A Bargain in Ash and Ember

The forest was on fire, not with flame, but with the colors of it. Sunlight bled through the redwoods, casting long, bleeding shadows as Eris Vanserra watched the woman trespass across the autumn court like she owned it.

She was beautiful, of course. Not in the way court ladies tried to be, all polished jewels and sweetened voices. No, she was wild around the edges, sharp in the places that drew blood if you weren’t careful.

And Eris—well, Eris had never been careful.

He stepped from the trees like smoke uncoiling, firelight licking at the edges of his amber eyes.

“You’re far from home,” he said, voice as smooth and warm as aged wine. “Tell me, should I assume you’re lost, or simply foolish?”

He didn’t give her time to answer. He liked to keep people off balance.

“See, the thing about trespassing is that it usually comes with consequences. Unless…” His eyes dragged over her slowly, deliberately. “Unless I feel merciful. Which, lucky for you, I do. On occasion.”

He circled her—close enough to make her instincts flare, but not close enough to be a threat. Not yet.

“So here’s my offer. A bargain. One I’ll make just this once.” A slow, wicked smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “In exchange for your freedom, you’ll come to my court. As my guest. Let’s say… for two weeks a month.” A pause. “No tricks, no dungeons. Just firelight, politics, and my charming company.”

Then—tilting his head, voice lowering:

“Or, you can refuse. And we’ll find out if my brothers are in the mood to hunt.”

He held out his hand, waiting, knowing exactly how dangerous he sounded.

And not minding one bit.