Nystrix stared at the Noctarii. They talked quietly among themselves, but her mind drifted back to her father. Then Luthien exhaled, his breath brushing the back of her ear—and damn, that was the last thing she needed.
"The Noctarii are not complete, but these are less dangerous," he said.
Nystrix turned to glare at him, her eyes saying everything: leave me alone.
The Noctarii noticed the exchange, but their expressions remained unreadable.
"Luthien," the silver–black-haired woman called, and he tore his gaze away from Nystrix.
"Zanre isn't here," she continued. "Nor the others, so introductions can wait… but she needs to come with us." Her eyes flicked to Nystrix. "We're telling her, Luthien."
"Tallina, you don't take my things without permission," Luthien said, his eyes darkening, though his lips curved faintly.
"That's why I'm telling you. She needs to come," Tallina replied.
Luthien's brows drew together. "She won't."
A man with a melodic voice lifted a hand in a friendly gesture, his smile light—but Nystrix sensed it was a facade. She broke the tense silence. "No."
Luthien's gaze held hers, subtle and persistent. With a small smile, she added, "Sorry, Noctarii, but I don't feel safe with you." Not even with him, though she didn't say it aloud.
A corner of Luthien's lips curved, revealing a glint of his canine.
The Noctarii's expressions shifted slightly: creases forming on foreheads, eyes darkening. Tallina's eyes darkened sharply, a sneer appearing on her lips. The melodic-voiced man's expression didn't change; instead, his smile widened.
"Little hybrid, you made a good choice… but I don't think you're in a position to refuse," he said in a sing-song voice.
Nystrix crossed her arms defiantly.
"Illus, the lady has refused," Luthien said calmly, standing straighter as he met their gaze.
Illus leaned toward him, still watching Nystrix. "I'm sure you'd love to know more about your roots. I'm also a witch."
Nystrix stiffened. "I don't want to know more about my roots.
Illus's smile widened, tension lingering. He gestured toward Luthien, who remained still. "Little hybrid, it's been a long day for you. We'll leave it here."
Tallina glanced at Nystrix but said nothing. Illus added, "Bye, little hybrid."
He snapped his fingers, and a portal shimmered open. The Noctarii passed through one by one. A blonde woman smiled at Nystrix before disappearing with Illus.
Nystrix muttered, "What the hell? What the… shit was that?"
"These Noctarii are so weird," she added, after the portal closed. She turned to leave, only to bump into Luthien's chest.
"Can't you move?" she snapped.
"Koisar," Luthien said, and the portal dissolved.
Nystrix raised her brows.
"These Noctarii are less adapted to hybrids—though Tallina is an exception." He gestured to the wall. Nystrix looked.
The wall was blank until Luthien touched it. A picture appeared: a man with piercing purple eyes, striking silver hair, and a face radiating nobility and intimidation.
"This is Zanre Draxith," Luthien said. "A vampire, the first Noctarii. He despises hybrids."
Nystrix studied the portrait. "He looks like you."
Luthien's expression shifted slightly. "Of course. He's my father."
"But—" Nystrix started.
"I changed my surname, Nystrix," he replied, ice in his voice.
Nystrix decided not to press further; his gaze was frosty.
"Illus Mortiver, witch, second Noctarii. Most manipulative. Never trust him," Luthien added, speaking the name like a warning.
"Already noticed that," Nystrix muttered
"You noticed correctly," Luthien said.
"Lerina Thellora, siren, third Noctarii—she's… cool."
A beautiful name for a beautiful woman, Nystrix noted, staring at the picture.
"She's called the seductress. It's in her blood—and also her gift."
"Water goddess," Nystrix whispered. "Do the Noctarii have a temple?"
"No. They are not gods," Luthien replied.
"Fenrith Vayrek, wake wolf, fourth Noctarii. Quiet and cold."
"Sakie Oraveth, druid, fifth Noctarii. He has a temper."
"It's obvious," Nystrix replied, moving to the next picture. Greenish-white skin, lusterless eyes, green hair, and a creepy—but handsome—smile unsettled her.
Nystrix tilted her head. "Who's this creep?"
Luthien smiled faintly. "Mann Grovak—he's a zombie, sixth Noctarii. Unpredictable. Sometimes ally, sometimes enemy."
Nystrix raised a brow. "He's… creepy."
"Xladys Vorren, shifter. Mostly neutral."
Nystrix didn't understand, but she listened.
"The remaining members belong to the same league. They become firstborn females simultaneously, and some you've met."
"Tallina Veythar, vampire. Gadmyne Theryss, witch. Niven Kaelthorn, wolf. Elmae Sylthar, druid. Lerina, siren. Naise Veymar, zombie. Lynch Draviel, shifter."
Luthien's eyes flicked to Nystrix with a small smile. "Little hybrid, among these, trust only Lynch, Sakie, Lerina, Xladys, and Tallina."
Tallina?
Nystrix didn't say it aloud. Luthien guessed. "She's plain."
Nystrix understood, but couldn't confirm.
Luthien sighed, closing his eyes. "Now, little hybrid, I'm tired of talking. Take me to my quarters."
"How? I don't know where it is."
"Then take me to yours."
"I don't plan to go there. I want to see my dad." Nystrix had already begun walking when Luthien's words halted her.
"Do you know where he is?"
"I don't," she mumbled. Turning to Luthien, she asked, "Will you take me to him?"
He didn't reply but began walking, and she followed. They went on for a while before Luthien suddenly stopped.
"I'm tired." He turned to face her, expression bored.
What the hell is wrong with these vampires? Nystrix thought, staring deadpan.
"I want to be in the air." It should have sounded childish, but coming from Luthien, it sounded casual.
Nystrix didn't move. Luthien leaned against the wall—a sign that if she didn't cast the spell, he wouldn't move.
She sighed. She didn't know anyone and didn't want to get lost in this absurdly large palace—or encounter one of Luthien's brothers. She wasn't ready. She stretched her fingers toward him, and he rose gracefully into the air, as if she had been able to fly for years. Nystrix rose with him.
As they flew, she saw maids and guards staring in shock. One of Luthien's brothers—the one with black hair and black eyes—glared at them. She shot him a dirty look.
Try touching me from here… hehe. It actually pays to be a wi—Dad?
Her thoughts broke as she saw Darius talking to a man with striking red hair. Something about him felt familiar, leaving her confused.
Luthien moved toward them; she followed. He signaled for her to be let down, and she complied.
"Zayinaus, I wasn't informed you'd arrived."
The man turned to Luthien and smiled, and Nystrix noticed his amber eyes.
What a weird eye color for vampires.
"Who would dare with those oldies there?" Luthien grinned. Zayinaus's gaze moved to Nystrix.
"Looks like I've met the famous hybrid."
"Zayin?" She called out as his voice brought her back, and she recognised him.