Chapter 6: The Rules of the Year

Morning in the Evernight Court never truly arrived. Instead, the eternal twilight deepened into a richer indigo, and the floating crystal lanterns grew brighter to mark the passage of another “day.”

Elara woke tangled in black silk sheets, her body deliciously sore and marked with faint bruises and love-bites from the night before. The space beside her was empty, but the scent of night-blooming flowers and masculine power still lingered on her skin.

She sat up, clutching the sheet to her bare breasts. The violet runes on her wrists glowed softly, warm and almost… satisfied.

The doors to the balcony opened, and Thorne stepped inside, wearing only loose black trousers that hung dangerously low on his hips. His silver hair was tousled from sleep and sex, and the sight of him in the soft light made Elara’s breath catch despite herself.

“Awake at last,” he said, voice smooth as velvet. A faint, predatory smile curved his lips. “I was beginning to think I’d worn you out too thoroughly on your first night.”

Elara glared at him, but the flush creeping up her neck betrayed her. “What happens now?”

Thorne approached the bed with lazy grace and sat on the edge, reaching out to trace one glowing rune with his fingertip. The touch sent a spark of pleasure racing up her arm.

“Now, little mortal, we discuss the rules of your year in my court.”

He waved his hand, and a shimmering scroll of starlight unfurled in the air between them, ancient runes dancing across its surface.

“First,” he began, “you belong to me. You will sleep in my chambers unless I command otherwise. You will warm my bed whenever I desire—day or night. Resistance will only make the runes punish you… or reward you, depending on my mood.”

Elara’s thighs pressed together instinctively at the memory of last night’s overwhelming pleasure.

“Second,” Thorne continued, “you will attend every court function at my side. Banquets, balls, duels, rituals. You are my prize, my pet, my mortal curiosity. The court will watch you. They will test you. You must learn to navigate their games, or they will devour you.”

He leaned closer, black eyes gleaming. “Third—and most important—you will face the Seven Trials of the Evernight. Ancient challenges designed to test desire, will, power, and submission. Complete them, and you may earn certain… freedoms. Fail them…” His smile sharpened. “And the bond tightens.”

Elara swallowed. “What kind of trials?”

“Ones that will strip you bare in every way possible,” he purred. “The Mirror of Truth. The Labyrinth of Desire. The Dance of Veils. Each one will push you further than the last. Some will humiliate you. Others will make you beg. All of them will bind you closer to me.”

He reached out and gently pulled the sheet down, exposing her breasts to the cool air. His thumb brushed over one nipple, watching it tighten under his touch.

“Any attempt to escape or break the bargain,” he added softly, “will cause the runes to tighten until the pain is unbearable. Obey me, please me, and they will bring only pleasure.”

Elara’s breath hitched as he leaned in and captured her nipple between his lips, sucking slowly. She hated how quickly her body responded—arching into his mouth, heat pooling between her legs again.

Thorne released her with a soft pop and looked up, eyes dark with hunger. “Do you understand the terms, Elara Voss?”

She nodded, voice barely above a whisper. “I understand.”

“Good.” He stood, offering her his hand. “Then it’s time to begin your education.”

A new gown shimmered into existence around her body—this one a deep emerald green that clung to her curves like a second skin, with strategic slits that revealed flashes of thigh and side breast. Silver chains draped across her collarbones, accentuating the glowing runes.

Thorne dressed in regal black and silver, then took her arm. As they walked through the winding corridors of the palace, he continued explaining in a low voice meant only for her.

“You will learn court etiquette. How to speak. How to kneel gracefully. How to hide your mortal emotions behind a mask of fae indifference. And between events…” His hand slid down to squeeze her ass possessively. “You will learn exactly how I like to be pleased.”

They entered a smaller, more intimate chamber filled with cushions and low tables. A beautiful fae handmaiden with lavender skin waited there, bowing deeply to Thorne.

“Prepare her for tonight’s feast,” he commanded. “Teach her the basics. I expect her to be flawless.”

Before leaving, Thorne pulled Elara close and kissed her deeply, tongue claiming her mouth until her knees weakened.

“Be good today,” he whispered against her lips. “If you please me, tonight I will reward you slowly and thoroughly. If you defy me…” His teeth grazed her lower lip. “I will edge you for hours in front of the court until you’re sobbing for release.”

He left her with the handmaiden, the echo of his dark promise lingering in the air.

Elara touched her swollen lips, heart racing with a dangerous mixture of dread and dark anticipation.

One year.

Seven Trials.

And countless nights in the bed of a Fae Prince who was already learning every secret of her body.

The rules were set.

Now, the real game began

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***