A Blood Oath and a Blood Promise. Similar, but not the same. A Blood Oath is one way. It is a pledge of loyalty to another. A ruler, perhaps. A Blood Promise is usually one way. However, instead of pledging allegiance, a promise can be anything. There are times where a blood promise can work two ways. Where both parties make promises of equal values.  Both blood magic spells will leave tattoo-like marks on the skin of those who made the promise. They will be individual to whoever uses the spell.

Though the promises may be different, there will always be one certainty. Break a Blood Oath or Blood Promise, then the pretty tattoo will infect your blood and kill you.

By making using such magic, given to us by the gods, you are promising them that you'll keep your word. They do not tolerate liars or promise breakers.

~History of the Gods.

Three Years Ago:

I am sat playing with Razan on my bed when there is a knock on my door. The pup darts under the bed as I wrap a robe around my nightdress. Opening the door, I see a servent. He bows before handing me a letter. I take it and close the door. Walking back to my bed, Razan jumps out again and hops onto the bed next to me as I sit down. Quickly, I open the letter.

I am very sorry, but I cannot attend today's meeting. I have been taken ill during the night and will need the next few days to recover. I will have the paperwork you desire when I am able.

I am very sorry to cause such a delay in our negotiations.

~Councilman of The Treasury.

So the meetings aren't on for the next few days. What a surprise. He probably needs more time to find the right paperwork because he's not been doing his job properly. I sigh and throw the paper away into my bin. Another knock has Razan running under the bed again. Clever pup. I am smiling as I open it. 

"Good Morning, Father," I say as he walks in.

"You got the letter?" he asks.

"I did," I reply and he lets out an annoyed growl.

"We can't have the meetings without him," he sighs before muttering curse words under his breath.

"Don't worry," I say to my father. "Let's give all of them a week to get their shit sorted. It will make him sweat a bit and maybe even scare them into doing their job right in the first place," I say. My father grumbles and agreement and nods his head.

"I would like you to take some of the Lupine into the city today," he tells me. I raise my eyebrows in surprise.

"Really?" I ask. He nods his head.

"I want the Lupine to feel more accepted and welcome," he begins. "That way, they may not be so hostile in our meetings," he tells me as he paces the room. "What better way than to introduce them to the people?" he asks. I smile.

"So, the people will see us as the welcoming and tolerant leaders," I begin "and The Lupine will feel less like they are being hidden away like we are ashamed and embarrassed to have them in our home." He nods his head. "Very well," I sigh. "I will get dressed and find my sisters."

"I will get a guard ready to escort you," he tells me.

"No," I say. "Let the Lupine be our protection." He goes to say something but I stop him. "They aren't going to hurt us," I sigh, thinking father would have got that by now. "Just let them see that you trust them. It will help."

"Fine," he grumbles and walks out of my room. An excited smile fills my face as I rush to my wardrobe to get ready.

I wear a slightly less formal dress. It is deep red in colour to match the rubies on my tiara. It is almost casual. Just soft red material with loose off the shoulder straps and an almost sweetheart neckline. Tight around the torso with a ribbon belt around my waist to allow the skirts beneath to flow a little more. Not much, but enough to allow me to move easily. My hair is styled in its usual half up and half down look. I smile when I see my reflection.

"What do you think?" I ask Razan who is sitting next to me. He lets out a bark and wags his tail. I laugh and stroke his head before leaving my room. I rush down the corridors, getting to Fallon's room in record time. Knocking on the door, Fallon shouts at me.

"Who is it?" she demands.

"It's me!" I shout back. She groans.

"Come in," she replies. Opening the door, my eyes widen at the sight. Fallon is in one of her more slinky robes which is a dark blue in colour and barely covers her bum. Lying in her bed are Aaliyah and Kovan.

"Busy night?" I ask my sister as I go an sit on her chair. She gives me a smirk and I laugh.

"If Father finds out..." I warn.

"What will he do to me?" she asks.

"Fair enough," I reply.

"If I am going to die in three years, I might as well make the most of my life now. It isn't every day Lupine warriors visit the city, might as well use them whilst they're here," she chuckles. Aaliyah stands up and I try not to blush at her naked form.

