“If I did, I’d never figure out what all of you keep droning on about,” I said.
“And what do you think is going on?” he asked, his closeness still quickening my pulse.
I took a step back.
"I think we’re all specimens and this place is an experiment,” I said.
"Interesting,” he mused. “But wrong. I thought you would be more intuitive than that.”
"Am I intuitive enough to figure you out?" I asked.
The amusement that stirred the shades of gray in his eyes faded, and he backed away from me.
"If you are, there are things you will discover that will make you stay away from me," he said.
Hesitation formed in my chest like a cancer. There was no embellishment or humor in his tone—just truth. For the first time, I was scared. Not of what those things may be, but that he was right and whatever it was might keep me away.
“Then perhaps I don’t want to discover them,” I said. “Since these things force you to bear shame.”
Blake’s usually stoic expression darkened and he looked to the ballroom.
A haunting melody sounded from within. It was a melodic piece in a minor key that made my skin tingle as it enveloped us with its mood.
“I love this piece,” he mused, eyeing me as he held his hand out. "Would you dance with me?"
Seeing him in that moment sent a pang through my heart that forced shockwaves. I could’ve been frozen in that moment as his darkly beautiful eyes focused on me, reflecting the moonlight so vibrantly. The dark, loose tendrils of his hair shifted with the breeze across his forehead, his ivory skin flawless as he reached a gloved hand out for mine.
I took it, but only because the next moment far exceeded the last, as did every moment forth that he touched me.
He pulled at my waist until I was so close I could smell his cologne, a smoky scent like burning firewood. His movements were graceful and gentle, guiding me like he had the other night but slower this time. I could feel his presence again but it was different from what it was on the training grounds. There was harmony now, a peace I hadn’t felt before. It was as if we’d entered our own world; the veranda was our dance floor, and the starlit sky was our realm. Back inside the ballroom, surrounded by the others, an invisible barrier kept him from me.
I may not have been able to explain this feeling, but I certainly felt it. I felt him. I could feel him in a way I’d never felt anyone else. We danced closely, far closer than the other night. As the song ended, neither of us let go. I lowered my hand from his shoulder to his chest, touching the edge of the waistcoat. He watched me with attentive patience as I tested my ability to keep breathing if I stayed close. While it was difficult as my heart was beating me from within, I managed to remain conscious and slowly rested my head against him. I was bound within his arms and completely enveloped by his presence. I could feel his heart beating against my cheek. I was sure I could have stayed this way for eternity, but the moment ended, as did all good things.
I could hardly catch my breath as I looked up at him, searching his face for any sign he felt the same. The way his gaze fell to my lips caused the thrumming energy within me to ignite and I tore my eyes from his.
“We should probably go back in,” he said softly, his lips grazing my forehead.
A gentle tug told me he was withdrawing, and as he left, the warm presence he’d extended around me did too. Inside, I was in turmoil.
“Yeah,” I muttered, shivering and wondering why I was agreeing to this.
Blake backed away, his hand trailing away from mine as he went to the door. He held it open for me as I exhaled and stepped into the ballroom. Once inside, the change of atmosphere felt like I was waking up from a dream. The music was festive now and the quiet banter of small groups sounded like the low chatter of a busy restaurant, along with the clinking of their glasses. Several couples were still dancing, enjoying themselves as they spun and moved without formality. And there, not three meters away, was Caelan, noticing me as he chatted with Roslyn. She, too, turned, her eyes flickering from me and then to Blake as he stepped inside. I saw the knowing look in her vivid green eyes and the judgment in Caelan’s.
I automatically moved toward them, as if putting distance between myself and Blake would somehow reduce my need to explain whatever had happened on the veranda.
I didn’t get far, though.
Someone screamed.
Chapter 25
The Warning
ANNA
Ashriek filled the ballroom, paralyzing my stride. My spine stiffened as I looked in the direction of the commotion. Another scream, followed by panicked shouts for help, sent several others rushing over. A small group was leaning over someone on the floor.
Caelan rushed past me and fell to his knees beside the person on the floor. Blake and Roslyn were there next as a silence fell over the room.
