“Because I’m not convinced that you—or your friends, or fucking anyone else who thinks I’m trash—won’t pull someCarrieshit to get back at me for hurting one of your own. So I’m going to stay safe with my friends and not risk dying like I almost did when Luther—“ she cuts off. “The only reason I’m even going is because the Council ordered me to. Who knows, maybe I’ll manage to have some fun while I’m there. But no, Killian, I won’t go to the Gala with you.” She gently pushes the box back at me without even opening it.
My smile’s frozen on my face despite the growing discomfort in my chest at her rejection. I swallow thickly and nod, slipping the box back into my pocket. “Okay, pretty girl. I get it. Maybe I’ll get lucky with a dance, at least.”
She nods and turns back to her computer. “Yeah, Killian. Maybe.”
35
NYX
As I climb the stairs to the Great Hall, holding my skirt up like an actual fucking princess or something, I try to remember everything Tori told me about the Governor’s Gala.
“First, whatever you do, don’t be yourself,” she said as Maeve fitted the ballgown yesterday for any last minute alterations. Like Samhain, we went to Lisette’s shop in Hemlock Hill.
Like Samhain, I tried to get out of spending a ludicrous amount of money on a dress that doesn’t even have pockets, for fuck’s sake.
Like Samhain, I was outvoted.
“It’s when all the Councils come together—Dark, Witch, Vampire, Fae, and Shifter—to celebrate the student’s achievements throughout the year and wish everyone luck in the Crypteia. They also meet with potential recruits for post-graduation positions within the Council government. Don’t look at me like that—it’s supposed to be fun!”
“Fun” is not a word I’d use to describe being stuffed into the black and gold embroidered corset of the gown they agreed on despite my protests. Not that it’s not beautiful—the cream tulle underskirt and red overskirt have hundreds of blood red fabricroses and falling petals embroidered into the thin material, with beaded embellished thorny vines running from where the skirts are gathered at my hip, revealing my leg through the subtle slit in the skirt every time I walk. Lisette was entirely too pleased with herself at finding a gown inspired by my powers, despite my protests.
The room is once again transformed. Instead of shadows and darkness for Samhain, the Great Hall is alight with glittering chandeliers and mirrors hanging from the ceiling, throwing shards of golden light to every corner. Tori and Evie lead the way with Brynne at my back so I can’t escape, and together they usher me through the crowd.
“Here,” Brynne says, handing me a glass of champagne from a passing server.
“This is why you’re my favorite,” I murmur along with my thanks, and she downs her glass at the same time. Her tiered tulle dress in various shades of pink that glitter from tiny beads sewn into the layers bounces as we walk. When I told her she looked like a cupcake come to life, she looked at me like I was an idiot and said, “That’s the point.” Tori’s shimmering, iridescent silver spaghetti strap slip dress with a cowl neckline catches the light with every step, and I notice more than a few men and women stare appreciatively as her curves sway with every step. If only I didn’t prefer dick, I’d wife her up in a heartbeat.
“Come on, my mom wants to meet you.” She takes my hand, pulling me along like a dog that doesn’t want to go home pulling against their owner’s leash. Brynne peels off when she recognizes someone through the crowd and Evie, in her flaming red, one-shoulder embellished dress, moves to my side with military precision to cover her. They herd me until Vivica and her other daughters, Vanna and Nikki, finally appear. They’ve finally warmed up to me since Samhain—well, more like Tori and Evie have worn them down about me hanging around.
Vanna, the eldest, is wearing a black suit this time. One side of the asymmetrical jacket is embellished with diamond patterns of varying sizes. Behind her, a black, beaded lace train falls from her waist. With her half-shaved blonde hair, the combination makes her light blue eyes sparkle even brighter in the light. Nikki chose a flower theme too, however hers is dainty and soft where mine is… slightly menacing. The moss green high-low dress is adorned with a cascade of beaded petals that fall from the sheer top to the solid skirt, and she wears a matching laurel wreath around her head like a crown.
“Girls, you look absolutely marvelous.” Vivica opens her arms as my two guards abandon me to greet their mother. Like Vanna, Vivica has chosen all black. Her floor length gown is relatively plain save for the embellished high-neck, keyhole collar with black metallic scales that drip down her shoulders and draped sleeves. Her dark blonde hair is twisted back in the front and secured in a low bun, making her severe face even sharper.
“And Ms. Byrke—may I call you Nyx?” I nod with a stiff smile. “Nyx—it’s wonderful to see you again. How have you been since the hearing?”
“Good, thanks.” Her wide grin doesn’t falter at my stilted response, but something in her eyes shift with the light and awareness drips down my spine when I realize she’s watching me as closely as I’m watching her. Vanna, Nikki, and Evie excuse themselves after some small talk, and then Tori pounces.
“I was telling Mom that we should invite you over this Summer—we have plenty of room at the covenstead, and you’d be able to celebrate the solstice with us! The bonfires here are great, but there’s just something about being with other witches that makes it truly magical.”
My lips twitch when I deadpan, “You mean, besides the actual magic?”
She scoffs indignantly. “You’re impossible.”
“Do you have any plans for this Summer, Nyx?” Vivica asks.
Not if I can help it—after being at Dreadhurst for this long, I’m ready to be on my own again. My own room, my own schedule, and earning my own money rather than relying on the generosity of others, even if it is a scholarship.
“I was going to ask Professor Brandt and Headmaster Church if my scholarship includes any housing over the summer, and then go from there.”
She hums, not breaking eye contact. “We’d be delighted to have you stay with us, of course.”
“That’s very kind—I’ll have to let Tori know what I find out.”
“You’re going to love it, Nyx—oh! I see Brynne and her aunt. I wanted to ask her about her Grandmastery presentation on Alchemy. Be right back!” Tori takes off before I can ask her to take me with her, and then it’s just me and Vivica waiting for the other to make their first move.
“That reminds me—I’ve launched an official inquiry into the Bloodwitch grimoire mentioned in Professor Brandt’s report provided to the Council. The likelihood of finding it is slim given how long it’s been, but I firmly believe that anything is better than nothing to help you master this phenomenal power. When you visit us, I’ll show you the Hektreia Coven grimoire—it’s a fascinating record.”
When, notif. Keep thinking that, Viv.
