“You two make a lovely couple,” I offer, trying to ease the tension.
Avery’s laugh is high and forced. “Oh, we’re just friends having fun. Right, Tyler?”
“Right.” His tone suggests he’s heard this clarification many times. “Just fun.”
Oliver shifts beside me. “Well, we were just heading to dance?—”
“Us too!” Avery cuts in, grabbing Tyler’s hand. “We should all dance together.”
“Actually,” Tyler intervenes, “I promised Avery we’d check out the Memory Flame first. She wanted to see if it would show anything from the Founding Ball.” He gives Oliver a look that’s almost sympathetic. “Enjoy your dance.”
Avery throws one last longing look over her shoulder as Tyler guides her toward the Memory Flame.
The defeat in her eyes makes something twist in my stomach.
“Did you see that?” Oliver’s face lights up with enthusiasm. “Tyler’s really stepping up his game with Avery. Good for him.”
I blink at the sudden shift. “Good for him?”
“Yeah, he usually doesn’t put this much effort into anyone. Always coasting on charm alone.” Oliver grins, watching them disappear into the crowd. “But with Avery, he’s actually trying. Bringing her as his date, coordinating costumes… that’s commitment for Tyler Brennan.”
The irony is so thick I could choke on it.
“She keeps saying they’re just friends,” he continues. “But that’s classic Avery. She builds walls when someone gets too close. Trust me, Tyler’s perfect for her. He’s laid-back enough not to pressure her, but persistent enough to wear down her defenses. He’ll have her heart before she realizes it.”
“Maybe,” I manage, because what else can I say? That Avery’s probably been in love with Oliver since their first year?
“You’re quiet.” He tilts his head, studying me. “Everything okay?”
“Just thinking,” I say, which isn’t a lie.
“Well, stop thinking.” He grins, that easy charm that makes him everyone’s friend flowing back. “We have dancing to do.”
He leads me onto the constellation-mapped floor where people dressed as gods, monsters, heroes, and villains spin together, everyone pretending to be something they’re not.
At least I fit right in.
The orchestra strikes up a new waltz, and Oliver pulls me into position with practiced ease. One hand on my waist, the other holding mine, perfectly proper and perfectly wrong.
“You look beautiful tonight,” he says, his eyes soft and serious as we begin to move. “Persephone suits you.”
“Thanks.” The word tastes like ash on my tongue. “And you make a great Hades.”
“Without the kidnapping and forced pomegranate eating parts,” he jokes, but it sounds strained, like he knows my heart isn’t in this.
I force a laugh, my gaze drifting over his shoulder to where Logan still stands by the Revelation Flame. Callie’s gone from his side, and he’s watching me and Oliver, his jaw tight, the fire beside him flickering between orange and that deep, dangerous red that speaks of barely controlled fury.
Our eyes meet across the ballroom, and electricity races down my spine.
“Jade?” Oliver’s voice forces me to look away from Logan. “You seem tense.”
I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. “Sorry. I…” I trail off, not quite knowingwhatI was doing. “I’ve always been terrible at waltzes.”
“You’re doing great. Just try to relax.”
Relax. Right. While the man I’m in love with watches me dance with someone else, while Avery’s heart breaks in the corner, while Alessandra is likely off somewhere with Callie planning my demise, and while I pretend to be something I’m not.
Just anotherrelaxingnight at Blaze Academy.
