Zephyrine “Alright! Now spill it.” I heard those words, but I pretended I didn’t and threw out another question instead. “When is Mother returning from her trip? And I know I have to inform Father too about Blue’s arrival, and also…” “Spill it, Zephyrine Ashmere. You did it, didn’t you?” she cut in, and I raised an eyebrow at the full name she just used. “Will you lower your voice?” “Oh, maybe I should start calling you Zephyrine Blood instead. Which one will you prefer?” I rolled my eyes tiredly and began undressing for the night, but paused when I noticed her gaze trailing down my body. “My goodness, Dessyn, will you stop?” “Not until you spill it.” I sighed and continued undressing. Reaching for my nightgown, I slipped it on before walking to wash my hands and face. When I climbed into bed, she had already poured out two goblets of wine. I arched a brow. “I couldn’t help but get addicted to the wine Apex gifted me. I bought the second batch myself. It’s not as perfect, but it will do and besides, your situation calls for a celebration. Now, spill it.” I took the goblet from her, sipping slowly. When I lowered it, I caught her watching me over the rim of hers, and I nearly snapped. She only laughed at my frustration. “Okay. Here you go.” I began, and she froze, eyes unblinking. She wanted the full story. “Lycannar and I went to the memorial hall together, and from there… we went to the Black Tower.” Dessyn stiffened, staring at me. “What?” “What?” I echoed. “You just said Black Tower. I heard that place is forbidden to everyone, even his sisters. But you entered it?”Her words made me pause. Earlier this morning, when I followed him into his chamber, he had been stunned to see me step in. Wait… why could I cross the threshold when no one else could? “We mated inside it,” I said quietly. Dessyn’s lips twitched into a knowing smile. “He’s my first,” I finished, lifting my goblet for another sip but she caught my wrist before I could drink. “That wine was to bribe you. Don’t think you can stop just there.” “I’m not going into details with you. He is my man.” I froze as the words left my mouth. Wait… what? Dessyn’s grin spread wider. “You’re an Ashmere. For you to lie with a man you’re not mated to… I know you. That means the lust was heavier than anything you could resist.” I bowed my head, swallowing. “He didn’t give me any other choice. You have to see him inside the pool, lit by ancient candles. He is… the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen.” “What did he do to you, Zephyr?” “He made me forget I have a mate,” I whispered honestly. “He made me start doubting the work of the Moon Goddess. The mate bond between Nyroth and I doesn’t stand a chance against what I feel for Lycannar.” I exhaled shakily, then shrugged. “Lycannar is… something else in bed.” Dessyn’s eyes lit with interest, but I shoved her arm. “You’re misunderstanding.” “Oh, come on. This is a king we’re talking about. I’ve always wondered what he’d look like without those black clothes and that cloak. You should tell me, Zephyr. We’re best friends.” “You didn’t tell me about yours, so why should I tell you about mine?” “Mine is your elder brother. You don’t want to know what he looks like without armor and clothes, do you?” I raised an eyebrow, sighing. “Mine is fierce in bed.” I said. “Mine is gentle in bed.” She replied. “Lycannar was attentive.” “Varyn was also attentive.” “After we mated… he held me close and fell asleep, and I did too the moment my head touched his arm.” “After we made love… he held me close and whispered sweet words to me.” “When I woke… he bathed me, introduced me to his family, and declared me to them as his woman.” Silence fell. I watched Dessyn’s excitement turn sour. She lowered her gaze, sniffing. “The next day, he took his armor and went to war. He promised to return… but he lied.” The tension between us thickened. Tears welled in her eyes despite her effort to hold them back. She turned away, brushing them off angrily. All these years, she had never really talked about Varyn. I had never asked. I didn’t know she was hurting this much. I thought I was the only one aching and searching for my brother but here is a woman who loved him. “Dessyn…” “I hate him,” she murmured, sniffing. “I hate Varyn so much. He promised me companionship, but gave me loneliness instead. All these years, no letters, no words… he…” “Dessyn.” I reached for her hand, caressing it. “Varyn will be back. Jurrek won’t stop looking, and neither will I.” She flicked her gaze to mine, fear flashing in her eyes. “What if he doesn’t remember the night we shared? The passion? What if he’s forgotten me?” “Stop. My brother is not an asshole. He’s not the type to run from anything. He will come back to us.” She nodded, tension easing. I grabbed both goblets, handing her hers. We clinked them together and downed the contents in one go.“So now we both aren’t virgins anymore. Done it once each. We should throw a party for that,” she teased. “That’s odd… and I don’t think once will be enough for Lycannar. He’ll come for my body again.” “Really? How can you tell?” she pried. I set my goblet down, lay back, and pulled the blanket over me. “Good night.”