That’s the first thing that crossed my mind, but I caught myself before I could say it. I already knew the answer. Something had gone wrong with her meds. It was the only explanation.
Ava had told me that in the past, her psychosis had convinced her she was a part of the circus, and that she’d swung from the chandelier in her house thinking it was some kind of trapeze. She’d almost gotten hurt. If she was going through something similar now, and experiencing some kind of delusion, it’d be best to play along— to keep her safe until I found help.
“You’re right,” I agreed. “A man of my status would call a lady by her proper name.”
She huffed proudly. “Then you shall call me Lady Elizabeth.”
“Very well, Lady Elizabeth. Shall we take a walk?” I held my elbow out to her, and she took it.
I couldn’t understand what was happening to her. All I knew was I had to get her alone, before she could make a scene. The last thing I wanted was for her to come out of psychosis and realize everyone had seen. She’d be mortified.
Ava didn’t lead me forward like she usually did. It was like she’d forgotten I was blind. I nudged Oberi, and he guided us down the hall.
“Tell me about this ball, Lady Elizabeth,” I suggested as we started up a flight of stairs.
“You shouldknow, Lord Henry.” She snickered. “It’s an annual event. Surely you’ve been!”
“I’m afraid I haven’t.” My mouth went dry. On a normal day, role playing might be fun, but this terrified me.
“Blimey! You must come. It is the most extravagant ball in all the land,” Ava rambled. “I am to find myself a husband during this year’s spring season. But I must ask my brother’s permission first. He must approve of the man who is to take my hand. That’s why I must find him.”
She started to pull away from me, but I grabbed her hand, and she relaxed.
“Why don’tIescort you to the ball?” I suggested. I couldn’t have her running off on me now.
Ava snickered. “You know I can’t, Lord Henry! That would be ascandal. I must have supervision from my brother.”
Ancestors, where the fuck was Ez? I needed his help. He’d been with Ava when she was like this before. He’d know what to do, right?
Oberi stopped, and I sensed a wall in front of us. I reached out and felt a door. When I opened it, I realized where we were. Air swept past us, and I heard shouts coming from the prison yard below. Oberi had led us to our balcony, the one spot in the school where we’d never seen another soul. This was the perfect spot to help Ava find herself in private. Maybe I could talk her down.
I stepped onto the balcony and held my hand out for her to follow. “Perhaps we can discuss this further—”
Ava drew a sharp breath. “Oh, it’s brilliant!”
I furrowed my brow. “What is?”
“The ballroom!” she squealed. “It’s more beautiful than I could ever imagine!”
She was definitely seeing things. Ava rushed forward before I could react. She sprinted to the edge of the balcony, and Oberi barked loudly. My heart lurched, and I raced after her. I moved so quickly I must’ve reached the banister in three strides. I grabbed for her, only to realize in horror that she already had one leg over the banister— like she was ready to jump off.
“Ava!” I tried to yank her back onto solid ground, but she threw an elbow that sank straight into my gut.
Hell, we never should’ve brought her out here. I was done playing along. “Ava, get down!”
I grabbed her arm, but the last thing I wanted to do was hurt her. Ava shoved me off. “I must make my debut down the grand staircase!”
“You’re going to hurt yourself!” I couldn’t let that happen. I grabbed her so firmly this time that she couldn’t pull away.
“Stop it!” she cried. “Lord Henry, you’re hurting me!”
My heart broke when she said I was hurting her, but I knew it was better than letting her jump off the balcony. I tossed her over my shoulder, and she protested by slamming her fists against my back. For a girl her size, Ava had one hell of a swing, but I’d nurse my kidneys back to health another day. I had to get her out of here and to someone who could actually help.
“Put me down!” Ava screamed as I dragged her back inside the building. Oberi whimpered.
I pressed my lips together tightly as a knot formed in my chest. “Oberi, to the infirmary.”
Oberi barked and led me down the stairs dutifully. Ava continued to punch me in the back. Her legs flailed so fast I could hardly keep a hold of her.
