Mira sat cross-legged on Eris's bed, a large, ancient tome spread open on her lap. The soft glow of the fire in the hearth cast a warm, flickering light across the room, illuminating the rich tapestries and elegant furnishings that marked Eris's quarters. Eris himself sat in an armchair nearby, his eyes focused on his own book with a mix of amusement and tranquility.

"Tell me more about how fae powers work," Mira said, glancing up from the book that she had been reading. She had found a list of common powers from houses, with brief descriptions, but the more obscured details were missing. "How are they inherited? Do children from two courts tend to inherit one parent's powers, or both?"

Eris leaned back in his chair, considering her questions. "Fae powers are a complex mix of heredity and natural affinity. Typically, children inherit the dominant power from one parent, but it's not unheard of for them to possess abilities from both parents. It largely depends on the strength and nature of the powers involved."

Mira nodded, already having been told something similar by her father. While the information matched the tomb she was reading, there was a generational depth that was missing from the information she had. She made a mental note to further research important family ancestry within Prythian to see how notable families passed down their power, and to find another book within the Vanserra collection that could further this knowledge.

"My mother is from the Night court and my father is obviously Dawn. Would my children be able to inherit the powers from the Night court even if I did not have them?"

Eris slowly nodded, abandoning the book within his own hands to give Mira all of his attention. "It is possible," he responded. "Again, it would all be based off the youngling's affinity for that court's magic. Some younglings, even within their own families do not have ties to the magic of their home court, and exhibit ancestral strength from other courts. While even still, some siblings can be extremely powerful while others lack basic magics." He gestured towards Mira, "in your case, your children could have Night or Dawn powers, or even a combination of the two. But, it would also depend on the father's magic."

Eris's lips curled into a teasing smile. "If, say, a child existed, from your lineage with Autumn, they would likely have a fascinating combination of abilities. Imagine the healing and light manipulation of the Dawn Court combined with the fire and earth manipulation of the Autumn Court. They would be quite powerful... and undoubtedly beautiful."

Mira blushed at the implication, but she couldn't help but smile back. "My children would have to take after me, I'm not sure that the red hair of Autumn would look good with the wings." Mira playfully retorted as she gestured to the soft feathers that settled around her.

Eris looked upon the white feathers that contrasted against her tanned skin, and pictured the amber hue against them. He could not help but disagree with Mira's statement. Her features, already golden touched, would look ethereal when paired with the fiery color and amber eyes.

"I've also been curious about the night court's affinity for mental intrusion, specifically Daemanti powers."

Eris' mental image was broken by Mira's further inquiry.

"It is not necessarily a Night court power, specifically, but one that has historically been found there. Any powerful fae could be a Daemanti." Eris looked at Mira in concern, as she continued to read the section on the page. "Your father has not taught you how to shield?"

Mira's light gaze clashed with Eris' amber hue.

"I was instructed on how to create a barrier, but I have never met a Daemanti to test my strength. At this point, it is all just guess work for me."

Eris nodded thoughtfully. "Building a mental barrier is all about focus and visualization. Imagine your mind as a fortress, with thick, impenetrable walls. Every thought, every memory is locked behind those walls. You need to constantly reinforce this image, especially when you feel someone trying to invade your thoughts."

Mira closed her eyes, picturing the fortress in her mind. Turning her thoughts into an ever changing maze, that was surrounded by high walls. Opening her eyes, once again, Mira gave a slight nod to Eris.

"It takes practice, but over time, you'll be able to strengthen your defenses. Unfortunately, I don't have Daemanti powers myself, so I can't test your barriers, but I trust you'll get the hang of it."

Mira looked at Eris, wondering if he would be truthful to her next inquiry.

"Rhysand," Mira began as she watched the relaxed posture of the Autumn heir stiffen at the name. "He is a Daemanti."

It was not phrased as a questions, because they both new that it was not. Eris gave the slightest inclination of his head.

"Why does no one talk about it?"

"Daemanti are chosen by the Mother, a Cauldron gift. We know better than to speak of things, or fae, that can already hear our thoughts."

