“I didn’t think the witch was allowed to leave his lab.”
Everett White lifts the brim of his top hat, the bright colour of his eyes the only thing that gives away the disguise.
“An exchange was made. And I find myself rather good at ruining parties.”
Words and syllables jumble and slur as his voice cloning technology transforms his voice into that of the Mad Hatter’s.
Marlin studies the doppelganger curiously, examining the worn state of the hat I refused to leave behind and the dark bags seeping under the teenager’s eyes.
“What could you have possibly offered in exchange?”
Evie stays quiet beside me, his eyes trained on the black onyx tile.
“A reunion.”
My response puts a smile on Calista’s face.
“Double the madmen, double the distraction. Well done, Devil.”
If I couldn’t feel Marlin staring into my soul, I would fucking beam at the sound of her praise.
“Two minutes. Nineteen seconds.”
“Alright boys. You know the drill.” A snap of her fingers and Calista Drache is back in charge, “Meet at the access point and get ready for some fun.”
She pauses, her lips lifting coyly, “And Melody. It is so good to see you again.”
The petite redhead glares in return, “I could have gone longer.”
“Oh, dear. You’re not still upset about the texting situation, are you?”
I cough into my hand to diffuse the building tension.
“Evie, you should probably get ready.”
Tugging the brim of his top hat back over his eyes, the White prodigy turns and shuffles back into the shadows. Disappears around the corner with another man’s hat on his head and a piece of technology taped to his throat.
“Don’t be late this time.”
Giving me a pointed look, Marlin takes Melody’s hand and tucks it into his elbow. Dark red hair caresses the fine lines of his suit as the couple fades into the distance, a perfect silhouette that bleeds together like a crashing wave.
“What do you think, darling? Care for a little madness?”
“It does make for the most entertaining of evenings.” She lifts a brow, a smile teasing her mouth, “And I have heard the English make the best cup of tea.”
I laugh as I take her hand and pull her close.
Our lips meet just as screams rattle the walls. Cries and shattered glass explode from the ballroom, the sound of racing feet and desperate guards lost to the feeling of Calista Drache’s heart beating in time with mine.
One last time.
Chapter 52
CALISTA
All hell breaks loose.
It always does at these parties, but it is far more amusing when you’re the reason behind it.
