He was done with politics and intrigue. He loved her, and no empire, no king, and no earthly fear would keep him from her. No, if they tried to take her from him, he'd rip the world apart with his bare hands. And for some reason, that didn't terrify him.

You always wear that necklace," he said. "Is it another gift?" Though she wore gloves, he glanced at her hand - where the amethyst ring always sat - and the spark died from his eyes."No." She covered the amulet with her hand. "I found it in my jewellery box and liked the look of it, you insufferably territorial man.

There was a thing waiting in the darkness.It was ancient, and cruel, and paced in the shadows...

Her eyes narrowed, the gold like living ember. He'd never seen anyone so beautiful. This witch had been crafted from the darkness between the stars.

Your name is nothing, Your name is mine the demon hissed."what is your name."A command, not a question, as eyes of pure gold met his."Dorian," he breathed

He cocked his head. "I've never been with a witch."Let her rip out his throat for that. End it.A row of iron fangs snapped down over teeth as her smile grew."I've been with plenty of men. you're all the same. Taste the same." She looked over as if he were her next meal.

"Chaol. You sacrificed yourself. You let them put that collar on you - so he could get out""I'm going to let them put a collar on you , and we can play." There was nothing human in that face, no memory in those sapphire eyes. Aelin began to weep, even as blood leaked down her nose from his nearness. "i came back for you. Just like i promised.""I don't care." Dorian said.

Dorian could only stare at her. This was different from the feral creature she'd become the night Nehemia had died. What she was right now, the edge on which she was balancing... Wyrd help them all.But than Chaol was at her chair, grasping her elbow. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"Celaena looked up at him and smiled sweetly. "Your job, apparently." She shook off his grip with a thrash, then got up from her seat, stalking around the table.

Aelin was insane, Dorian realized. Brilliant and wicked, but insane.