Mira nodded in understanding before lowering her eyes back to her reading, now more confident that she needed to hone her shielding skills. Eris watched as she laid down onto his bed, engulfed in the white blankets, and held the book over her face. She looked innocent, far too pure to be trapped beneath the mountain. Far too good to be lying on his bed with a slight pout to her pink lips.

"If I was a Daemanti, I would love to show you what I've been thinking about," he said, his voice taking on a deep rasp as his eyes flickered to where she lay on the bed. Her thin shift dress barely hiding anything from his wandering eyes.

Mira lowered the book to the bed, and turned her head to face the male. Her checks flushing a deep shade of pink, as she watched his amber eyes trace her frame. She couldn't help but to laugh softly, used to the teasing seductions that the two seem to have fallen into. "You're incorrigible," she stated as she smirked at him, taking extra care to position her body in a manner that would encourage his gaze.

Eris did not reply, and instead stalked over to the bed. Mira held his gaze as Eris hovered over her, placing both of his arms over her shoulders to cage her in. Their faces were mere inches away, and Mira found herself, not for the first time, wishing that the arrogant male would make a move toward her. While Eris might not have been a saint, Mira had to acknowledge that she had grown to enjoy his company. Arrogance bleeding into a confidence that had Mira curious about things that she had never allowed herself to wonder about while under the Mountain.

"You look rather comfortable," Eris said, his voice low and teasing. "Almost too comfortable, considering where you are."

Mira glanced up at him, her heart pounding but not with fear. She had grown used to his games, his constant attempts to unsettle her. But now, instead of feeling intimidated, she felt a strange thrill. There was something magnetic about Eris, something that drew her in despite her better judgment.

"I'm perfectly comfortable," she replied, her voice steady. "Shouldn't I be?"

Eris's smile widened as he placed a hand on either side of her, effectively trapping her beneath him. "You should be cautious, Mira. You're in the chambers of a High Lord's son, after all. One who has quite the reputation."

Mira raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "And what should I be cautious of? Your reputation or your intentions?"

"Both," Eris said, his eyes darkening with amusement. "You never know what I might do."

Mira met his gaze, unflinching. "I think I have a pretty good idea."

He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin. "Do you, now? Enlighten me."

Mira felt her pulse quicken, not from fear but from the intoxicating proximity. She could see every detail of his face, the glimmer in his eyes, the slight curve of his lips. "I think you're trying to scare me," she said softly, "but it's not working."

Eris's expression faltered for a moment, surprise flickering in his eyes before he quickly masked it. "Not scared, hm? What are you feeling, then?"

Mira hesitated, searching for the right words. "Curious," she admitted. "Curious about you, about why you do what you do. And maybe... a little excited."

Eris's eyes darkened further, the playful edge in his smile turning into something more serious. "Excited, huh? That's not what I expected."

Mira reached up, placing a hand on his chest. "Why not? You're always so confident, so sure of yourself. Maybe it's time someone saw past that."

Eris's breath hitched, and for a moment, the air between them crackled with unspoken tension. "You think you can see past my mask, Mira?"

"I think I already have," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper.

He stared at her for a long moment, the intensity in his gaze making her heart race. Then, slowly, he leaned down until their faces were inches apart. "You're playing a dangerous game," he murmured, his lips almost brushing hers.

"And so are you," she replied, her eyes locked onto his.

For a moment, it seemed like he might kiss her, but instead, he pulled back slightly, his expression conflicted. "You're not afraid of me, are you?"

Mira shook her head. "No. I trust you."

Eris let out a soft, disbelieving laugh. "Trust is a rare thing, especially in this place."

"Then maybe we should cherish it," Mira said, her hand still resting against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart.

Eris studied her for a moment longer before nodding slowly. "Maybe we should." He straightened up, offering her a hand to help her sit up. "Come on, let's get back to studying. We can't let our minds wander too far."

Mira took his hand, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, we wouldn't want that."

As they resumed their positions, the atmosphere between them was charged with a new understanding. It wasn't just a game anymore; it was something deeper, something that neither of them fully understood yet but were both eager to explore.