"Well," I begin as Razan jumps into my lap. "At least I don't have to go searching through the palace for you two," I tell them as Kovan also stands and starts putting on his clothes. "Father has told us to take our guests into the city today. Let them meet some of the people blah blah blah," I tell Fallon. She raises her eyebrows. 

"Really?" she asks. I nod my head.

"Yes, so get dressed and hurry up. I need you to get the girls whilst I try and find the Lupine," I tell her. She rolls her eyes.

"Fine," she grumbles. I look at the two Lupine and narrow my eyes.

"Make sure you two aren't seen leaving here," I warn them.

"Don't fret, princess," Kavon smiles calmly as his thick accent ring through the room.

"This isn't the first time we've snuck in here and it probably won't be the last," Aaliyah continues as she walks over to Fallon. There isn't much of a size difference between the three of them. Fallon is the tallest of us, followed by myself. However, Fallon is massively toned and muscular from all the training she does. If it weren't for her pale skin, she could easily pass as a Lupine. I shake my head as Aaliyah's hand snakes around Fallon's waist and she kisses her neck.

"Just hurry up," I sigh. "No getting distracted and please, not in front of me," I groan as Fallon leans into Alliyah's arms.

"You could always join in," Kavon jokes. I give him an 'are you serious?' glare which makes him laugh.

"Prude," Fallon taunts as I leave.

"Slut!" I shout back as I close the door behind me, hearing them laugh inside. I shake my head again as a smile plays on my face. My next destination is the western wing of the castle where all the Lupine are staying.

"Which room is the Solavar in?" I ask Razan who hops ahead of me. He stops at one of the doors and looks up at me with wide eyes. "So you expect a reward, huh?" I ask. He barks and jumps up excitedly. "I'll get you something in the city," I tell him as I knock on the door.

"Come in, Princess," the Solavar's voice calls from the other side. I feel my heart race a little bit as I open the door and enter his room. Razan darts around my feet to rush in and see Nishka, almost tripping me over in the process.

"Razan," I gasp as I very inelegantly trip and manage to catch myself before I fall flat on my face. "Little monster," I chuckle as he looks back at me with what almost looks like a grin. I shake my head. He turns and charges at Nishka.

"Good morning, Ana," Kai says as I close the door behind me.

"Good morning Kai," I reply, feeling slight butterflies in my stomach. He is shirtless and I can't help but have a look look. His chest is muscular and toned. Small scars sit along his right pectoral muscle. They start at his collar bone and stop about halfway down the large muscle. Tiny little white lines all in rows. On his left side is a large tattoo. A large sun made out of a variety of sharp intricate, interlocking shapes sits in the middle. It is surrounded by swirls that look like clouds which are all angled in the direction leading to his collar bone and shoulder. Embarrassed, I find his face again and clear my throat. He smirks at me and my heart flutters again at the look.

"My father has said we can visit the city today," I tell him. He raises an eyebrow and smiles. "He wants me to introduce you and your people to the city folk. To try and lessen the hostility between the two races," I smile. 

"It is a good idea," he tells me. "I guess I will have to inform my warriors," he says. I laugh.

"Aaliyah and Kavon are already aware," I tell him.

"Where did you find them or do I not want to know?" he chuckles.

"I found them in my sister's room," I tell him. His eyes darken. He mutters something in his language before he looks back at me.

"I am sorry, I will have to discipline them..."

"Don't worry about it. Fallon..." I begin and gulp. "Fallon wants to experience as much as she can before the Trial. If anything, she is using them more than they are using her," I tell him as I try to force a smile.

"I am worried about the repercussions on your sister if they are caught," he tells me with a frown. I laugh dryly.

"Don't be. Father doesn't do anything to Fallon. He doesn't care about her reputation as he does mine. He'll probably just continue to give her cold stairs and few verbal warnings but he'll never follow through on punishment." Kai frowns.

"Why not?" he asks, confused. I am not sure how to answer. I frown and my throat dries.

"Erm," I begin and gulp. "No one actually expects Fallon to make it through the Trial." There is an awkward silence. "Anyway," I say, forcing a smile on my face. I close my eyes though, try to not let the tears fall as my eyes begin to sting.

"Ana," he sighs. "I am sorry, I shouldn't have pushed." I open my eyes again and he is standing in front of me.

"No, it's okay. It's reality," I shrug and lean down to pick up Razan who snuggles into my ars to comfort me.

I clear my throat.

