Gasps ring out, and even Ella’s eyes widen as she surveys the damage. When she steps forward, we’re there, blocking her from getting any closer.
“You’re not touching her,” I say softly. “Not ever again.”
She scoffs. “This is ridiculous. Anastasia, tell them.”
Stasi stays silent. And then—
“I’m sorry, Ella,” she says, her voice ringing out. “But I must not tell lies.”
Ella screeches, but we’re already walking away as guards slip past us.
“Home, then?” Stasi asks.
I hum. “Seems a shame to waste a good party. The orchestra will start back up in a minute. Crispin won’t want to waste it.
As if on cue, a waltz rings out.
Rafe holds out his hand. “My dance, I believe.”
45 – Stasi
We stagger into Oakbourne Manor, full of champagne and food and giddiness.
I take a breath as Silas slides his tuxedo jacket from my shoulders. “Home.”
It’s good to be home. Carefully, I reach down and slip the glass shoes from my feet, placing them on the table.
“Why on the table?” Kit enquires, and I shrug.
“They’re far too pretty to be on the floor. They deserve to be seen.”
“Well,” Rafe teases. “Everyone in Sorelle society saw them this evening.”
“And everyone else will see them tomorrow,” Silas says softly. “There was a lot of press at that party.”
“Vindication.” I take a deep breath. “It feels good. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank us,” Silas says softly. “We should have done it the first day we saw you again.”
There’s guilt in his tone, and I reach up, pressing my lips to his.
“We move forward,” I breathe. “Together.”
“Which reminds me.” Silas draws something from his pocket and hands it to me. I turn it over. “What is it?”
They’re all watching me as I slide it open. And my eyes widen at the number on the cheque. “What is this?”
“Back pay,” Silas says quietly. “You worked for Ella for years, Stasi. And then for us. You deserve to be compensated for it.”
“We billed Ella’s part to Crispin,” Rafe says with a small smile. “Seemed only fair.”
I turn the cheque over and over in my fingers. “I could… go to college?”
“You can do whatever you want,” Kit says softly. “As long as we’re there with you.”
Rafe slides his hand into mine. “Shall we go and watch it again? With popcorn?”
I laugh. “No. But… I think I’m ready for bed.”
