Born into the cut-throat Autumn Court, Eris Vanserra had been surrounded by monsters his entire life and spent most of his time scheming for the crown his cruel father still possessed. His world is thrown into chaos when an unexpected source gets to...
There was a ton of ambiguity around Calanmai in the books, so I took some liberties with adding extra lore to it with this story!
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ERIS
"Out," Eris snarled, barely recognizing his own voice.
His command had not been specific, but Rikoh knew him well enough to understand what he meant. In his peripheral vision, Eris saw his captain take one step toward Astra, who was as still as a statue and hadn't said a word. Eris felt himself instinctually tense as Rikoh reached out and gently took her arm before winnowing them both away.
Eris's full attention focused again on Reed, who began shrinking out of the doorway as he likely realized the mistake he'd made.
"Not you," Eris barked.
Reed winced as stepped fully into Eris's office and his wavy hair blew wildly around his face when Eris magically slammed shut the double doors behind him.
Eris had never wanted to end someone's life more than he did at that moment. Every muscle was aching to advance on his own kin. A rival for the affections of his mate –a threat that needed to be eliminated, no matter the guilt he may feel later.
His legs moved of their own accord and an instant later, he was slamming Reed backward. Shards from the glass cabinet doors they rammed into shattered around them and the entire cabinet burst into furious, roaring flames.
Eris's skin felt tight as if it were about to morph. A creature lurking deep within him was trying to claw its way to the surface and make the thrashing male before him its next meal.
Reed's ruby-red tailored coat was alight and though his skin was fire-resistant, there was no hope it would be able to withstand the heat if Eris allowed his flames to go from their natural orange color to white or even the rarest and hottest blue hue.
Just as Eris was about to release the magic that would roast his brother alive, Reed had the gall to open his gods-forsaken mouth again.
"Eris," he began while trying to shove Eris's hands off his smoldering shoulders. "Standing in the way of my bargain with Astra could have all kinds of unpredictable consequences, and you cannot order me to stay away from her."
The only thing Eris wanted more than turning his brother into a pile of ash was for Astra to remain unharmed. The orange fire dimmed when he realized Reed had him cornered between two bargains. Cunning, devious little brother.
Eris wondered when Reed found the time between his gambling, drinking, and a steady stream of females to dream up this punishment for his eldest brother.
Then it clicked. This wasn't about Astra, at least not entirely.
Eris had no doubt that Reed would take the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy Astra's company if she were willing – after all, she was beautiful and enticing, but this went beyond his normal conquests.