"If you could tell your people to be ready in an hour, I am going to check to see if Fallon has woken my sisters up yet," I tell him as I put Razan down again. "I think you need to stay here for now," I tell him. He whines but does as he is told.

"I'll see you soon," I say to them both and rush out of the room quickly.

Rayana and Shaelyn rush out into the courtyard at the same time. Myself, Cordelia and Fallon already stand waiting.

"Took your time," I say to the girls. They wear dresses similar to mine. Pretty, but not too fancy. Rayana pokes her tongue out at me and I scoop her into a hug. She lets out a little scream as I begin to tickle her. At sixteen, Rayana still has some growing to do which makes it easy for me to overpower her. I let her go and she rushes away from me, laughing.

"Bully," she tells me and I grin at her.

The Lupine are next to descend the stairs into the courtyard. I smile when I see Razan and Nishka by the side of the Solavar. They are dressed in their usual leathers and furs which makes them more intimidating. Today, hopefully, we can help people see that they aren't as savage as the stories say.

"Let's go," Fallon says impatiently as she begins to walk to the gate that leads into the city. I laugh and take Shaelyn's hand as we walk into the city. The Lupine are quick to rush around us. Kai falls in line next to me as we descend the hill.

"Good morning, princesses," he says to me and Shae. She blushes, giggles and then leans into my side. I laugh.

"Say hello back," I tell her.

"Morning Solavar," she says and looks away again. I roll my eyes at my fifteen-year-old sister. I pull her closer to me and kiss her forehead.

As we get further into the city, people begin to rush out of their houses to see us. Their faces are a mixture of joy and fear. Smiles are nervous and others pull their children out of the way and hide them behind their bodies.

"I don't think they like us," Kai whispers in my ear. I shrug.

"Their problem," I tell him. He laughs deeply and we continue our walk.

"Fallon, where are you leading us?" I ask as she powers ahead, Aaliyah and Kavon by her side. She turns to face me, grins and looks away again.

"I'm nervous," Shaelyn jokes. I laugh.

"Me too," I reply and squeeze her hand. Rayana rushes over. The Solavar moves over so Ray can take my other hand. 

"I think you need to lead the way, Ana," she jokes. "Who knows what Fallon is planning," she tells me.

"I know," I sigh. Cordelia talks to Fallon and the other Lupine ahead and I watch as the two laugh and smile. It is nice to see that. Razan, as usual darts around my feet and almost trips me over multiple times. This makes Rayana and Shaelyn squeal with laughter as they pull me up to keep me from falling.

"Razan!" I call exasperated as the pup sits down ahead of me with a victorious look on his little face. Fallon leads us around a corner into a very wide street. It is full of people and stalls. 

"It's market day!" Shae shouts and lets go of my hand to run to the closest stall.

"Shae," I shout after her.

"Do not worry, my people will keep her safe," Kai says in my ear. The Lupine quickly follower her into the crowd which part for them to move. I stop and smile as Shaelyn picks out some bread and offers some to her Lupine guards. They take it with a bow and she hands the baker a little extra money. Rayana rushes over to Cordelia and the two then disappear into the crowds. Followed, of course, by three of the Solavar's Lupine. I shake my head. The crowd are already excited as whispers of our arrival spread. Already they look and call our names.

"Come on," I sigh to the Solavar. "I promised I would buy this monster a little treat," I say and walk over to a butchers stall. It isn't very big. A small wooden hut with a display of cut up meats.

"Good morning, Princess," he says and bows his head.

"Good Morning, Aiden," I say. Aiden is one of the five men who have permits to hunt in the King's Wood.

"I'll take two small venison steaks please," I tell him and reach into the little pouch of money I have.

"For you, princess, it is free of charge," he grins as he bags up the food.

"Don't be stupid," I tell him. "I'll pay just like everyone else." I hand him over a few silver coins before taking the produce.

"Thank you, princess," he grins and tucks the coins away safely. His eyes fall on the Solavar.

"Is there something I can get for you, sir?" he asks.

"No, thank you," Kai replies. Aiden looks almost relieved. As we begin to walk away, Razan and Nishka begin jumping for the bag. I hold it up higher.

"Not yet," I laugh at the greedy pups. It gets busier and soon we have to start weaving around people. Kai ends up picking both of the pups up just so they don't get trodden on. 

