‘I know you’ve been raiding the wine cellar since you were fourteen. At least you’re old enough now.’
My mouth drops open. I take a breath, about to deny everything. Then I realise there’s no point, if he already knows. I take a sip, then another. Mistral is still on the dance floor, wrapped around a blood dancer, his mouth at her throat. My father follows my gaze and his nostrils flare.
‘You seemed annoyed, dancing with Mistral.’
‘Oh, he was just being an idiot,’ I say. ‘He said he forgot I was human, then he was going on about how I looked like Mother, and how his son would like me.’
‘His son?’ My father’s head is tilted, his voice soft.
‘Yes, it was weird. I thought he only had two sons but he mentioned a third. He said he was away, that I wouldn’t have met him.’
‘Really.’ It’s not a question. ‘Emelia, do not dance with Mistral again. I’ll do my best to keep him occupied, and you do your best to stay partnered. Will you do this for me?’
I nod, surprised. ‘Yes, of course. Father, what?—’
‘Don’t worry for now. Just do as I ask.’
I pause. He looks at me. ‘What is it?’
‘The North Wind,’ I whisper.
A curious expression crosses his face, his mouth curving, his eyes narrowing. He shakes his head, slowly, once. ‘Later, Emelia.’
My mother arrives, leading a young vampire by the hand. His dark skin has a rosy tinge, his eyes bright. He’s obviously well fed. I shoot her a look.
‘Emelia, have you met Daniel? He’s from Lion clan, visiting all this way! Daniel, this is my daughter, Emelia Raven.’
There’s surprise in Daniel’s eyes as he realises what I am. My parents, and their iron will, have contained the gossip about me well enough, I suppose, at least keeping it within our realm. Or maybe nobody cares enough to talk about it, figuring I won’t last long enough to become Raven anyway. He recovers, though, and is perfectly courteous, bowing to me. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you,’ he says, holding out his hand. ‘Shall we dance?’
And so it goes for the next few hours. I dance until my feet are sore, my parents taking turns to introduce me to partners, some willing, some not so, but not wishing to offend their hosts. Mistral doesn’t get near me, our most luscious dancers trailed before him, an endless distraction of scented flesh. I keep my anti-feed topped up, keep my ears open for any more talk of rebellion, even going so far as to ask a couple of my dance partners, but no one else seems to know or even be interested in the idea of a human uprising. I suppose it’s not surprising. I hadn’t considered it myself.
Until Kyle.
Where in darkness is he? As I move from one set of arms to another, all I can think about is how it felt to dance with him, how I wish he was the one twirling me around the dance floor, even though I know it’s not possible.
Finally, I excuse myself, needing a rest. I thank my latest partner and, when he releases me, head for the edge of the dance floor. I’m surprised to realise I’ve enjoyed the dancing after all. Or maybe I’m just drunk – I’ve had more wine since my dance with Mistral, possibly a little too much. Outside, the moon is low. Perhaps it’s time to go, before the sun rises and the shutters fall, the guests retreating to the fortified rooms then resuming their dancing once the house is secured.
‘Happy Halloween, my lady.’
My stomach lurches. I turn. Kyle is standing a couple of feet away, dressed in his Raven uniform, hands clasped behind his back. He bows.
‘A-and to you.’ I keep my voice cool, smoothing my hands down my dress. But my heart is pounding, a frantic beat.
‘You look nice.’ He inclines his head, his silver eyes bright.
‘Thanks. You, too.’You, too?It must be the wine talking.Pull it together, Emelia. He wears the same uniform every day.However, I’m not lying. I’m desperate to kiss him.
He grins, like he knows what I’m thinking. ‘Have you had fun?’
‘It’s been fine.’Even though you weren’t here.
There’s silence between us. I remember dark hallways, his mouth on mine. ‘Where have you been?’
His grin widens. ‘Did you miss me?’
Ass. ‘I just wondered, that’s all.’ I try to think of ice and cold water, of frozen winter, wishing for a tenth of my mother’s cool glamour.
‘I was reassigned unexpectedly. Mistral’s orders.’ He inclines his head. ‘I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you.’
