Chapter 1
Lumi
“Oh, honey you could be so beautiful. You just need a little Gorgon ice in your chin and maybe brow bone.” Mother fusses. Her nail punctures my chin as she grips it tight, swiveling my face around.
I want to argue but it’s nearly impossible since she’s the queen. Her icy features, white hair and eyelashes, blue eyes and heart shape face, mirror my own.
We used to look more alike until she started seeing Dolf the Wizard. Now her face looks like stone as if she stared directly into Medusa’s eyes.
I’ve heard humans have something similar called Botox. I’m not a hater. I just don’t want it for myself. I fold my arms over my blue gown, not in the mood for the Celestial ball tonight.
Truth be told I hate being home. I’d rather be back at Blood & Bone Academy. My stepfather is the only one who makes it worth anything.
Who knew someone who wasn’t blood could love you more than a person who birthed you. “You can’t fix her mom. She doesn’t want your help. Let her stay ugly.” My sister makes sharp jabs at me as she walks down the grand stone staircase.
She’s warm in all the ways I’m not. Auburn hair in a braid. Golden eyes and freckles. I have those too but they’re gray, and pale in color. Tesna despises me even though I’ve never done a thing to her.
We aren’t technically sisters. Different moms, different dads. Mine died in the Great Blood war. It was the worst war in history. Most of Verinka’s fighters died in that battle.
Then my fae stepdad, Tesna’s father signed a treaty, ending the war. Ultimately saving our people.
He’s not going to be home for the ball which will make my time off from school insufferable. There’s a sound of boots scuffling along the stone floor.
I follow the noise with my eyes. Mother’s grip is still tight on my chin. Brown eyes meet mine. Dark brows pull together. His long brown hair is half pulled back.
He’s wearing raven colored fur. Silver chains and crow bones are accessories that add to his Viking warrior appearance.
My heart stops. It shouldn’t. I’m a sick pervert but I can’t help it. My dad is the most handsome fae or man I’ve ever laid my eyes on.
Heat rushes to my cheeks. His eyes go over them. Something stirs in his depths, but I can’t decipher it.
He rushes over. His hand gripping mother’s wrist and pulling it from my chin. “What good reason do you have, holding her face like that?” He stares daggers at the queen.
She looks appalled. Einar inspects my chin. His thumb brushes over the spot. It burned because of her nail digging into my flesh but the heat is instantly replaced by something more intense at his touch.
He rubs it again, shooting an aching need to my center. “You’ve marked her.” He steps away from me and I want to wish him back. To lean forward and reclaim my heat.
I refrain, taming the feral animal wanting to throw her ass up, presenting it while in heat.
“I was telling her she needed to visit Dolf the Wizard. He can get rid of that ugly dimple in her chin.” She tsks again. “And look at the wrinkles between her brows.” She points out.
My scowl only deepens. “I wouldn’t ever allow it. Gorgon ice is not to touch her face. It’s perfect the way it is.” Dad’s voice booms off the stone walls.
Tesna and Larirea both look aghast. Dad doesn’t seem to care. He grabs my hand placing it on the dimple, marked with mother’s nail.
His touch is electric. A surge that pulses inside me. “Ice.” He commands. My body trembles. I hope to the gods he doesn’t feel it.
His gaze is stern. He lets out a huff. “Lumi. Ice.” His voice is velvety and has a desperate edge to it.
The look rattles me. Makes me feel as if I upset him or did something wrong. The very thought pours ice cold water on the moment.
I obey. There’s a clench in his jaw and a flare of irritation in his eyes. Ice spreads from my fingertip over the spot.
He lets go of my hand, storming out. His Norse-looking fur cloak ghosts along the floor. Then he’s gone and I’m left with my evil mom and stepsister.