"Good morning princess," people say as they walk past and I reply back, sometimes taking their hands.

I barge my way to another stall. This one is full of cakes and pastries.

"Good morning, Priya," I grin as the girl behind the stall squeals and rushes around to hug me.

"Ana," she says as she shakes my body. "Why have you not visited me for so long?" she asks in a mocking angry tone.

"I've been a little busy," I tell her and gesture to Kai. She looks him over and grins.

"Yes, I would have been a bit busy too if they were staying in my home," she grins wickedly.

"Dirty cow," I laugh as she helps out my usual.

"Will you be out tonight?" she asks, looking hopeful. I smile and hand her the money. 

"Maybe," I tell her. She grins.

"I'll tell the others you're coming then."

"I said maybe," I laugh and I can tell she is choosing to ignore that bit. I leave her and head to the next stalls. I chat away to all the owners as I buy bread and fruits before meeting up with my sisters by the fountain at the end of the street. They are looking very happy with their new purchases.

"Where now, guide?" I ask Fallon. She shrugs.

"I'm going to take the girls to Rita's," she replies. They all jump and squeal with delight and I sigh.

"Am I not invited?" I ask her.

"You can come if you want, but I thought you might want to eat your lunch in peace," she tells me with a cocky smile on her face. I sigh.

"Off you go girls," I tell them. They surround Fallon and she takes their hands with a massive grin on her face. She leans down, giving Shae and Ray a kiss on their foreheads. No one makes Fallon smile that way but my sisters. The Lupine seem to get Fallon's hint and all leave with my sisters too.

"Come on," I say to Kai and take his hand, our fingers intertwining. He laughs as I pull at his arm. I drag him through the city, barging my way through the crowds with ease until I get to a large building. The door is closed, but I lead him around the back to where there is an open window about two meters off the ground. It is quiet around here. I nice break from the noise and not a person in sight.

"Quickly, before someone comes round here," I urge.  "Can you give me a boost?" I ask. He smiles and leans down, linking his hands together. I put my foot in his hands and he almost throws me up. I latch onto the window sill and drag myself inside. I fall through with a squeal and very clumsily. Landing with a thud on the spiral stairs. Quickly, I stand to look back out of the window. Kai has Razan in his hands and is preparing to throw the pup up to me. I get ready to catch. Kai launches him into the air and I catch him with ease, quickly putting him down so I can do the same to Nishka. When she is safely inside the Solavar jumps up, catching the ledge with ease and pulling himself up and inside. I gesture to be quiet and begin to rush up the stairs. The spiral stone steps seem to go round and round forever and the higher we go, the narrower the walls become. When we finally get to the top, we have to crouch. There is also no torchlight to see so I have to feel around for the latch to the door.

"Come on," I grumble under my breath before my hands find it. "Yes," I grin and push it up. Daylight fills the space and I pull myself out of the narrow passage and onto the ground of the bell tower. The pups follow me and then the Solavar. Above us, is a huge bell. Around us are four pillars holding up the pyramid roof the bell sits under. There are no walls though. Only empty gaps for us to look out over the city. Closing the trap door behind us, I sit down with a sigh.

"Where are we?" Kai asks.

"We're in the bell tower of the Sons of the Pure holy ground," I tell him. He raises an eyebrow.

"They won't like finding you here then," he chuckles.

"That's what makes this place even better," I grin as I unpack the meat for the pups. Throwing it on the ground, Razan and Nishka dive for it.

"Greedy," I tell them both.

"How did you find this place?" Kai asks as I unpack our food.

"Fallon did," I tell him. "She likes to sneak around the city," I chuckle. "It has the best view from here though," I say and smile as my eyes scan the miles and miles of buildings and mazes of streets. I even look back at the castle.

I pop a piece of onion bread in my mouth and let out a content groan.

"So, who is this Rita your sisters were so excited to see?" Malakai asks. I look over at him.

"She is the headmistress of one of the city's largest orphanage and school," I tell him. He raises an eyebrow. "My sisters like to go and look after and play with the children."

"Every day," he chuckles, "the five of you surprise me." I smile and look away with a slight blush. "We did not expect our princesses to be so..." he frowns looking for the word. "kind," he finally says. I laugh.

