Great.
“What are you doing here?” he asked, his annoyance evident as he watched Saryna.
My hands started shaking at the sound of his tone. Who did he think he was to talk to her that way? He was dressed in a dapper suit, his dark hair slicked back.
“We need to get ready,” he said.
I turned to Saryna, seeing her shocked expression.
“Yes, sorry, I wanted a quiet moment before the ball, that is all.”
She stood up, and I glared at Malakai. When had they become friendly? And going to the ball together?
He threw me an arrogant nod, his brows raising briefly.
“See you tonight, Anna,” he said.
I cocked my head but ignored him as they walked off. I felt weird letting Saryna walk off with him, but what was I going to do?
I sat there for some time, alone, wondering if I should bring this up to Roslyn or let it play out until I could get Saryna on her own again. Best friend or not, Roslyn was an Aurkai, and she’d never break rank and divulge sensitive information. Saryna, however, was about to tell me something. She’d been trying since leaving that note in my room, but I’d kept misreading her odd behavior.
I needed to talk to her again.
Alone.
Chapter 24
Dreams to Forget
ANNA
Aknock at the door broke through the chatter.
“The guys are here!” Isabella said.
Her excitement amused me, and while I’d composed myself well enough to get through this part of the evening, my mind kept returning to the conversation with Saryna. We’d dressed in our gowns and were waiting for our escorts to retrieve us. Isabella had chosen my jewelry and even added a tiara in my hair. For a moment, I’d forgotten about whatever impending doom Saryna seemed to think was coming.
Isabella swung the door open, and Caelan stood there, his classic, nonchalant smile instantly comforting me. He was dressed in a sleek, fitted blazer that accented his broad chest and shoulders, leaving no question about what was beneath.
Isabella looked crestfallen. “Of course, my date is late.”
“And that date would be?” I mused, but she still wouldn’t tell us.
“Well,” I said. “I guess I’ll see you ladies there.”
I joined Caelan as he bowed deeply before taking my hand and kissing it. He looked dashing, his dark blond hair falling across his forehead in waves. Even his scent was masculine, an almost metallic and fresh scent that was unique, yet oddly familiar.
“My lady,” he said, rising and taking my waist.
I giggled and curtsied the best I knew how. Roslyn and Isabella made catcalls and cheered from the door, and my cheeks flushed.
He leaned in, whispering against my ear. “You look beautiful.”
I smelled the fresh scent again and muttered, “Nice cologne.”
I flicked him a sly grin, and he laughed.
“It is very expensive,” he said, seriously. “Cleans the finest blades in all the land.”
