“I’m going to kill them all,” he growled into my neck, his words rumbling through me, sparking a heat that only intensified the ache in my core.
“I might just let you,” I whispered, breathless and trembling. We’d come so close-and I didn’t regret a single second of it. If anything, I felt like this had been a long time coming. No amount of anger or hurt could ever erase the undeniable pull between us, the magnetic tension that surfaced whenever we were near.
Leonardo pulled himself away from me with a reluctant sigh, his shoulders tense as he headed toward the double doors across the room. I took a moment to catch my breath, steadying myself before wandering over to a frosty white vanity and closet. Inside, a collection of ethereal dresses awaited, made of fabrics that shimmered as if woven from moonlight and snow. My fingers traced over them with a pang of envy. Dresses like these didn’t exist in the human realm, where nothing was made of magic or stardust.
Yet, despite their beauty, I knew I couldn’t afford to be vulnerable. I reluctantly released one of the dresses, instead choosing a simple tunic and pants, more suited for a swift escape if it came to that. Just as I reached for them, Leonardo’s hand brushed against the dress I’d been admiring.
“Water Court clothes suit you, kitten,” he said, nodding at the gown with an appreciative gleam in his eye. “Though, I might be a little biased.”
I chuckled softly, glancing down at the tunic in my hands. “As much as I love the dresses, I think I’ll stick with pants. You never know when you’ll need to make a quick getaway.”
Leonardo gave me a quick wink. “Perhaps we’ll take this one with us then.” The way he looked at me made my cheeks flush, and I stifled a laugh at the thought. Do people even blush in the Water Court?
“Stealing from your own court?” I teased with a raised eyebrow, feigning mock disapproval. His grin was endearing, even as he fumbled for a response. I let him squirm for a few seconds before flashing him a playful smirk. “I like it.”
His smile softened, but before he could say anything more, his face turned serious. “The High Lady wants to speak with you,” he said with a reluctant sigh. “There’s a dinner gathering we’ve been summoned to.”
“Is there a dress code?” I snorted, feigning disinterest.
“Oh, I’m sure there is,” he smirked, running a hand through his still-rumpled hair. “But as an Alpha and a Luna, technically, we’re not obligated to follow the rules. We set them.”
I managed a quiet laugh, feeling a thrill of confidence spark in my chest. As unsettling as the idea of meeting with the High Lady was, I couldn’t deny that it felt empowering to stand beside Leonardo, no longer shackled by fear or distrust.
Leonardo stepped out to give me privacy, and I changed quickly, slipping into the tunic and pants, letting the soft fabric hug my skin. The moment I stepped out of the bedroom, the brisk scent of icy air greeted me. Outside, snow drifted through the domed ceiling, visible through the wide columns that lined the corridor, and I marveled at the ethereal beauty of the castle around us. The columns were the only barrier between us and the swirling snow, each supporting the domed ceiling high above. From this height, I could see the white-dusted trees below, stretching down a long, steep hill.
A guard in shimmery white armor awaited us, his eyes a striking lavender that matched the Water Court’s ethereal palette. He led us down the corridor, with me clutching Leonardo’s arm for comfort. With him beside me, I felt invincible, determined not to let any of these Fae intimidate me, least of all Isotta and Marinella. I lifted my head high, ignoring the whispers of doubt.
“Will Marinella and Isotta be there?” I murmured, my voice barely louder than a whisper.
Leonardo nodded, the distaste in his eyes unmistakable. “They will. Isotta’s particularly close to the High Lady, though I’m not sure why. You’ll see soon enough. The High Lady treats her daughters like fragile snowflakes, but it’s Isotta who never leaves her side.”
“Marinella got into my head when I first woke up,” I admitted, my voice tinged with a quiet rage. “Did she try the same with you?”
His eyes turned cold. “She wouldn’t dare. She knows better.”
The look he shot me said it all-‘Not here, not now.’ The guard kept his head down, oblivious, and I held my questions, letting them simmer for another time.
As we wove through the castle’s many corridors, I marveled at the stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of blue, purple, and white across the walls. Outside, the snow-laden town below glittered under the early evening light, like something out of a dream. It was a perfect winter scene, with cobblestone streets, fairy lights, and glistening snow.
Finally, we stopped before a pair of towering doors, their intricate stained glass depicting a castle perched on a hill, overlooking a sprawling cityscape. My breath caught as I looked up at Leonardo’s face, feeling a sudden rush of nerves.
“I’m a little nervous,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. I looked into his eyes and realized how deeply he embodied the Water Court’s beauty-its harshness and its grace, its icy power and its hidden warmth.
Leonardo raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Nervous? The fearless Isabella is nervous?” He chuckled, his eyes alight with humor. “Maybe I was right to call you ‘kitten’ all along.”
I scowled, trying to ignore the warmth that flooded my cheeks. “Fine, maybe I am a little nervous. Jerk.”
He chuckled, hooking his arm with mine, his gaze softening as he pulled me close. “Then let’s go meet my family, shall we?”