vant's uniform, fingers trembling slightly. The white linen scratched against her throat, and the tight bodice m

ing like war drums around her. Not the strange boy with dusk-shadowed eyes who vanished before sh

he must endure

ajesty where the elite of Ravenwood and beyond gathered to remind the world of their pow

ts were expected t

arry trays. Bow when ne

rs caught whispers from across the room. No matter that food no lon

vant tonight.

<<<

and battles, lit by a chandelier of black crystal and flame-touched glass. Velvet drapes spilled like blood from the windows.

he moved like smoke between the glittering throng, her presence unnoticed

in here," one girl muttered, ey

was used to being looke

thing felt differen

er in h

djusting her

the ballroom like a

th was drawn. The music faltered, the

ck marble staircase s

t was the stillness. The kind of stillness that belonged to wolves before they struck.

as charcoal trimmed with obsidian threading, and a silver pin-carved into a raven in fl

ue. Sharp

breath

school functions. He was a legend. A myth. The reclusive heir of t

d

ept across the ballroom. Past lords an

it s

h

let trembled i

s eyes

et the weight of it shifted. Hi

g in her cheeks, her stomach clenchin

Gods' names

nobody. And she had j

nding she hadn't noticed. But she could feel it. Like a t

ot speak for

ers laced before him, unmoving. The hum of the ballroom resu

l I prepare your carriage, my k

not blink.

, si

The one wi

Smooth as silk, but

nt girl, I assume. Likely one

rled slightly. "She i

eyes following her movements.

isor we

"Find out every

>>>>

idor, leaning against the stone w

too tight. Her mouth too dry. Her senses wouldn't stop. She could hear eve

him she fel

Like he could see beneath her skin. As

nd collided with someth

, goblets shattering, wine spil

tepping back. "I'm

died on

was

ci

led at the very air around him, bending it, demanding it

ath cam

ead, slowly. "Y

ened. "I'm not

m. "A lie. But

was a velv

back. He ste

e you're playing," she

softly. "Only questio

"I don't know

vered near her jaw. Not touchi

haled. "You don't

't move.

beat," he murmu

like it came from somewhere else

go," she

pped c

e murmured. "Yet

s fingers brushed a stra

hout warning-

to k

sme

wolf memorizing its prey. Her knees buckled, and her ha

against her skin, "what are you hidin

dn't a

ldn

y, he stepped back

heart was screaming, but she w

ile was slo

nd out, s