Callista sweeps over to us, wearing a crimson dress that’s straight out of a Dracula movie, her lips painted a matching colour. The lipstick looks wet, as if she’s painted herlips in fresh blood.
“My son, you came. I had my doubts.” She leans in, kissing both his cheeks. “And Winnie Preston, stepping bravely into a nest of vipers. But who will offer the poison bite?”
Before I can answer, she takes Alaric’s arm and drags us over to a circle of vampires. The only one I recognise is Gideon, who looks utterly edible in a grey suit and shimmering golden waistcoat that makes his hair look like a halo.
“Ms Preston, I heard congratulations are in order,” he says, that mischievous glint in his eyes. “Now that you’re intending to stay in Argleton, what can I do to convince you to work with my clients?”
“Oh, Gideon, you jest!” A woman in a purple velvet fishtail dress slaps him playfully on the arm. “What could one of us possibly want from a human apart from the nectar of her veins?”
My stomach lurches. I force a smile on my face.
“Myfiancéeis a professional organiser, and tonight’s ball would not have been possible without her.” Alaric sweeps his arm around, indicating the room. “You know what some of us are like. Over the centuries we accumulate the ephemera of an immortal life. This very room used to be filled to the brim with my various obsessions. But Winnie has worked her magic and now look at it.”
“Callista, you never told us your son was a comedian.” A man in a matching pinstriped purple velvet suit leans in to kiss Callista’s cheeks. “Alaric called this woman his fiancée.”
“Yes, Alaric and Winnie are to be wed,” Callista says. “I thought you would approve, Bernard, as you have long campaigned in the Midnight Court for restrictions on human and vampire interactions to be lifted.”
“I …” The man looks lost for words. “I didn’t know the Lady of Agony shared our beliefs. Because of course, since the invention of contraception, the danger of Dhampir is nearly nonexistent. As prominent Nightshade blood, you have always advocated for a return to our traditions?—”
“Yes, well.” Callista flashes me a tight-lipped smile. “Perhaps some traditionsneed to change.”
“We couldn’t agree more, and we’re very happy to meet you both.” The woman extends her hand for Alaric to kiss. “You must be excited, Lord Valerian. You haven’t sired a vampire before, have you? It’s the most beautiful ceremony.”
I turn to Alaric who has gone, if possible, even paler. “What’s she talking about? What ceremony?”
“Please, don’t concern yourself with it. I would not do anything that you do not wish.”
“Oh, Alaric, quit teasing the girl.” The man laughs. “You know you cannot take a human as awife. It’s absurd. You’d have what, fifty years together if you’re lucky? I assume you will seek permission from the Conclave to give her the Kiss?—”
My heart hammers a mile a minute. “Alaric, is this true?—”
“So, Callista, will you be staying on in Argleton?” Gideon cuts in, flashing Alaric a stern look. “I still have a few homes unsold in my Sanctus Estate, and for such a majestic lady I would make you a good deal?—”
“I toured your estate at a party last week, but I don’t much care for modern architecture.” Callista makes a face. “There aren’t even any gargoyles. Honestly, Gideon, it can’t be that expensive to slap up a gargoyle or two. This used to be apropercountry.”
Panic creeps along my spine. “Alaric, what’s this about a ceremony?—”
“Fancy a drink?” Isis pops up between us, thrusting her tray at the vampires. As they leap on the glasses filled with crimson liquid, she hisses in my ear, “Meet me by the ugly baby statue. I have an update.”
I nod. I know exactly which statue she means.
Isis darts away before the vampires can replace their empty glasses on her tray.
“Excuse me,” I force a smile. “I have to go to the bathroom.”
“Winnie, wait.” Alaric chases after me. I duck through the crowd, trying not to draw attention to myself as I head for the fat cherub flanking the door between the ballroom and drawing room. Alaric catches me beneath the statue. He grabs my wrist, whirling me around so weare chest to chest.
“Please, Winnie, don’t listen to anything they say. They mean to unnerve you, because your presence has startled them and they need to be in control?—”
“Is what she said true – if we were to be married, you have to turn me into … into one of you?”
His face twists with frustration. “I can explain?—”
“You should have told me this when you asked me to stay.” I shove him away. “I don’t want to be a vampire, Alaric. Don’t you get that this changes everything?”
The hurt stabs the butterflies, killing them dead. How could he not tell me this? How could he hate what he is and yet expect me to just give up my human life like it’s no big deal?
Iknowmy argument is reasonable, my anger justified. But Alaric’s face crumples, his lordly mask falling away.
