His heart thrashed against his ribs, and sweat splashed hot and cold over his skin. He wanted to tempt Meeryn further; an inch lower, a breath nearer. Then a breeze teased the candle’s thin flame. Her look vanished as if it had never been, and he surfaced from the lecherous swirl of his desire just before he made an utter ass of himself.

“When did this happen?” Thankfully, his voice emerged only slightly raspy.

Meeryn yanked the robe up to her neck, her body rigid, her gaze fierce. “A month ago. I’m surprised you didn’t hear.” Her voice trembled, though the emotion behind it was difficult to decipher. “Sir Dromon accuses you of having spies in every household and knowing our secrets before we speak them.”

“I’m flattered, but unfortunately, my network isn’t quite that extensive or well informed.”

She opened her mouth as if to respond, her gaze swimming with thoughts left unspoken. Gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head before continuing on. “Muncy Tidwell died unexpectedly a few weeks ago.”

Somehow he doubted that was what she’d originally intended to say, but if she chose to ignore his boorish behavior, he sure as hell wasn’t going to bring it up. And so the awkwardness dissipated ever so slowly.

“A more useless N’thuil the world has never seen,” Gray replied.

“Granted, but Jai Idrish chose him . . . it must have seen something within his heart that spoke of promise.”

“What did it see in you?”

She ducked her head, looking almost shy . . . or ashamed. “I don’t know. It has yet to speak to me. Not since the night of my choosing has it woken from its slumber.”

“Which must be a tale in itself. Jai Idrish has never chosen anyone not shaman-trained.”

“Or male,” she added. “So I’ve been told—repeatedly.”

“Then how . . .”

“It wasn’t my fault, Gray. Honestly. I woke one night as if someone had called to me. I walked out into the corridor, thinking I was being summoned; that the Duke needed me. I don’t remember much after that, but the next thing I knew I was standing in the tower sanctuary, the sphere glowing warm beneath my fingers. It was as if a piece I never knew was missing had suddenly slotted itself into place and I was whole.”

“Sir Dromon must have been furious.

“The Arch Ossine wasn’t happy, but there was nothing he could do once the crystal had chosen its Voice. The laws are clear, and if Sir Dromon is a stickler about anything, it’s following clan law.”

“Hoist with his own petard. He must have been furious after so many years of a compliant toady like Tidwell serving as mouthpiece and cover for his crimes.” A smile quirked his lips as the implications of this news sank in. “Perhaps that’s why you were chosen. You’ve never been compliant in your life.”

A fact he now counted on.

Praise for

ALEXA EGAN

and

Demon’s Curse

“Complex world-building and compelling characters. Egan’s creatures are sexy, soulful, and dangerous.”

—Molly Harper, author of the Nice Girls series

“A luscious, well-told story.”

—New York Times bestselling author Grace Burrowes

“Replete with dark, sensuous, and honorable characters and a fast-paced, intricate plot, this highly romantic and exciting story is a winner.”

—RT Reviews (41/2 stars)

“Sexy shifters, ancient blood feuds, and a heroine who won’t quit her man. . . . I could not put it down.”

—USA Today bestselling author Caridad Piñeiro

“Will leave readers eagerly anticipating future volumes.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Alexa Egan promises to be a star of the genre.”

—Kathryne Kennedy, author of the Elven Lords series

Also by ALEXA EGAN

Awaken the Curse

Demon’s Curse