Page 26 of How to Claim A Shadow King

"Why are you apologizing?" Wren asks, her forehead creased with befuddlement.

"You're one of the three," Piper adds. I put my hand over my teacup before she can fill it up again.

"Well, yes,” I start,” but you don't know me, and you do know your friends, and⁠—"

"You're part of our coven now," Wren interrupts. "You may not understand exactly what it means to be a witch yet, or even accept that you are one," she says, waving a hand as I try to tell her once again that I'm no witch.

"You were the first," Piper says slowly, running a hand through her dark brown hair. "The first one taken, though you volunteered. There will be two more after you."

An orc ambles in, and even though I've never seen one up close, I am one hundred percent sure that's what the green-skinned, huge man must be. Sitting down, he puts an arm around Piper's shoulders, holding her close. I stare until I remember my manners and shove some more food in my mouth to give myself something to do.

"Good grief," Wren mutters, looking at me. "I should have been more precise."

"Orcs aren't men either," the green-skinned male says, grinning at me around two huge tusks. "I'm Ga’Rek. Piper's mate. I'm pleased to meet you." He gives me a courteous dip of the chin and I manage a small smile.

“I’m Aveline.”

“She’s the Witch of Day,” Ter practically yells. “Queen of Shadow Keep.”

“I already like you better than the Queen of the Underhill.” Ga’Rek squeezes Piper’s shoulder, pressing a kiss on the top of her head.

“You know the Unseelie Queen?” Now that… that is news.

“Knew. She kicked the three of us out after Caelan and Kieran… well, they upset her. Can’t say I’m too sorry about it.”

I don’t know what to say to that, so I drain the rest of my tea.

Piper promptly refills it.

"You see, Wren?" a quiet voice sounds from the doorway. "There's no reason to exclude us, as none of us are truly men."

The purple-skinned Fae from before… Caelan, I think he said his name was, settles down across from me, placing a hand on Wren’s thigh. She gazes at him adoringly.

It’s clear to see they care about each other deeply, and I can’t remember a time when I saw anyone look at each other like that.

“The Queen of the Underhill is nothing compared to my Wren… and the rest of your coven, I suppose.” Caelan says, pulling her close and biting her earlobe.

I’ve never seen anyone do that, even as she laughs and pushes him away, I feel like I’m watching something I shouldn’t.

"Where's Malakai?" I wonder if maybe he's left me, gone back to Shadow Keep where he'll continue to brood.

"Did you miss me?" his voice says, and out of the shadows, Malakai slowly materializes.

"I said nothing of the kind," I say, turning away from him.

Wren snorts. "He doesn't have to stay here if you don't want him to."

"As if you could stop me," Malakai tells her.

Ga’Rek, and Caelan surge to their feet, the atmosphere of the once-cozy dining area thick with tension.

"He can stay," I say quickly, rubbing my temples. The beginning of a headache has started behind my eyes, and weariness plagues me. "Let's just get to the part where you tell me what is going on," I say. "Explain to me how I'm a witch," I add.

Piper and Wren share a long look, and Wren reluctantly looks to Hash, who beams at me, completely smug.

"Surely Malakai has told you about your past?"

"I've tried," Malakai interrupts. "But my bride is stubborn."