The Dark Heir - Nyx

42. Nyx

"Now?"

Zenova shrugged, her eyes darting to part of Theia behind him. "I don't know. My father came by the training fields and said to tell you that he expects you. He said Az told him that you're here and that Theia spoke with him. Apparently that means he wants you there."

Fuck. Theia was still drunk, she couldn't join him. If he didn't bring her, Az would come here and drag her to Velaris himself. Nyx glanced behind him, seeing Theia sitting there with a blanket draped over her thighs and stomach, her hand clutching it to her chest as she watched him.

"Fuck, fine. Who's staying with you? Or will you be joining us?"

Zen shook her head with a small smile. Nyx didn't miss the flush rising in her cheeks. "I'll be staying here alone. I think I need a night like that anyway."

His brow arched, eyes narrowing on his little cousin. "Whatever that look is for, be smart and be safe. I'll shout for you before we leave."

Zen gave him a quick nod and slid out the door, slamming it shut. Nyx ran a hand over his face with a heavy groan.

"So, we're going to Velaris?" Theia murmured, blinking up at him. Nyx turned and stared down at her. Her hair was a mess, her lips swollen and thighs still shaking slightly.

"I guess. You need to sober up, and I'm going to help you wash, okay?"

Theia nodded, her small throat bobbing as she wrapped the blanket around herself. Nyx gritted his teeth as he took Theia into his arms. Her legs wrapped around his waist, the muscles still twitching. Nyx carried her into the bathing chamber, lowering her feet to the floor by the bath. He turned the handle and the warm water began cascading into the tub. Nyx turned Theia, taking her hair into his hand and twisting it. He tucked the ends into the knot he made and then went for the soap and cloth.

Theia stepped into the tub, her bottom lip tucked between her teeth as Nyx dropped to his knees on the floor and began running the suds over her skin. She sucked in a breath when he dragged the cloth between her thighs. Nyx shot her a quick grin but didn't waste time as he finished cleaning her. Theia curled up against the edge of the tub, her eyes heavy as she watched him undress and climb in. He couldn't keep his eyes off of her. She slowly blinked, her eyes caught on his arm as he cleaned.

When Nyx was finished, he turned the water off, helped her out, and dried them both before leading Theia to the bedroom. "I still have your Summer Court clothes. It's warm in Velaris, so you can wear a gown and be fine," he explained. Theia nodded, leaning against the bedpost while he gathered her clothes from the trunk in the bottom of the wardrobe. Her smooth skin beneath his fingertips added fire to his veins as he pulled her undergarments on.

Nyx still wasn't over what she had done before Zen walked in. He helped her step into the gown, pulling it up and tying the corset back beneath her wings. Theia hugged her bare arms to herself, a shiver running through her as Nyx pulled her hair from the knot he'd placed it in. He got himself dressed and left the room to grab her a comb for her hair.

When he walked back in, Theia was sat on the edge of the bed, her eyes on her bare feet as she wiped at her cheeks. Nyx's brows furrowed. He nudged her knees open and stepped between them, pulling her head against his chest as he began to comb her hair.

"What's wrong?"

Theia sniffled, her arms snaking around his waist. "Nothing. I just am realizing that since Elena stole everything, I have nothing of my own. I don't even have my own shoes, Nyx. Everything I worked for is gone."

His chest cracked at her unsteady voice. He swallowed the lump in his throat as he continued to comb her hair. "You're with me now, Theia. You're mine, and I will spoil you with everything you desire. Exotic foods, clothes, jewelry, everything."