1
ISOLDE
The Abyss was well-known among demons, but tonight was my first time seeing the luxury hotel that catered to our kind. I preferred to keep to myself, but my father had insisted that I accompany him to the Festival of Midnight. Since this was a celebration that only happened once in a century, he didn’t let me put him off by saying I’d just go next time. Now I was stuck mingling with hundreds of demons on the night when the veil between realms was at its thinnest.
“Smile, Isolde,” my father muttered, his hold on my arm tightening. “You are unknown to most of the demons in attendance, and you only get one chance to make a first impression.”
I forced my lips to curve upward, wishing he was more concerned with my feelings than the opinion of others. But my father was always looking to make another alliance, ever the politician who’d grown the House of Virelyn into the powerhouse we were today.
“I’ll try to do my best, Father.”
“Don’t just try,” he hissed. “Show them all that you’re worthy of the Virelyn name.”
Straightening my back, I lifted my chin and swept my gaze across the ballroom. Whoever was responsible for decorations tonight outdid themselves.
The grand hall of The Abyss looked like someone had taken midnight itself and poured it into crystal and shadow. Deep purple lilies spilled from tall vases along every column, and shimmering threads of magic draped the high ceiling like strings of starlight. Black-stemmed vines crawled up columns and across the ceiling, with tiny white flowers that only opened at midnight. And living shadow tapestries hung from half a dozen spots off the ceiling—huge panels that shifted and reformed into scenes from demonic history. They showed fleeting silhouettes of mated pairs, gates opening, and storms raging before smoothing back into deep purple.
My father had hosted plenty of balls in our home, and I’d been unable to get out of attending them once I turned eighteen. I’d been forced to suffer through a dozen events in the past four years, but they all paled in comparison to what Adan Deville and his mate had pulled off tonight.
They were hosting beings from across the supernatural spectrum, all gathering to honor the convergence. Power hummed beneath every word and glance.
My father was in his element, but I hated every second. Too many eyes followed me, curious demons who had never seen Thalvor Virelyn’s daughter before. Their attention made my aura prickle dangerously under my skin. One slip and they would all smell the fear rolling off me.
Seemingly unaware of my inner turmoil, he steered me through the crowd with practiced ease, nodding to acquaintances and murmuring introductions. “Kaelith, may I present my daughter, Isolde.”
The demon inclined his head, his eyes gleaming with calculation. “A pleasure to meet you, Isolde. Your father speaks highly of your potential.”
I dipped a shallow curtsy, murmuring the expected pleasantries while my aura prickled under my skin like static before a storm.
We moved on for more of the same. Vague compliments about a power I wished I didn’t have and veiled questions about my attendance at future events.
Pausing in front of a striking couple, my father greeted, “Adan, thank you for hosting us tonight.”
“Thalvor, good to see you made the journey.” Adan tugged the visibly pregnant woman closer to his side.
“Wouldn’t miss it, Deville.” My father inclined his head respectfully—which was rare for him—then gestured to me. “This is my daughter, Isolde.”
Adan’s gaze flicked to me. “Welcome to The Abyss, Isolde. This is my fated mate, Calliope.”
“It’s lovely to have you here.” Calliope’s smile widened. “If you need anything, just ask.”
She seemed more genuine than anyone else I’d met this evening. For the first time, the warmth in my voice wasn’t forced. “Thank you. The hall is breathtaking. You’ve outdone yourselves.”
Calliope laughed softly. “Most of the credit goes to The Abyss itself and the staff. I basically just said what I wanted, and they made it happen.”
My gaze swept over the ballroom in a new light, finally understanding why the space was so impressive. The Abyss had magic of its own.
They exchanged a few more words with my father before a cluster of guests pulled them away. He turned to me with asatisfied nod. “See? That wasn’t so difficult. Stay visible but don’t hover. I’ll find you later.”
He melted back into the crowd, leaving me alone for the first time all evening.
I exhaled slowly and drifted toward the shadowed edges of the ballroom, seeking a moment to breathe. The vines crawling up the nearest column released an almost inaudible chime as I passed, something only enchanted night-blooming star jasmine could do. My aura sparked in response, a tiny arc that luckily fizzled out before anyone noticed.
As the evening wore on, the energy in the room shifted. The realms were drawing close, the divide between them wearing thin. The air grew charged with anticipation, and I worried about its impact on my powers as the clock high above began its slow chime toward midnight.
A hush fell over the crowd. Guests lifted glasses, savoring the raw pulse of magic as the veil thinned to gossamer.
I drifted farther away from the throng of supernatural beings. That was when I saw him.
