Yvette nodded.
“So, will you?”
Where else was she supposed to go? That was her first thought, but it was more than that too. She wanted to move into Grimlocke House. She wanted to learn more magic from Keira… But most of all, the idea of belonging somewhere, even if it was such a peculiar, ragtag version of a family, was not something she could resist.
“Yes.” Yvette nodded, taking another tiny sip. “But you’ll have to take down that awful wallpaper.”
Florian let out a bawdy laugh, his sea green eyes twinkling.
It was utterly infectious. She couldn’t help but smile back.
“I think we need to make a toast.”
The others had congregated by the drinks table. Where they did toast to her membership. Yvette finished her glass of wine. She watched games of dice and listened to their jokes and loud, outlandish stories. Together they danced until her cheeks were stretched from smiling. When the frenzy ebbed, Yvette followed Lilith to the outskirts of the ballroom.
Yvette’s eyes filtered through the crowd until they settled on Florian’s unmistakable shape. He was dancing with a girl,smiling that irresistible grin he seemed to be able to conjure on demand. The girl was blushing heavily. Yvette could hardly blame her. It wasn’t everyday someone smiled at you like that.
“Don’t take it personally,” Lilith commented beside her. “There is nothing shiny enough in this realm to keep Florian’s attention for long.”
A blush crept onto her own cheeks. Had she felt a touch of jealousy? Of course, but only because-
Her thought was interrupted as Knox bumped into her from behind, letting out a snort as he stalked off.
“Knox!” Lilith protested, but then he was lost to the crowd. Her hand came up to rub her brow.
Yvette’s mind worked, trying to figure out what she’d said to upset him now. Perhaps it was simply the moon, his condition… “Is it safe,” Yvette asked, tone hushed, “having him here so close-”
Lilith shook her head to stop her, clearly understanding her meaning. “He’ll be fine, just on edge.” She huffed. “Florian could try not to be so-” she shook her head angrily and took a drink.
Her eyes widened, coming to a conclusion with newfound clarity. How had she not seen it? “He’s- They’re-”
“You didn’t know?” Lilith’s eyes rounded.
“It would explain why he…”
“Why he’s such an irrational arse around you?” Lilith finished, but then her expression softened. “Listen, it’s not about you personally. That melodrama has been going on… probably longer than even I know. Florian has never lied about the way he is, but he also does not understand what this is to my brother.” She sighed. “And Knox tries to make himself okay with how Florianwanders, but on a fundamental level, he just can’t. It isn’t in his nature.” Lilith took a sip of wine before leveling her with a pointed look. “He would have saved himself a lot of heartache if he had just accepted who Florian is from the off.”
Yvette glanced back at the dance floor, where Florian was now gone. Probably off…wandering. “I should turn in,” she said slowly
Lilith elbowed her affectionately. “Hey, I am glad you’re coming back with us.”
She gave a small smile. “Me too.”
Yvette swam through the crowd, making her way to the massive wooden staircase. She’d been given a room there. It was small and sparsely furnished, likely meant for a lady’s maid, but at least it was something. The keep was full to bursting with guests, and she couldn’t have brought herself to sleep in Victor’s rooms.
“Yvette!” Florian’s voice carried to her as her hand touched the bannister. She considered whether to keep going, but her hesitation was enough for him to catch up to her. “You aren’t turning in already, are you?”
She faced him. “I was feeling tired.” Not entirely a lie.
“Just one more drink, or a dance, anything,” he offered, flashing that smile.
Yvette shook her head.
He sighed in defeat. “Let me at least walk you up.”
“I’ll be fine on my own,” she said, taking a step back on the stairs. Unfortunately, the wine had gone too far to her head, and she tripped on her skirts.
Florian’s hand darted out, catching her arm to keep her from falling against the steps. His brow furrowed as he held her. “Are you alright? I know today was…”
