CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

THE ASHEN COURT

XANDER MORTAIN

Anika’s question hung in the air.

“What did Luka say to her?”

I didn’t answer it directly.

Instead I reached up and cupped her face, thumbs brushing gently beneath her eyes. I felt her fear, her exhaustion, and the edge of the power still crackling under her skin.

“I’ve got you,” I said quietly. “Whatever this is… whatever it’s doing to us… I will protect you. That is my duty now. As your mate. As your Void Prince. You will not face it alone.”

Her composure cracked.

Tears welled in her hazel eyes and spilled over before she could stop them. She tried...