Hustling back to the lake, I paused at the dock to breathe in my own genius. Floating giant swans. Twinkle lights. A towering cake. Party hats. Music. All her favorite people. I didn’t know how Seri would react, but my money was on waterworks. Still, nervousness twisted my stomach. Not because I doubted the party, but because I wanted it to be perfect for Seri. She deserved perfect.
She deserved the world.
Then, “He’shere,” Ko muttered.
I straightened up and shot a quick look at Cas, who gave me a reassuring nod. We could do this.
Lucian and Kaori climbed out of their SUV just as the sun slipped behind the horizon. I had to admit they made an impressive sight, Lucian in a tailored black suit and Kaori in a glittering white dress that showed off her warm brown skin beautifully.
“Zane.” Lucian greeted me with a slight nod. “This is more tasteful than I expected.”
High praise coming from him.
“Don’t sound so surprised, Pops. I have tastedmanythings.” I gave him my most charming smile, the one that always made him suspect I was up to something. Which I usually was. “Seb not coming?”
“Unfortunately detained by matters of state,” Lucian said smoothly, which translated to, “Hunting the traitor among my sycophants.”
Kaori stepped forward to give me a hug, which I returned. I liked her not just because she somehow managed to make Lucian marginally less of an asshole, but because she was smart, funny, and treated us like we mattered. And Seri liked her.
“It looks wonderful.” Her dark eyes took in the transformed lake area. “Seri is going to love it.”
Cas extended a hand to Lucian in a gesture that was cordial, but far from warm. Ko greeted the vampire king with a brief nod and kept his hands in his pockets.
For a moment, silence fell among us, then Brumster bounded over, his top hat now askew, and nudged at Kaori’s hand for pets.
“Brumous, my fine friend!” she laughed as she indulged my good boy with ear scritches.
Then my phone buzzed. Fozzerella. Five minutes out.
“Places, everyone!” I called out, clapping my hands. “And remember, when they arrive, we all shout ‘Cruor, she did it!’ ”
As everyone moved into position, I felt that familiar rush of anticipation that always preceded my best mischief. Tonight was going to be legendary, and I couldn’t wait to see Seri’s face when she realized it was all for her!
#
Foster showed up right on time, driving Seri down to the lake in her precious golf cart as she sat blindfolded and giggling in the passenger seat. I signaled to the waiting guests, raising three fingers, then two, then one.
“CRUOR, SHE DID IT!” Everyone shouted in unison, even Cas, which I counted as my first victory of the night.
Zane Cimmerian: Absolute Legend.
Fossman removed Seri’s blindfold, and her gray eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as she looked around.
“Oh!” Her hands flew to her mouth. “What is this?”
“To recognize your success, beloved.” Ko moved forward to take her hand.
“Your anti-siphoning ward is a remarkable achievement,” Cas added, his voice carrying that rare note of open admiration.
“Revolutionary!” I chimed in. “Hence, the epic celebration!”
Her eyes darted to the banner that was still drying, then back to us, a blush spreading across her cheeks, flustered beyond belief.
“I don’t know what to say,” she whispered, tears already welling in her eyes. Called it. “It’s just a ward.”
“It’s notjusta ward,” Lucian corrected with his usual gravity. “It’s protection against one of the Darkest violations one can experience. Don’t diminish your accomplishment, daughter.”
The tears spilled over then, and Seri insisted on huggingeveryone. She started with my brothers and me, of course, then moved on to Kaori and Lucian, who accepted the embrace with a soft, “Harrumph.” Mrs. Wentzel received a hard squeeze, and her grandson Addison got a gentler hug. Even Fosteroni endured a quick one,looking uncomfortable. Brummy, of course, received the most enthusiastic greeting of all. Seri dropped to her knees to hug the pup, cooing over his adorable top hat while he licked the tears from her cheeks.
