“Why does that make you uneasy?” I asked.
He pushed his glasses up his nose too quickly. “It doesn’t. Anyway—there’s something else.”
He pulled up another file. A black and gold invitation gleamed across the screen.
The Masquerade of the Celestials
For beings of ancient lineage and supernatural refinement.
Before I could respond, a sharp beeping interrupted us.
Ezra looked at his computer. “Ward alert. Someone’s at the door.”
“Who?” Nadia asked.
Ezra tapped a key. “Human.”
I turned toward the foyer. “Stay here.”
The air outside was cold and damp. An empty bottle of wine sat on the doorstep, etched with my name. Inside lay a rolled paper.
I uncorked the bottle and slid it out. The script shimmered faintly, unmistakable.
Lord Cristian D’Archeval,
You are cordially invited to our Masquerade.
We do so love reunions.
I carried it back to the kitchen.
“This,” I said, holding up the bottle, “is from the Sovereign Court. They’re taunting me.”
Nadia’s eyes flicked to mine—equal parts fear, frustration, and trust. That last part undid me more than any threat from the court ever could.
Nadia frowned. “Why a wine bottle?”
I met her eyes. “Because the last time I drank with them, they poisoned me.”
Lena swallowed. “Wow. Subtle.”
Ezra gave a low whistle. “Guess the RSVP is mandatory.”
I turned the invitation over in my hand, already feeling the trap forming around us. “They want me to come,” I said. “And that means they’re afraid I won’t.”
The arrogance of the Sovereign Court never ceased to amaze me. They could not kill me. They would not bind me again.
The bottle sat on the counter, the gold seal glinting in the kitchen light. I could almost hear their laughter behind it. A masquerade. How fitting. A celebration of masks and lies.
“It’s obviously a trap,” I said.
Ezra snorted. “Yeah, no shit.”
I ignored him. “But it’s a trap I intend to walk into.”
Nadia’s head snapped toward me. “I’m sorry, you’re going to do what?”
I crossed my arms. “If they want to parade me as their victory, they will regret the invitation. It’s time they remember what I am.”
