a luxurious outdoor lounge with a bar set against the backdrop of the night sky. The air out here is cooler, scented with the heady fragrance of night-blooming flowers.
Descending the terrace steps, we pass a large pool area, where the water glimmers with blues and greens under the moonlight. Steam rises gently from the heated waters. Some guests mingle in and around the pool, their laughter echoing with the splash of water.
Beyond the pool, the palace gardens unfold—a beautiful maze beneath the stars. Lantern-lit paths wind through meticulously tended flowerbeds and over ornate bridges spanning small, gurgling streams. Each turn reveals hidden nooks with benches perfect for discreet conversations or a stolen kiss. I wonder how many women Colton has whisked away out here during his years of living with his parents. He squeezes my hand gently, as if somehow reading my thoughts, and pauses to give me a quick kiss.
“Lyra, Colton!” a voice calls out, and I turn to see his mother, Elspeth, approaching. Her chestnut-brown curls bounce lightly, and her unique golden eyes sparkle in the soft lantern light. She’s accompanied by a few other people, including Colton’s stepfather, Granger.
“Ladies, you all know Colton, of course,” Elspeth says, smiling at us and introducing him to her friends. I notice she hesitates before mentioning me.
Colton, sensing the pause, wraps his arm around my lower back and says, “And this is my fiancée, Lyra.” He turns to me. “Lyra, meet my mother’s oldest friends—Rosalie and Odetta.”
“Pleasure,” Odetta responds, her tone carrying an edge. “Colton, you must remember my daughter Crimson. Do say hello to her tonight. It’s been too long.”
“It’s lovely to meet you, Lyra. You look beautiful. The rumors don’t do you justice,” Rosalie adds, her smile warm and genuine.
“Thank you,” I reply, appreciating Rosalie’s kindness but internally questioning what rumors she’s referring to.
“Colton, Lyra,” Granger interjects with a deep, authoritative voice. He gives us a brief nod before excusing himself to join a group of men nearby, each holding a drink and engaged in conversation.
“Well, ladies, I’ll let you get back to your gossip. The party is beautiful, Mother,” Colton says, and I breathe a silent sigh of relief that our interaction is brief.
“Thank you, son. And, Lyra dear, we’ll chat later. There are a few things we should discuss,” Elspeth adds, her tone light but carrying a weight that settles uneasily in my stomach.
What could she possibly want to discuss that couldn’t be said now? I manage a polite nod and a smile, masking my growing apprehension.
“Let’s grab a drink,” Colton says, guiding me away through the gardens. The farther we move from his parents, the better I feel—until he pulls me behind a sprawling moonflower bush into a secluded nook shrouded by blossoms.
The moment his lips find mine, the world falls away. His kiss is deep, insistent, and his hands roam over my body with a hunger that makes my knees weak.
“Colton,” I whisper when we break for air, my voice thick with desire.
“Do you want to skip out? Forget the party and make love under the stars?” he murmurs, his breath hot against my ear.
Tempting as it is, I know leaving now would only strain things further with his family. “Shouldn’t you introduce me to your friends first?” I tease, nibbling on his earlobe even as his hand slides up my dress, his fingers daring in their exploration.
“Only so they know you’re mine,” he growls, his finger slipping inside me, pressing into my heat. His touch sends a shiver through me, and I almost relent, almost say yes to leaving the party behind.
“Let’s give it a bit longer,” I manage to say, even as he drives another finger inside, sending waves of pleasure coursing through me.
“Your body seems to disagree, my shadow,” he teases, finding my clit with his thumb.
The thrill of potentially being discovered adds an edge to his touch that’s impossible to resist. “I love how you clench around my fingers. Later, I want to feel you tighten around my cock,” he whispers, driving me closer to the edge.
I nod and begin to rock my hips against his fingers. His breath is hot against my ear as he murmurs, “Good girl. Fuck my fingers,” he says, encouraging me deeper into the throes of my arousal.
I reach down, groping for his hardness through his pants. The contact stirs him further, and when I cry out, his mouth covers mine, swallowing my moans as I shudder and find my climax.
He eases his fingers out, allowing my dress to fall back into place. “I love you,” I exhale, leaning into his embrace, feeling the unresolved tension in his body.
