“Good, witchling. You deserve someone who will worship you, who thinks your magic is just one of dozens of things they find incredible about you. Don’t settle for anything less.” The heat in his gaze lights me up inside, and I even catch myself studying my skin, wondering if I might be actually glowing. I’m not, but the spark inside of me doesn’t go out. For once, I step closer to Thorne, not the other way around, and I think I hear a low noise in the back of his throat.

“Laurel,” he breathes my name like a prayer, like a lifeline in the dark. His eyes are searching, darting across my face with all the fae senses he’s honed over centuries. Before I know what’s happening, his arm wraps around my waist, pulling me into him, and I don’t protest.

“Thorne,” is all I manage to whisper out. Somehow, he moves us up against the wall of the terrace, placing one arm above me so that all I can see is him. His tall and muscular frame is so much more pronounced this way, crowding my space and towering over me. It’s dark outside, but the light floating our way from the ballroom makes his features glow in a hazy brilliance.

He dips his head so our foreheads are touching, mirroring the movement Carex had forced on me only minutes ago. But this time, I welcome it. Slowly, gently, like I’m a wild animal that might spook if he’s not careful, Thorne brings his hand up to caress my face. His hand is massive, practically cradling my entire head in his palm. His thumb strokes over my lips, and an involuntary moan, so quiet I could almost miss it, escapes me. Or maybe it was him? I’m unsure, too wrapped up in his heated gaze.

His head leans down, and time stops. He’s going to kiss me. I want him to kiss me. I think. But maybe I don’t? I’m so unsure, still so tangled in knots when it comes to him. His reputation, his betrothal, the way he winks and simpers with every female around him. His kingdom. His father. I should stop this, but I don’t. When I feel his hard body press against my own, my resolve falters. Would it be so bad to give in to the attraction? Just for one night. So what if I’m just another conquest of the Shining Prince? I’m sure it would be electrifying, sure his experience makes him a skilled lover. Surely one time wouldn’t hurt anything.

My own body leans in, and I’m going to meet his lips with mine, going to—