Page 136 of Reaper’s Curse

Shit. My heart slammed against my rib cage.

Winter stalked toward me, his expression warring between anger and disappointment. “Are you going to explain what just happened?”

Ignoring his question, I jumped to my feet and, not seeing the Killian key anywhere in sight, spun toward the stairs. “Let’s go.”

I needed to get to the gala immediately and confirm Raven’s whereabouts. Her safety.

Before anyone threw a cage over my Black Bird.

33

Consumed with thoughts of Chace, of Chace touching me, kissing me, I hid in the shadows between the trees and pressed my fingers to my swollen lips. We’d revisited that kiss, and I was already eager for yet another revisit. Hopefully a longer one.

My gaze traveled to the crow-lined terrace marking my palace apartment.

Would Chace find a way to visit me there later? Tonight, or possibly another night?

I whipped my head from side to side. I really shouldn’t entertain such thoughts at present. My mindset needed to remain focused on what I had to do next.

I glanced through the open doors to the sea of colors swirling on the dance floor, then raised my gaze to the large clock on the wall. Half past midnight approached. Only twenty minutes to go. Which meant the royals and all their guards would be preoccupied for a bit.

At least, I hoped they would.

With their announcement…and whatever else they participated in with regard to the birthday bash.

Music and laughter escaped through the open doors of the gala carrying song through the garden. But I… I didn’t need to be humming the tune blossoming in my heart. I needed to concentrate. So I sucked back a deep breath, then released it slowly, taking care to shove all noise from my head. In other words, any thoughts that wouldn’t best serve me during the upcoming task.

I pushed away from the trees and paced back and forth in front of the open doors, focusing on the gentle swish of my skirt while keeping an eye on the royal box…waiting.

Lucas had informed me that the royal family would make an appearance at half past midnight, and I had no reason not to believe him.

Was the queen a punctual ruler? Or did she treat her schedule as flexible? I hadn’t had nearly enough interactions with her to feel confident in any answer I might give to that question.

A couple ran past me, dashing from the garden back into the gala, squeals of flirtatious delight ringing from their lips.

I shifted deeper into the shadows at the side of the door. Soon, I would begin my hunt for the tower door Myla had depicted in her drawing, and I didn’t need anyone trying to drag me into the party or asking me questions. Like why I stood alone in the garden.

Only not too long ago, I hadn’t been alone. But that was then, and this was now.

My attention flickered to hushed conversation moving along the nearest portico outlining the garden. The queen and Winter’s parents moved toward the gala, escorted by a thick circle of guards. Valen’s old coreaper and the birthday boy impersonator were not among them. Instead, another male who appeared to be playing the part of Winter’s brother was present.

Curious.

To avoid detection, I pressed even farther into the shadows, thankful for the color of my dress.

I could shift to mist, but… Not here. Not now.

The group disappeared through a door at the end of the portico, to what I assumed would be a private staircase that would eventually lead them to the royal box.

Stepping lightly into the moonlight, I surveyed the crowded gala. Caught glimpses of the people I knew—Lucas, Neive, Camilla, Aoes…

Where had Aoes been earlier? I hadn’t seen him. But I’d been rather wrapped up in Chace. Chace, who was with Winter and had yet to return. If the queen expected Winter to make an appearance with his family, I had to assume the two guys would be back soon. Very soon.

I best get moving.

To quiet my steps, I removed my shoes and set the shimmering black heels with my forsaken gloves and mask at the edge of the planter. Then, prowling into the garden and I made way for the tower.

Above, exceptional colors shimmered in the aurora borealis effect of the citadel’s mystical barrier―a blend of fuchsia, violet, sapphire, and aquamarine. The holes in the barrier, through which the crows flew, softly blended with the night sky beyond.