“I love you more—my queen, my mate, my everything,” he responds, his voice rough with need.
I kneel down, unfastening his pants until his impressive length springs free. He’s magnificent, and I can’t help but wonder how I became so lucky. “I like when you look at me like that,” he teases. Realizing I’ve been caught staring, my cheeks warm. With a playful smile, I extend my hand, running it along his length a few times, reveling in the feel of him. Then, locking eyes with him to see his reaction, I take him into my mouth, eager to taste him.
He grips my hair gently at the back of my head, urging me deeper, and I oblige. Swirling my tongue around the tip and then sinking down, drawing him in as deeply as I can manage. I’m relatively inexperienced, but the sounds he makes—a low, appreciative moan—encourage me to continue.
With each motion, I push my limits, drawing him in until he brushes against the back of my throat, and I gag slightly, but it only spurs me on. “Fuck,” he breathes out, and I quicken my pace, using both my hand and mouth, keeping my eyes locked on his. His expression is one of sheer bliss, and it thrills me to know I’m the cause.
He reaches his climax, and I swallow, savoring the warmth then lick him clean. He pulls me to my feet, kissing me deeply, his taste mingling with mine. “Are you sure you don’t want to leave?” he murmurs against my lips, his hand caressing my cheek tenderly.
I hesitate, torn by desire. “I do...but we should stay a bit longer,” I admit, pressing my lips together. “Let’s rejoin the others before I change my mind.”
He laughs softly, “Alright, let’s grab a drink then.” I quickly adjust my hair and smooth out my dress, ensuring I look as composed as when we arrived. Slipping his arm around my waist, Colton leads me back through the gardens to the bustling terrace bar.
“Can I get you a Stardust?” Colton asks when we reach the bar. I let out a laugh, louder than I intended, drawing a few glances from nearby partygoers. I quickly cover my mouth, trying to contain my amusement, but the name Stardust brings back a flood of memories—it’s the arousal drink I had at my first party here, the very night I met Colton, though I was with Nyx at the time. So much has changed since then.
“Maybe later.” I wink, and he chuckles, picking up two amber glasses garnished with cherry and orange.
“Try this. It’s alcoholic but nothing...altering,” he assures me. I take a sip. It’s like whiskey but sweeter with a pleasant hint of citrus.
“It’s perfect,” I tell him, finishing the drink quickly. I have a feeling it’ll make the night more bearable.
He laughs softly, handing me another drink, and we start navigating the ballroom. He introduces me to a slew of people, but by my third drink, my head is spinning—not from the alcohol but from the sheer number of people he knows. I can’t remember a single name after the first dozen.
“Lyra, darling,” a familiar voice calls out, and I turn to see Flora approaching. Relief washes over me. She pulls me into a hug then looks at Colton. “We need to catch up. We’ll find you later,” she tells him. He nods, kisses my cheek, and lets me go.
Flora leads me back to the terrace and hands me a light-pink drink topped with smoky bubbles. She’s in a tight, sparkly red dress that matches her hair and wings almost perfectly .
“So how are you holding up?” she asks, eyeing me closely. “You look amazing, by the way.”
“So do you,” I reply. “I’m doing okay, all things considered. I can’t shake the feeling that Colton’s parents really don’t like me, and I’ve noticed a lot of odd looks.”
“Looks?” Flora echoes.
“Yeah, or an energy I feel. I don’t know. People are talking about me, and not in a good way,” I explain.
“Of course they’re talking about you. You’re beautiful, engaged to an elder’s son, and you’re the dark sorceress, the shadowmancer of our time. They have too much to speculate about. Not to mention you also use to date the Fae king,” she states matter-of-factly, making it sound like no big deal.
“When you put it like that, it makes me feel a whole lot better,” I say dryly, finishing my drink.
“Sorry. Don’t worry about it though. Most are curious or jealous. Powerful, attractive, and taking one of the most eligible Fae males off the market,” she adds.
“Okay, point made,” I say, raising my hands in mock surrender, and she giggles.
“I visited Seraphina earlier today. She wouldn’t show me your dress, but she said it’s nearly complete,” Flora tells me, taking a sip of her drink.
“I can’t wait to see it,” I respond, excitement bubbling within me.
