I spun in a slow circle, letting my arms drift and sway, but the shifter was nowhere to be seen.
Cursed Old Gods.
“Asher?” I hissed, hopeful that his keen shifter hearing would discern my voice over the music. “Where are you?”
He didn’t respond.
He didn’t materialize, either.
I spun again, even slower this time, letting my eyes touch everyone in the ballroom. “Where are you, wolf?”
My stomach sank.
Asher wasn’t here.
“Who are you talking to, Ginny?” Velline asked as she placed a gentle hand on my waist and nudged me into a loose twirl before releasing me again. She watched my face for an answer as she swayed side to side.
“Oh, nobody, just?—”
“Just cheating?”
I choked, nearly losing my footing. “Of course not! I?—”
She smiled. “Easy, Ginny. I’m just teasing. You aren’t the only one who bent the rules a little.”
I dropped into a dramatic curtsy before kicking my leg behind me in a practiced arabesque. “You did too? Wow, I’m shocked.”
Her smile slackened. “Not me. I wasn’t quick enough, it seems. I shall hope for the fates to be on my side.”
I scanned the room one last time. “Nonsense! It looks like my partner has bailed. Be with me. We’ll team up.”
Her silver eyes lit up. “Truly?”
“Of course!”
We laughed and twirled, joining hands to squeeze between other dancing folk before separating again. I lifted my arms above my head as I spun in a pirouette.
And then the music stopped.
Everyone scrambled.
I darted toward where I had last seen Velline’s shiny silver hair, but I saw nothing.
She was gone.
“Velline!” I shouted.
A small whimper from the floor snagged my attention. Velline was curled up, clutching her ankle with both hands, her face screwed up into a pained scowl.
The angel was a few seconds away from being trampled by nearby dancers. Panic seized my chest. “Oh no, Velline!”
“I’m so sorry!” a fae woman called, fluttering her hand anxiously. “I didn’t mean to run into you, I didn’t see you there!”
Tommins got to Velline before I did, plowing through the crowd and scooping her up easily despite her bulky wings. He removed her from the dance floor before anyone could step on her.
My heart twinged for my friend, but the dread of once again being partnerless snared me. Adrenaline flooded my veins.
I whirled, searching for an open pair of arms before time ran out.
