The Viper

The bells rang three times before dusk, announcing the arrival of the delegation.

Every servant in the lower quarters had been summoned to the Great Hall. We were lined up in two silent rows along the walls, heads bowed and hands clasped over our dresses. The claw marks on my cheekbone throbbed under the heat of the torches, but I kept my face still.

Kaelith sat on the throne at the end of the hall. Beside him stood Vaelor, arms crossed over his chest, his eyes narrowed in hostility. Aliyah stood on the King's left, composed in dark robes.

The doors opened.

Alpha Darian strode into the hall, followed by a dozen armed guards. He had dark hair falling over his shoulders, sharp high cheekbones, and a charming smirk that didn't reach his cold eyes.

He stopped at the base of the dais and bowed.

"King Kaelith," Darian said, his voice smooth. "It has been far too long since I last stood beneath the arches of your citadel."

Kaelith did not rise. "You bring an entire garrison with you for a simple diplomatic visit, Darian."

Darian straightened, flashing a relaxed smile. "The mountain passes are crawling with rogues and rebels, cousin. A man cannot be too cautious with his safety. Surely a King as wise as you understands the necessity of strength."

Vaelor let out a sharp, mocking scoff from the side of the dais. "If you were truly confident in your strength, Darian, you wouldn't hide behind twelve shields just to cross a courtyard."

Darian’s gaze flicked to Vaelor, his smile thinning. "And if you were half as diplomatic as you are bloodthirsty, Vaelor, your borders might not be so restless."

"Enough," Kaelith commanded, and the room went dead silent.

"You requested audience before the crown, Darian," Kaelith said calmly. "State your purpose."

"All in good time, Your Majesty," Darian replied smoothly, opening his palms. "First, let us celebrate the enduring peace between our territories. I hear your citadel has expanded its domestic staff."

Darian turned, his eyes sweeping across the rows of servants. He walked down the line, stopping directly in front of me.

I held my breath, keeping my eyes on his boots.

"Fresh faces from the human settlements, I presume," Darian mused softly.

He raised his hand, his fingers reaching out toward my chin.

"Do not touch what belongs to my household, Darian."

Kaelith's voice sliced across the entire room.

Darian’s hand froze mid-air. He slowly pulled his fingers back and turned toward the throne.

Kaelith sat watching him, his eyes burning cold. Beside him, Aliyah's gaze darted between Kaelith and me.

Darian’s smirk returned. "A touchy King today. My apologies. I merely admire fine order among the staff."

Darian stepped away, heading back toward the center of the hall.

I let out a quiet breath and risked looking up.

Kaelith was looking straight past Darian. His gaze locked directly onto mine, I forced my eyes to stay empty and bowed my head once more.

Kaelith's POV

The tincture Thaddeus had brewed was doing its job, keeping the chaotic visions suppressed. But it did not dull my focus.

The moment Darian stopped before the servant line, my attention shifted.

He had stopped in front of her. She stood with her head bowed in her gray dress, the claw marks visible on her cheek.

When Darian reached his hand out to touch her face, a surge of territorial fury spiked through my chest.

"Do not touch what belongs to my household, Darian," the warning ripped from my throat before I could stop it.

Darian pulled his hand away, his sly eyes flicking between me and the girl. "A touchy King today," he mocked as he stepped back toward the center of the hall.

I ignored Darian. My gaze stayed locked on the girl.

Elara lifted her head for a fleeting second, her eyes meeting mine across the room.

There was no terror in her gaze. No confusion. No lingering trauma of a mind altered by magic. Her eyes were calm, clear, and steady…too steady for a human who had nearly been killed hours before.

Beside me, Aliyah leaned in slightly, her voice a low whisper. "She remembers nothing, Kaelith. Do not draw Darian's attention to her."

"I am aware," I replied quietly.

Yet as the girl lowered her gaze back to the floor, doubt tightened in my chest.

Compulsion leaves humans dazed and clumsy. Elara stood with the posture of someone guarding a secret. Darian began presenting his formal treaties, but I barely listened. I kept my eyes on the quiet human girl standing among the servants, wondering if the veil Aliyah had placed over her mind had failed entirely.