“Hold on,” I said, recalling a passage from my father’s journal. Grabbing a nearby chair, I swung it over my head, smashing it onto the ground. The legs splintered, and I picked up two jagged pieces, handing one to Vail.
“Good idea.” Vail nodded, taking my hand as we opened the door. The butterfly flew around the corner, down the long hallway, and up the stairs.
We followed it through the maze of hallways, passing other guests spilling in and out of various rooms. As we neared the end of the hallway, the butterfly flew into an open door.
Draven emerged. His jacket was gone, his sleeves pushed up on his forearms, and his hair was disheveled. When our eyes met, he pushed his hair out of his face, his expression widening in surprise when he saw me.
“Draven,” I began, but he interrupted, sweeping me up into a tight hug.
“Rosalia, I have been looking everywhere for you,” he exclaimed, setting me down and eyeing the chair legs that both Vail and I were holding. I moved mine behind my back.
“I was trying to find you. There are Blood Hunters here.”
“That is not possible,” Draven protested.
“Do you not believe Rosie?” Vail challenged.
“There could not be any Blood Hunters here, not unless they were invited inside,” Draven reasoned, closing the door firmly behind him. “Let us return to the festivities.”
“I witnessed it with my own eyes! Two of them were drinking from a man,” I insisted.
As two party guests emerged from a room to our left, Draven lowered his voice. “I fear you have had too much to drink this evening, Rosalia. You are causing quite a scene.”
“Of course I am! I saw two Blood Hunters tearing into a guest’s neck, and I am terrified. That could have been any of us. Draven, we must leave. It is not safe here.”
“I can escort her home if you want to stay,” Vail offered Draven.
“No, I will bring her home. It is late,” Draven replied. Turning to Vail, he asked, “Do you wish for a ride back to Elmcross?”
“I arrived with someone. I should check on them, ensure they are well,” Vail said. I had overlooked the fact that she was accompanied at the party, but I chose not to inquire further, as I was ready to return home. I would ask her about it later. We walked Vail back to the ballroom and bid her goodbye.
Once inside the carriage, the tension building in me began to ease; however, a new emotion took its place. Anger. I was angry at Draven for not believing me when I told him about my encounter. It felt like a betrayal, a breach of trust that left me feeling hurt and frustrated.
I removed my mask, placing it on the seat between Draven and me. I found myself leaning away from him, resting my head against the cool window as we made our journeyhome. The rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels against the cobblestones provided a backdrop to my swirling thoughts.
I remained silent, lost in my thoughts as memories of Draven and Vail dancing together washed through my mind. It bothered me more than I cared to admit, especially knowing that Draven had confided in Vail about his disease. Why hadn’t he told me sooner? Was there something he was keeping from me?
I had eagerly anticipated this evening, hoping for a night filled with joy and celebration, but it had proven to be anything but. Instead, it was tainted by fear, suspicion, and a growing sense of unease. As the carriage rolled on toward home, I couldn’t shake the feeling that things between Draven and me had changed, and not for the better.
When the carriage stopped moving, I wasted no time stepping out, eager to get to bed. I made my way through the garden toward Thornwood; the night air was cold against my skin.
Draven’s footsteps were close behind me, and moments later, I felt his fingers brush out to touch my hand. I halted and turned around to face him. His concern was evident in the gentle furrow of his brow.
“What is the matter with you?” he asked, his eyes searching mine for answers.
“Nothing, I am tired,” I lied. How could I explain to him how insignificant he had made me feel? At that moment, I did not want to be near him. I simply wanted to get out of my dress, let down my hair, and be alone.
“Are you angry with me for questioning you about the Blood Hunters at the party?”
“Yes, I am. Now let’s go inside,” I replied.
“That is not all, though?” he insisted, gently pulling me toward him. His hands slid under my chin, lifting it to meet his gaze. “What else angers you, my heart?”
I averted my gaze, feeling tears prickling at the corners of my eyes. I didn’t want to admit to him how insignificant he made me feel, how his actions had stirred a storm of insecurity within me.
“You can tell me anything.”
“I saw you dancing with Vail.”