"I dread to think about what you were expecting," I tell him as I finish my bread and move onto the fruits. He laughs. I turn to face him, looking into his golden-green eyes.

"Princess," he begins.

"Yes," I answer.

"I want to thank you, for yesterday." I look down.

"The meeting?" I ask. He nods his head.

"We weren't really getting anywhere," he sighs. "Hopefully with you there, we might be able to sort out this peace treaty." I nod my head.

"I hope I can help," I tell him. The smile falls off his face and he looks into my eyes.

"You would make a good Queen," he tells me. I look away quickly and stand up. I walk over to one of the pillars and lean against it, looking over the city, my eyes falling on the Arena. The place where most of our trials will take place and eventually, our sacrifices.

"You shouldn't say things like that," I whisper.

"Why not?" he asks and I hear him stand behind me.

"Because," I snap at him. "I don't want to hear it. I can never be the Queen. In three years time, I will die and that is that. I just want to enjoy my few moments of peace now whilst I still have them. I don't want to hear what could be because it is never going to happen."

"Ana," he sighs and I feel his warmth behind me. My heart rate flutters and butterflies fill my stomach. "You don't know the outcome of the Trial, you may win." I turn to face him.

"Do you really think," I begin, my voice low and soft, "that I am going to allow myself to live when it could be one of my sisters?" I ask. He looks down at me and again I feel the tears prick in my eyes.

"No," he finally sighs, looking away from me. "I suppose not." I look away and back to the city. His hand touches my shoulder and I reach up with my own hand to touch his. Closing my eyes, I lean back into him. I sigh, taking in his warmth. We stand in peaceful silence and I find myself leaning into his warmth even more. I tilt my head and look up at him. He smiles down at me softly, his eyes looking into mine. 

"What?" I ask softly. His fingers skim my cheek as he tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear. I supress a shudder. He smirks and I raise an eyebrow. He is about to open his mouth to say something when he tenses. His eyes narrowing and his head tilting slightly.

"Someone is coming up the stairs," he whispers in my ear. My eyes widen.

"Looks like we are taking the fun way down," I say as I grab all the bags up and throw them over my shoulders.

"Come on pup," I say and scoop Razan up with one hand, cradling him between my arms and side.

"Keep up, if you can," I taunt Kai as I jump over the edge of the tower. I land on a small ledge and run along it before jumping down to another lower down. I hear the door open above us and freeze. I press my back to the stone wall of the tower, trying not to make a sound. Kai does the same above me. We hear two men talking above us, but I can't hear exactly what they are saying. After a few moments, they are gone and I begin my descent again. I leap from ledge to ledge and run along narrow beams before reaching the main roof of the holy building. I sprint along it before finding the spot I need. I jump off the building and land on the balcony of the one opposite. My feet barely touch the ground before I swing over the stone balcony wall and onto the ground.  Kai lends just seconds after me. I am out of breath and my adrenaline is pumping as I put Razan down.

"Quite the adventure," Malakai laughs. I grin.

"Come on, we need to be getting back with the girls," I tell him.

"Are you sneaking out into the city again tonight?" Shaelyn asks as I tuck her into bed. I nod my head.

"Yes," I whisper as I kiss her on her forehead.

"I want to come," she sighs.

"Maybe when you're older," I tell her. She huffs and I smile.

"Goodnight," I say and kiss her again. "I love you," I say and she wraps her arms around me.

"I love you too," she replies. We stay like that for a few moments and I close my eyes, enjoying being close to her.

She laughs and lets me go.

"Go away, I need my beauty sleep," she tells me. I raise an eyebrow at her.

"Yes, princess," I mock and curtsy. She laughs and throws a cushion at me. I poke my tongue out at her and throw it back before leaving her room.

Fallon waits outside and hands me my black cloak. It is already dark and the castle is starting to go to sleep.

"Have you got everything?" I ask. She nods her head and I pull by black cloak over my head.

"So, are you inviting the Solavar along?" she whispers as we make our way through the castle.

"What is your obsession with the two of us spending time together?" I ask. She laughs wickedly.

"I like seeing you squirm," she tells me. I roll my eyes. "It doesn't matter if you weren't going to invite him. I already did." I slap her shoulder and as we turn the corner, I see the Solavar standing with Aaliyah and Kovan. Without the pups this time. Which is probably a good thing.

