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Chapter 10: Playing With Fire

Author: Stephanie Nzekwue
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

Three years ago:

I clocked eighteen today. Everyone's dancing. I am too, and Goddess knows I have never been this drunk in my life.

"Astrid, careful," Thorne says, hands circling my waist when I keel over, nearly falling into my huge birthday cake.

I giggle, though nothing is particularly funny.

I lean into him and lick his neck that is slick with sweat from dancing so hard. He groans and I giggle at the sound of it.

"I'll take you to your room," Thorne mutters, grip around me tightening.

"Don't wanna..." My voice trails off into an unintelligible slur and I inch out of his arms when I see another untouched glass of alcohol in the hands of a passing woman. "Give that here," I tell her.

Thorne swivels, muttering an apology to the woman and he throws me over his shoulder, taking the stairwell that leads to my room.

It is safe to do so. Father and mother have retired to their chambers and the people left in the hall are too drunk to notice Thorne Nightshade kidnapping their princess.

I
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