And his family… they were all so elegant. His father was dressed in a dark blue jacket with gold trim. His mother was in a matching gown, and it looked like something straight out of the Renaissance. Gia and Farrel were both wearing cream colors, but they were just as formal.
Kirian’s face gets serious as we stop at the end of the hall. “If I’d asked you to come with me today, would you have said yes?” While he waits for my answer, he touches his hand to the doorknob. The lock must be enchanted too, because it just clicks open.
“No. Probably not,” I reply. “I was trying really hard to stick to my guns.”
“Then I’m glad I did what I did,” he says, stubborn and unapologetic.
With a light shove to my ass—seriously, he did that on purpose—Kirian shuffles me inside. “Our bedchambers.”
Using the word ‘our’ already? How presumptuous.
When I see the two huge rooms, a part of me thinks it wouldn’t be so bad to call this place mine.
There’s a fireplace to my left. It’s a rustic style, with round stones going all the way up to the cathedral ceilings. The walls are exposed brick, but they’ve been painted white. It brightens up the room, which is much needed with the darkness outside.
Since walking into the castle, I’ve noticed their preference for lighter shades. Creamy marble. White walls. Lots of chandeliers.
Six wall sconces light the room, and when I look closer, I realize they’re actually hanging lanterns. I wonder where the electricity comes from. There’s no fire inside, but they don’t appear to be plugged into the wall either. It can’t be solar power, since they don’t have a sun here. Star power, maybe? Is that a thing?
A dark-blue velvet couch and chairs sit in the middle of the room. There’s a huge round rug with various shades of blue and yellow spun through the fibers. A stained-glass window is straight ahead, and it has the same royal blue and gold in the shape of a long, triangular flag.
The Night Realm colors.
I walk forward when I see a painting of a young Kirian mounted in a gold frame.
“I remember when you looked like that.” Nostalgia sweeps over me as I step closer to examine the picture. He’s probably about fifteen here.
“I’ve never seen it,” Kirian says from behind me. “But I’ve been told the artist did a good job of catching my likeness. Someday you could have one right next to mine. Or, even better, we could have one of us together.”
Enough of this silliness. Playtime is over.
I face Kirian. “We need to talk.”
Dread forms in my stomach for two conflicting reasons. One, I don’t want to leave, but I have to. Two, I’m not sure I can get back to my world.
“Valora isn’t so different from the human realm,” Kirian goes on optimistically. “I think you’ll like it here. The fae have adopted many of your customs. Your metric system and your calendar year, for example. English is the primary language, although figures of speech and sarcasm are still lost on many. We’ve taken animals from your world, so we have species you’re familiar with. Like kittens. Would you like a kitten?”
“No.” He’s so not getting the point.
“A marriage ceremony isn’t necessary—a verbal agreement is binding—but we do it anyway. The people like to see the union, and they love to celebrate after. Weddings are a big deal.” He flashes me a wolfish grin before continuing, “Unfortunately, we’re behind on technology. I don’t think that’ll bother you too much, since your parents were so against it. You won’t find cars, internet, or cell phones here. There are certain citizens who can’t withstand the fumes or the electronic radiofrequencies. The sprites are very delicate creatures. We do have indoor plumbing, though.”
“That all sounds great, but I have a life somewhere else.”
“How can that be true when I’m not there with you?” Kirian comes closer, and I can feel the heat coming off his body. “I’m your life, Quinn.”
He’s not trying to be cruel, but the truth of it stings. All my hobbies revolve around Kirian. Since becoming homeschooled, he’s been my main source of social interaction.
My memories are so tangled up with him, I’m not sure I know how to be on my own. My college major is still undecided, and I’ll probably hate living in a dorm.
But, damn it, I’m determined to try. “I’m supposed to be leaving for school tomorrow. I have plans.”
“We have a university here in Delaveria.” Kirian’s eyebrows furrow with frustration because I’m not backing down. “You can study whatever you want. Philosophy, history, literature, art.”
“The way your family looked at me.” I touch my face. “They were disgusted. I don’t belong here.”
I can’t stop picturing the way Gia wrinkled her nose. Or her perfectly perfect face, her porcelain skin, her long light-brown hair, and lavender eyes. Physically, she’s like the female version of Kirian.
It’s been a long time since I cared about anyone calling out my freckles. But seeing all that blinding beauty made the insult a hundred times worse than being teased by a jock who eats his own boogers.
Kirian’s mom and dad are just as stunning, and they’re total opposites. Zella is light, with blond hair and vibrant violet eyes. Keryth has darker features, with crystal-blue eyes, tan skin, and coal-colored hair. I have no idea how old they are, since fae take a crap ton of years to show age.
I hate to admit it, but Kirian’s family is right to be concerned. He could do so much better than me.
“You… really want to be free of me?” he rasps. The pain in his voice is so heavy, it makes my chest hurt.
“You don’t want to be stuck with me when you have a soul mate out there somewhere,” I remind him softly, touching his arm. “What happens when you find her?”
That’s my real fear. Sure, he says he wants me
