RAVENNA STRAINED TO keep her smile pleasant. Eoin was so proud of his proclamation to protect her. His cheerful grin almost blinded her, it was so bright. She decided not to ruin his moment. There would be another opportunity soon enough.

She would get what she wanted from him, one way or another.

He suddenly stood. He clasped her hand tightly within his. "Would you care to explore the festival now?" he asked.

She chuckled and allowed him to pull her to her feet. "Of course," she told him. "We wouldn't want to miss it."

The sky had turned to ink by the time they reached the street that lead into the marketplace. A giant moon hovered above their heads, its soft milky glow reflecting against the white stones that comprised the city. As they grew closer to the marketplace, the warm, yellow glow of torches replaced the moon's light and decorated lanterns were strung along the rooftops, zig-zagging across the pathway. The steady beat of a drum mixed with the sound of clashing cymbals and an energetic lute.

As they stepped into the marketplace, Ravenna's eyes widened. Panes of red and violet fabric decorated the shops, revealing beautifully painted scenes of the sun and stars. Lanterns streamed across the space, weaving through the air like a glowing spiderweb. Crowds of people surrounded them, dressed in all sorts of vivid colors. Vendors had set up wooden stands filled with their wares. Each stand was decorated with red and violet streamers.

In front of the fountain, a group of similarly dressed humans moved to the music. It was a rhythmic movement, a dance that Ravenna had never seen before. It seemed choreographed —every dancer's feet moved in perfect unison, tapping enthusiastically against the earth beneath them. Their upper bodies were stiff and rigid. It was hypnotizing to watch. The men and women moved around the fountain with very strong and precise steps. Each movement followed the beat of the drums, amplifying the dynamic sounds.

"This is beautiful," she whispered to Eoin.

He nodded. "These dancers train very hard to perform at festivals like this," he informed her. "Some even travel from city to city. It's quite fascinating to watch."

"That is amazing," she said earnestly.

She and Eoin continued to watch the dancers until they seemed to finish their performance. The music slowed to something softer and the dancers beamed at the crowds around them. Each one joined their hands and then they took a bow.

Ravenna clapped her hands together. Eoin cheered loudly, several others in the crowd joining him. Once the cheering died down, he grabbed her hand and tugged her away from the fountain.

They explored some of the wooden stands nearby, sampling new food and admiring the items for sale. Anything that she seemed to express real interest in prompted Eoin to attempt to purchase it for her. Each time, she would shake her head and refuse his offer.

By the time they reached the fountain again, a new type of dance had started.

This dance seemed to be a free-for-all. Humans dressed in rags linked arms and twirled with those dressed in fancy, expensive outfits. The music was just as lively and upbeat as it had been before, with the professional dancers.

Eoin laughed and held his arm out toward Ravenna. "Shall we?"

She giggled and looped her arm through his. He tugged her forward, into the crowd. Laughter floated through the air, mingling with the music. Eoin placed a gentle hand on her waist, his other hand lifting hers into the air. The dance appeared like a normal waltz, but it was fast paced and energetic. Her lips tugged back into a massive grin as her feet moved faster. Eoin matched her pace, twirling with her, his laughter contagious.

When the music started to fade, Eoin and Ravenna slowed their pace. The slower their movements became, the closer she got, until their bodies pressed together. She smiled and rested her cheek against his chest.

"This is wonderful," she told him.

"It really is," he agreed with her. She felt his lips brush against her hair. "Thank you for spending the day with me."

"Anytime," she said with a giggle.

He chuckled at her. His grip on her waist tightened. "The spell is going to wear off soon," he said after another few moments of content silence. "I can already feel it."

Ravenna could feel it too. Her toes tingled sharply, and the tingling sensation began to spread. It crawled across her feet and up her calves. She leaned back, moving away from him. Her nose scrunched up. "I am not sure that I want to go back," she admitted to him.

He entwined his fingers with hers. His smile was bright. "We will be back soon enough," he assured her.

The sensation enveloped her. She squeezed her eyes shut. When she opened them, she found herself standing beside Eoin in Mylo's tent again.

Mylo stood behind his desk, his arms folded across his chest. He eyed their intertwined hands warily. "Did you have fun?"

"Yes," Eoin said. He glanced at Ravenna, his smile still present. "Did you?"

She nodded happily. Her gaze focused on Mylo, a wave of uncertainty flooding through her. His expression was completely devoid of emotion. However his dark eyes overflowed with it. A mixture of sadness and familiarity swam within them.

Mylo ducked his head, breaking the invisible thread that had held Ravenna's gaze to his. His hands moved to the various ingredients spread out in front of him.

"Did anything happen while we were gone?" Eoin asked.

"Our men reclaimed the old castle," Mylo announced dryly. "There were a few of those creatures hidden within it. We actually think that they originated from the castle. We found an old wizard's laboratory."

Ravenna's heart skipped a beat. Her jaw clenched tightly. "The castle?" she repeated. It took all her strength not to keep the panic from her tone. "You found more of those creatures inside?"

Mylo observed her carefully. "Yes," he said. "We killed off the rest of them. They should no longer be a threat to the kingdom."

"That is wonderful," Eoin gasped happily. He turned to Ravenna and threw his arms around her shoulders. "We've eradicated those nasty creatures. My people are safe again!"

"Hooray," she managed to cheer.

Her lack of enthusiasm went unnoticed by Eoin. He grinned and released her, turning toward Mylo. He instantly launched a barrage of questions at the magical Blood Knight. He wanted to know everything about the conquest.

Ravenna folded her arms across her chest. She kept her expression blank as her mind went rampant with panic.

All she could hope for was that Vyses and Lyth had managed to escape the attack. 

hello friends! 

SURPRISE!!!

I know that I just updated this book yesterday, however today is my birthday and this is the only way that I know how to celebrate with you! I really hope that you enjoy this extra chapter this week! 

I really appreciate you all so much! I can't express how thankful I am that you chose to read this book. Your feedback and support seriously means the world to me!!! ❤

ash ❤

p.s. so I made a Patreon...what are your thoughts on this? And would you be interested if I told you that it only costs $1? If you are interested, there are three exclusive short stories posted right now that you would gain instant access to. Let me know and I can give you the link! 

I want this patreon to be something that is affordable for you all and also something that you'd want! So over the next few months, I will be adjusting content and adding new things based on your feedback!