Without thinking, I bit my lip again. The bit of wine that had dried there, now sticky and sweet, hit my tongue. I groaned almost immediately. The room blurred and refocused. I dragged in a ragged breath.
“More,” I whispered.
Beryl grinned. When my vision slipped in and out of focus, her alluring smile turned vicious. I blinked and the demure expression returned. Though I should have staggered out of here, I grasped for the wine glass in her hand.
Oblivion could have me for one more night.
Then I would not have to worry about Morgan or Treasure Sickness. I spared a thought for Ness while the wine slipped down my throat. My body warmed, but my beast fought against it. This enchantment took hold of me, but it could never have my beast.
The creature simmered, furious at me. Ness needed me. The beast knew it the same way it knew when a storm would roll in. She was in trouble, and I was here, drinking.
I let the wineglass slip from my hands. It shattered on the floor while I staggered away from Beryl. She lifted both brows before I spun away from her.
“What’s the rush, darling? You could stay and enjoy all the riches the fae have to offer. They’re all yours so long as you ask.”
But I couldn’t stay. There was work to be done. The dragon yanked me up the winding stairs, the world tilting side to side the entire time. More than once, I missed a step. I fell against the railing and pushed myself back up again.
Hold on, Ness. I’m coming.