"Hurry up," she tells them as we dart past them. "We need to get out before the patrols come back around." They quickly follow us as we rush through the dark corridors. Fallon comes to a stop by a tapestry and pulls it away. Behind is a narrow stone passage.

"Hurry," she urges as I dive into it. I hear the others crawl in behind me as I crawl on all fours. The loss of light tells me Fallon is inside and has pulled the tapestry back in front of the hole. Only moments after, I hear the sound of the patrol walking past.

Knowing the way without needing to see, I crawl through the passage. It goes on for a while and eventually opens up so we can walk. It is still just as dark and I use my hands against the wall to guide me. Finally, I see light ahead. I crouch down to where there are four bars at the bottom of a stone wall.

"Fallon," I whisper. She crawls down next to me and together, we twist the bars until we are able to pull them out completely and crawl out of the gap. Once the Lupine are out, we put them back in.

"Right outside the castle wall," Kovan says with wide eyes.

"Make sure you forget that little secret," Fallon warns him as we begin to rush through the dark streets. He just laughs.

"Yeah, sure," he tells her.

Fallon and I know exactly where we are going and the Lupine follow on quietly. Scarily quiet for their size. We come to a small courtyard. It is lit up by torches and is occupied by drunken men and women stumbling around from Inn to Inn. We walk to the tallest building. From the outside, it is nothing special. Two scantily clad women stand at the front, luring in customers.

"What kind of place have you brought us too, princess?" Kavon asks Fallon.

"I am shocked," Aaliyah mutters into Fallon's ear with a laugh. The girls at the front of the door see us and immediately straighten. Smiles light up their faces as they rush into the building. We run in after. The interior is a massive improvement from the interior. The walls are lined with sheets of colourful materials the add so much brightness and warmth to the space. Potted plants full of vibrant flowers also hang on the wall and the floor is occupied by lots of large, comfortable chairs which are mostly occupied. A man rushes up from a corridor and rings a bell.

"Alright, scumbags!" he shouts. "We're closing, get the fuck out!" he calls. There are various groans of annoyance as people begin to leave. We keep our cloaks raised until all the customers have left. The workers rush around closing windows and locking doors. The jolly man rushes over and grabs me and Fallon, scooping us into a large hug. I laugh.

"It's been so long, my darlings," he says as he plants kisses on our cheeks. "How are you?"

"We are well," Fallon replies and gives him a kiss back.

"Hugh!" a voice calls. "Let the girls go, you're suffocating them!" Ava walks in from the corridor, looking just as beautiful as ever. Her bronze skin glows in the firelight and her deep red hair is silky as it hangs down her back in waves.

"Hello, girls," she says and gives us a light hug and kisses us on the cheeks. Some of the other workers take our cloaks and we all go and sit on the chairs in a group. 

"Wow," one of the girls says as she walks around the Lupine, inspecting them. "You have brought us a nice gift," she grins.

"Lucille," Hugh says. Priya walks into the room and squeals. She looks very different from earlier. A skimpy corset dress replaces her baking overalls and her blonde hair has been curled. Glitter has been added to her pale skin.

"I told them you would come over tonight, but Hughie didn't believe me," she says and leans on his shoulder.

"That isn't what I said, girl," he chuckles.

"Stop your bickering," I tell the two of them as I lean back in my seat. "Fallon," I say, gesturing to my sister.

Fallon removes a pouch from her pocket.

"Priya told me today you are struggling," she says and throws Hugh the rattling pouch. He frowns.

"We would have managed," he sighs.

"It isn't about just managing," I say. "It is about thriving," I tell him in a soft voice. "We want the best for this place. We want your workers to be safe."

"That will buy you this month's medical checks for all your employees," Fallon tells him. Ava smiles, tears springing to her eyes.

"Thank you, girls," she says and stands. She plonks down between the two of us and pulls us close to her. Kissing each of us on the cheeks.

"What's happened though?" I asked. "You were doing so well." Ava and Hugh share a look.

"We had an incident here a few weeks ago," he begins.

"A customer got Violent with one of the girls." My eyes widen.

"Is she okay?" I ask.

"Yes, she is fine. She is taking a few weeks off though. Our security was a little too... overprotective."

"They killed him," Ava snaps. "And rightfully so." Hugh caresses her back gently.

