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His jaw worked as if he were grinding his teeth. “Fine.” He brushed past me and disappeared into the ballroom.

I didn’t understand what he wanted from me. We’d agreed to get along for the sake of the guys.

I thought I was helping him—though maybe I overstepped. But I just couldn’t stand by while that woman threw herself at him. Not when I knew what would happen after he took her into one of the many bedrooms lining the hall.

Was I fine with him taking someone else later?

I didn’t like the answer that surfaced first.

18

SPIRAL

CYN

The moment I cleared the palace doors, I felt like I could breathe again. Too many bodies in one space made my skin feel tight; the smell of perfume and cologne made my stomach sour.

The only saving grace was Raelynn.

As much as I hated to admit it, having her near soothed the growing agitation brought on by being trapped in the ballroom in formal wear.

At past events, Zeke kept me under control. He had so many sensory hangups, but never seemed to mind crowded spaces—as long as no one touched him. Letting him take control in busy environments took getting used to.

After years of caring for him, I sometimes struggled to allow him to look out for me, but we managed. With Cornaith’s demands, though, I couldn’t rely on him. We couldn’t disappear for long periods of time.

I wouldn’t tell her, but Raelynn kept me from melting down tonight in more ways than one.

When Ash took her to the bathroom, I hadn’t expected her to be gone long. But as the minutes stretched, I felt ready to crawl out of my skin. And when Ash came back smelling like apple tarts with a satisfied smile on his face? I wanted to lunge across the table and take his head off.

I wasn’t jealous. No, I wanted to knock his ass out for keeping her away for so long.

I needed her.

I froze at the foot of the palace steps.

Zeke came up next to me. “What’s wrong?”

I shook my head and ran a hand through my hair. “It’s nothing.”

I wasn’t about to tell him the unwanted thought that had popped into my head.

I couldn’t deny it, though.

When I went to find Raelynn and got a whiff of sour apples and rotting plums, I knew something was wrong. Finding her with Kairian pissed me off. When she reached for me without thought—needing me—I knew I couldn’t deny her.

I still needed to talk to the guys about what happened.

Kairian had no business around our Nyrith.

His father always brought him and his sister to the Divine Fortune Ball every year, hoping to ensure their family’s future. Each year, Kairian kept to himself, not bothering to meet anyone. Since his sister had found her Nyrith last year, his father now focused on pairing his son. I hated nobility. With Kairian so determined to be alone, I wondered why he went after Raelynn.

The doors opened, and Ash led Raelynn outside. She’d kept her dress on, but I noticed she’d ditched the heels for her worn combat boots. The look suited her better.

I looked away and headed for the driveway toward our home on foot. I needed to get my head on straight, and the night air would help with that.

Raelynn’s behavior after Kairian departed had left me reeling.

I hadn’t expected her to respond the way she had to the woman who hit on me, offering her blood for pleasure. Something I’d done plenty of times with that woman and others without a second thought.