The Dark Heir - Nyx

55. Nyx

"It's fine, Nyx."

It wasn't. His family was still terrorizing his bride. His eyes tracked Azriel as they all readied to go to the Hewn City. He still didn't understand why Azriel was speaking to Theia like that, especially after their talk. He had said he wasn't trying to steal her away, so why do anything at all? If it was simply to get a rise out of him, Nyx would fucking kill him. If it was to get a rise out of Theia, he would fucking slaughter him. Nyx knew Theia's reactions to Azriel, he could scent and feel them, but it didn't give Azriel the right to continue haunting her.

"Come on, they're getting ready to go," Theia murmured, pressing a kiss to his shoulder as she slipped her hand under his arm and tugged. Azriel met his glare just as Theia pulled him to the door. Azriel grinned, Nyx bared his teeth. He felt Theia stop but he didn't turn his head to her. Her delicate hand stroke his cheek and drew his gaze to her. Everyone was already gathering in the hall, ready to speak and leave, but Nyx didn't care.

Theia blinked up at him, those honey eyes looking more alluring than ever with the pigment smoked around them. Her pink lips curved into a quick smile before she rose onto her toes and pulled him down. Nyx's hand snapped to her waist, drawing her body in as their lips met. He could feel the warmth of her body, the desperate tug on his bottom lip. Azriel was watching; she knew that, that's why she had done it. Nyx grinned at that thought, Theia's tongue grazing his lips.

Gods, he couldn't wait to come back home with her. Theia fell back, her now swollen lips parted as she caught her breath. Nyx leaned in and kissed her soft cheek, smiling at the soft moan from her. His bride always wanted more.

"Thank you, pretty girl," he murmured with another kiss before straightening. Her cheeks were flushed and he could scent just how badly she wanted to stay. Above her scent, a smokier one rose. Unable to stop himself, Nyx turned his head. Azriel's eyes were on her. Nyx's jaw clenched as he turned Theia in his grasp and urged her forward. Theia tucked herself in his arm as they walked. Azriel was behind them, the rest of the group down the corridor.

"Are we ready? Nyx, you'll be with us speaking to Kier. The rest of you will be on guard and joining the others. Theia, you're welcome to enjoy the night and walk around," Rhysand explained, his eyes dancing through everyone. Murmurs of agreements chorused, and then everyone left. Nyx pulled Theia in tighter, but stilled when he felt her stiffen. His gaze dropped to her.

"Are you alright?" He asked softly. She didn't look up at him, her eyes were set on the windows beyond them.

"I'm nervous," she confessed, and a small smile lifted Nyx's lips. Always so brave, but he loved that she could voice her fears to him.

"Things have changed there, I promise that. There are some aspects that have stayed the same, but there are more guards. They monitor the doors and stairwells. People have been hired to hand out the drinks and foods rather than guests being able to grab their own. Nothing will happen to you, I promise."

Her shoulders relaxed slightly. Nyx leaned down and kissed the top of her head. Her cheek pressed into the chest of his jacket and he felt the swarm of warmth in his ribs. Without another word, he winnowed them to the Hewn City. They walked into the speaking room at the far end of the throne room. Azriel, Nesta, Mor, and Cassian were already walking out of the room. Nyx turned his body and took Theia's face into his hands. Her eyes were wide in the firelight.

"Go out there and grab a drink. Wander around, dance, anything. I'll be on the dais to watch you soon, but for now, they are out there. Everything will be alright," he murmured. Theia nodded, a small pout to her lips. Nyx grinned as he kissed her softly and pulled back. His bride let out a small sigh before glancing to his parents and leaving the room. Nyx turned to where his parents already were speaking with Kier. Lifting his chin, he walked to their side.