"The problem is, word has gotten around and not many people want to come back to place where security kills their customers," he sighs. I frown and lean back in my chair.

"Business will increase again," Ava smiles. "We just have to wait it out. Soon people will forget about the nasty in favour of getting into someone's skirts," she grins. "This will help us until then though, so thank you." I smile and smuggle into her. She strokes my hair and kisses my forehead.

"How are the two of you really?" she asks.

"Scared," I reply.

"We only have three years," Fallon whispers as she hugs into Ava's other side. The rooms falls into a sad silence. No one knows what to say. Ava hugs us a little tighter.

Priya comes and sits next to me.

"Well, let's stop being sad then," she says and takes my hand and pulls me away off the chair.

"Priya," Hugh scolds. She rolls her eyes and gets the musicians to start playing.

"Come on," she grins. "Three years is still a long time away. Let's not think about it tonight and just enjoy ourselves!" I laugh and allow her to spin me around.

"Okay then," I sigh as I give in.

The workers are quick to pull the Lupine into dancing.

"I've not had a Lupine before," Lucille says as she grabs Aaliyah's hand. I am handed a drink of what smells like wine and I gulp it down quickly. Fallon does the same and grabs Kovan. I raise my eyebrows as she takes his hand and seductively dances in front of him. There is a cool grin on his face as his hands clutch at her hips. She grins back at him before whispering in his ear. His eyes widen and his grin only gets wider.

"Fallon works fast," Priya says as she spins me around again.

"She certainly does," I reply.

"Good for her."

"Yes, good for her," I echo.

The night gets louder the more people drink and dance. I think I dance with almost everyone without a care in the world. Kai keeps an eye out, alert and standing next to the door. I smile at him.

"Your other Lupine friend is very..." Priya wobbles and slurs her word. "Stern," she says. I shake my head and have to whisper in her ear because of the volume of the music now playing.

"He is just making sure we don't get into any trouble," I tell her. She goes to say something, but Harry snakes his hand around her waist and pulls her away. She squeals and giggles before kissing him. I walk over to Kai.

"You can relax, you know," I say as I lean close to him and whisper into his ears on my tiptoes.

"I thought I would let my Lupine have their fun tonight," he says back in my ear. "Someone still has to keep guard though," he tells me. I shake my head and grab his hand, pulling him away from the door.

"They have security outside," I shout back. "Who can be trusted." He looks reluctant but doesn't argue as I step closer to him. I look up at his handsome face and sparkling eyes. Going onto my tiptoes again, I whisper into his ear.

"Do the Lupine not know how to party?" I ask. He raises his eyebrow at me and leans down to whisper in my ear. His breath is hot against the skin of my neck as he does so and I have to suppress the shiver.

"The Lupine know exactly how to party," he tells me as his hands find my hips. My heart begins to race at his touch and our closeness. I look up at him with a wide smile as I wrap my arms around his neck.

Priya whistles behind me and I blush, leaning my head on Kai's chest to hide my embarrassment. Kai's laugh rumbles through his chest and his arms wrap around me further. Almost protectively.

I look back up at him and smile softly. Going on my tiptoes, I again go and whisper into his ear.

"We actually have to dance, we can't just stand here," I joke. He raises an eyebrow.

"Very well, Princess," he grins and I let out a squeal as he spins me around so my back is against his chest and my arms are twisted in front of me.

"I think I'll show you a traditional Lupine dance," he whispers in my ear before spinning me around again.

I laugh and lose myself in the dance as he moves me. We move together and I have never felt so close to anyone before. I laugh and move my hips to the music, my back against his chest. His hands hold my waist tightly and I close my eyes, enjoying his touches as his hands slide between my waist and my hips. I tilt my head back, resting it on his shoulder, my arms coming up behind me so my fingers can run through his hair. Kai has a wide smile on his face as he looks down into my eyes. I can't help but smile back and move my hips a little more against him. He lets out a hot breath which tickles the skin of my neck, making me shiver. When the music ends, I am out of breath and staring directly into the glistening eyes of Malakai. I can't help the grin on my face as he laughs and hugs me. 

Too soon, Fallon is tapping me on my shoulder.

"It's time to go," she whispers. I pull away from the Solavar but don't let go of his hand. Too quickly, we've finished saying our goodbyes and are on our way back through the city and toward the castle.

What a night it has been.