Father doesn’t know anything about it, and that is exactly how I want it.
I asked for it to be kept quiet, because he is far too volatile, and if he finds out his daughter, the next in line for his empire, was attacked, he will start a war without thinking twice. He is unpredictable like that.
And we are not ready for one.
I finish applying my gloss and move towards the mirror, carefully avoiding my reflection, taking in only the dress.
It’s short and white. The front is cut with deep red fabric, over which a skeleton is shaped in jewels, and roses are woven between the bones.
It is a magnificent piece. It cost me a fortune, but every cent was well spent. Everything about it sits exactly as it should, natural and striking. It fits the Halloween party perfectly.
Sofia Moretti is the designer, the best there is, and almost impossible to get hold of. The Morettis run Chicago, so connections help.
The sleeves are long, which is fortunate, because there is no chance I am covering this dress with a jacket, and it is freezing outside, and the party is in the woods at the Thirteenth Circle cabin.
So I will probably end up staying inside most of the time.
Beauty requires sacrifices, and I would rather risk hypothermia than ruin this masterpiece.
I pull on my heeled boots, open a drawer, and take out two blades. One slips into my boot, the other rests against my thigh.
Then I am out the door.
I leave the dorm and start the walk. The music is already blasting, and as I move through the woods it grows louder and louder, pulsing through the trees.
When I reach the clearing, I spot my sister through the sea of people.
Her long white hair is braided down her back, and she is dressed entirely in black—a fitted dress, gloves, over the knee boots, and a pair of dark wings rising from her shoulders.
I make my way towards her.
She looks up the moment I approach, a smile spreading slowly across her face.
We don’t spend much time together these days, for reasons I can’t name, and it leaves me almost sad.
“Hi,” she says, and I smile down at her as we hug. She looks paler than usual, and concern rushes through me before I can stop it.
“Are you feeling all right?” I ask.
She keeps the smile on her face, though it tightens slightly. “Yes, I’m fine. You worry too much.”
Just as I’m about to reply, I spot Markev heading deeper into the woods, and I see Talia following after him. He’s wearing his Ferrum Syndicate mask, but I know it’s him.
So what the hell does she think she’s doing?
You don’t go after a predator, especially one you claim you’re scared of, one who already hurt you.
This story is getting weirder by the minute.
And I don’t like it.
I narrow my eyes, excuse myself from Ophelia, and step away, following after them.
“What’s going on?” my sister asks.
I turn back to her, worry etched across her face.
“Nothing. I just thought I saw someone and wanted to say hi.”