“Have you two settled on a date yet? Or a location? When I saw Elspeth the other day at the library, I suggested you should have the ceremony at that coastal property in Onyxland I told you about. She seemed keen on the idea,” Flora says, her smile bright.
I return her smile, but a twinge of anxiety lingers within me. I really need to mend things with Elspeth and Granger, especially Elspeth. Perhaps tonight, if she seeks me out for that talk she mentioned, I’ll have my chance.
“Hey, can I ask you something?” I venture, taking a few steps toward the edge of the terrace, away from the bustling crowd. Flora follows, placing her drink on the railing.
“Of course, what’s on your mind?” she responds.
I hesitate, unsure if it’s wise to bring this up, but trusting Flora feels right. She works closely with Nyx after all. “Do you know anything about the military camp set up in Vision Valley?” I ask cautiously.
Flora’s eyes widen slightly. “How do you know about that?” she inquires, her surprise evident.
“It’s a long story, but I’ve seen it firsthand,” I admit, watching her closely for her reaction.
Flora takes a deep sip of her drink, seemingly weighing her words. “You should really speak to Nyx about that. I know things aren’t great between you two, but he’d likely explain if you approached him directly,” she suggests, sounding serious.
I nod, already dreading the thought of Colton’s reaction to such a meeting. Perhaps it’s better to wait until after I’ve spoken with him tonight to learn what he’s been up to with Dorian. We all need to be aligned, especially now, and it feels like we’re anything but.
Changing the subject to lighten the mood, I ask, “Is Bim here tonight?” I’ve always sensed a unique chemistry between him and Flora.
She brightens immediately. “He mentioned he might come, but I haven’t spotted him yet.”
A voice calls down from the balcony above us. “Flora, is that you?” a woman shouts.
Flora looks over, and her eyes widen. “Molly!” she exclaims. She turns to me with a quick smile .
“I’ll catch up with you later. Go ahead and mingle,” I encourage her, giving her a reassuring nod.
She gives me a hug and kiss on the cheek before dashing off to greet her friend.
I often feel awkward at events like this, likely a product of my sheltered upbringing. Being the subject of rumors and gossip certainly doesn’t help. “Enjoying yourself?” a man’s voice interrupts my thoughts, and I turn to see a Fae clad in all white. He’s quite handsome, with short dirty-blond hair and hazel eyes.
“Sure,” I respond, offering a half-smile.
“I hate parties like this,” he confesses. “I never enjoy exchanging boring pleasantries with people I barely know. The only good things are the drinks and the food.” His candidness makes me laugh, and I step closer to the bar to grab another of the premade drinks lined up.
“So are you friends with Colton?” I inquire, taking a sip of my drink.
“I don’t really know him or the woman he’s engaged to. My mother is friends with Elspeth, so I end up attending a lot of these parties. I’m Alaric,” he introduces himself, extending a hand. “I don’t think I’ve seen you before.”
“I don’t get out much,” I admit, shaking his hand but withholding my name. It’s refreshing to converse with someone who doesn’t know who I am. “Nice to meet you, Alaric.”
“Have you seen the couple we’re here to celebrate yet?” Alaric asks, taking a sip of his drink and stepping closer. “I hear the woman is mad. Her name is Laura or something like that. My mother says she’s using dark magic to trick Colton into bonding with her. Apparently, she’s here because her own people can’t stand her back in Cloudrum. There’s even a price on her head,” he whispers, cautious not to be overheard.
“Lyra. Her name is Lyra. And I’ve heard she’s sweet and misunderstood, and that Colton is madly in love with her, no magic involved,” I reply, struggling to mask my annoyance.
“Interesting. I wonder if the wedding will really happen. If it does, maybe we could go together. I assume Elspeth will invite everyone she knows, like tonight,” he muses, and I inwardly cringe, ready to end this conversation.
Elspeth’s voice startles me from behind. “Lyra, there you are! We have so much to discuss,” she says, catching me off guard.
I avoid making eye contact with Alaric as Elspeth hooks her arm through mine. “Let’s find somewhere quieter to talk,” she suggests, leading me away.
While led away, I glance back at Alaric and mouth, “I’m sorry.” He looks slightly bewildered and embarrassed himself, his cheeks now flushed a bright pink.