-

sealed with crimson wax bearing a crest she

More

considered throwi

silk secrets, a black lace mask hiding just enough to let her play a dangerous game. Her dark hair was twisted into

ily needed eyes inside the lion's den, and if her father's silence ha

ntended t

agne. Diamonds and threats glittered on every wrist. This wasn't a party

rade?" a deep voic

tly aware of the man standi

erything but the outline of a chiseled jaw and lips set in a faint smirk. His pres

arely one where so many people smile whil

u know exactly what

ough to be

champagne. "Careful wome

ss men ofte

hé. So what are you tonig

at depends on

a threat-yet. "A ghost," he said,

mile wicked behind the mas

eyes l

her

-no steps, no music, just tension

ll. "Do you always stalk w

nes who don

ow. "And what makes

" he said. "You're not here for pl

hrough her expression. Then, she smiled.

. "But I've never b

is hand. "Dance

itated-then

e and edge; he was silence and command. Around them, the masquerade continued, the

ew the oth

e heirs of bloodlines swo

them simmered-ancient,

ood dancer,

are

on his skin. "If I told you I was t

, I'd have kissed you already. Because

m fear, but from somethin

t his head slightly, lips b

"don't wear black. It'

e," she said, "don't get so close. Some masks are

shoulders straight, mask still in place

fate had just ma

dlines would weep befo

-