Chapter 20
The music surrounds us on the dance floor as if we are one.
The booming drums and haunting tones of the violin send a pounding into my chest, and though he tries to lead me, I take the chance to make it hard for him.
He pulls left, and I move right, realizing I am, in fact, the one controlling our movement on the dance floor.
He spins me unpredictably, then pulls me close, always ensuring that part of his large wing covers the areas where I feel humiliated.
He squeezes me tighter, gaining control, and a slight surge of pain causes me to grimace.
The crowd watches quietly as a radiant glow of grace surrounds me, blending with the ancient darkness of Crew’s heritage.
We move together, leaving a trail of smoke and elegance behind us.
His hands are hot against my cold skin, as if I’m touching fire, and I lift my eyes to meet his.
His silver eyes shine through his mask, holding mine as the bass builds around us, sending powerful booms through our system.
He leans in, towering over me, and I feel his breath against my neck as a shiver runs up my spine.
I push my head back, refusing to let him come any closer than I am already forced to be.
Crew immediately moves, understanding the need for distance, and looks down at me through his lowered eyelids.
Lost in the music, Crew spins me again, and as I turn, I glance at the faces of the crowd around us.
Some watch in awe, while others wear disgusted expressions at their heir dancing with someone outside their Order, which only makes me realize how absurd this is.
It’s all for show—another way for the Elders to demonstrate their control over the hybrids.
His hand rests on my back again, and his thumb slowly traces the small dimple above my ass. I jerk against his hand, and he frowns.
“Mara,” Crew whispers.
I ignore him and shift my eyes away, sighing openly to show my boredom.
Again and again, we circle the dance floor, our bodies pressed together in a graceful push and pull between wanting to please the crowd and wanting to escape.
I spin once more, avoiding his call, and let my dress whip behind me like a shadow to match his.
“Why do you hate me so much?”
I furrow my brow, confused why he would even ask me that question.
“Tell me,” he pleads. “Tell me why you can’t even look me in the eyes. I’m trying here.”
I laugh as anger swells in my chest. The image of my dad lying dead on the cold streets of Halcyon City flashes through my mind, along with Crew’s large figure disappearing around the corner.
He took away the one person who loved me, who cared for me deeply, and the realization of what I’m doing fills me with fury and regret.
“I don’t just hate you, Crew. I despise you.” I glare into his eyes and watch as a bit of light leaves his. “You took something from me that can never be replaced, and I’ll spend the rest of my life hating you for it.”
“You’ve got it wrong, Mara,” he says. “That night—”
“I owe you nothing,” I cut him off. “You don’t deserve my words or my kindness. And you absolutely don’t deserve an ounce of my time.”
“I remember that night.”
“What?”
“I didn’t do what you think I did.”
“And what do I think?” I question.
“That man. I still think about him from time to time,” he responds. “I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Shock rattles me. “What?”
“Your father,” Crew says.
“Don’t you dare speak about him.”
His hand squeezes mine, and he opens his mouth to speak as another shadow approaches, as the song comes to an end—Carver. The instruments fall silent, and Crew wears a puzzled expression, yet he doesn’t drop my hand.
“May I cut in?” Carver asks, delving his gaze into Crew’s.
“We aren’t done here,” Crew says, politely but sternly.
I rip my hand from Crew’s and turn to face the Elder. His dark features dance in the candlelight, and he towers over even Crew. His son steps back but keeps his eyes fixed on me.
“I would be honored, Elder,” I smile, flashing a disgusted look toward Crew.
“Try all you’d like,” Crew mumbles, keeping close. “But we aren’t done with this conversation.”
“We clearly are,” I huff.
“Fine.” Crew bows in his father’s presence and leans toward my ear. “But I’m far from done with you, little angel.”
He walks from the center of the dance floor, disappearing into the sea of masked people, and a tremor runs through my body. I watch him fade away, then turn my eyes back to Carver. My heart pounds, and I feel my chest heaving, but I steady myself in front of the Elder of the Jade Order.
The music starts again, and his hand takes the place of Crew’s.
The warmth moves through my skin, and although it’s familiar, something different radiates from Carver.
A few other couples join in dancing, and the space quickly fills with masked demons—all moving with a menacing elegance.
I look around and notice Lowell in the crowd, his hands wrapped around an older woman with hair blacker than the darkest night.
I follow Carver’s lead, moving along with the deep bass, similar to how Crew and I danced.
Carver’s eyes scan the crowd, creating a contrast with his son, who never took his eyes off me, but I welcome the break.
Carver is smooth and elegant, his wisdom and age evident, and I can’t imagine how many parties he has attended in his long life.
His touch is firm against my back, pulling me closer and pressing my hips against his, and it’s anything but gentle.
“You are a beautiful dancer.” He leans down, starting up a conversation.
I nod. “Lessons as a child have helped me not have two left feet.”
His deep laugh blends with the bass as he slowly spins me around. His large black wings don’t hide my punishments, unlike Crew’s. As an Elder, he probably thinks I deserved what I got. Hiding them would be a slight to Lowell, and he isn’t willing to do that.
“You know, it’s been centuries since I’ve danced with an angel,” he says, his mouth near my ear. “Your elegance is hard to ignore in a room full of darkness.”
A chill runs up my spine, and although the attention is enjoyable, I don’t plan on giving off the wrong idea. Carver Bannermin isn’t someone I’m interested in at all.
“I’m happy to provide you with entertainment,” I respond.
His threatening smile causes unease to settle in the pit of my stomach, and I find myself glancing toward the band in a desperate attempt for the song to end. The bass rises, signaling the song is nearing its end, and I silently praise my luck.
“Should you need entertainment tonight, Mara, I’m happy to oblige.”
Oh, hell no.
I snap my gaze to his and watch as he awaits my response.
“I appreciate the offer, Carver, but I’ve had all the entertaining I’d like for today," I respond. “I’m sure you understand.”
“I do.” He dips his head as the song ends. “Should your mind change, please come find me.”
I nod.
“Arrangements for your stay have been made. Crew, Locke, or Damien can show you to your room whenever you’d like,” Carver says. “Again, my offer stands. No matter the time.”
I bow my head in respect, understanding what he means. I also won’t be seeing him tonight.
He kisses the back of my hand and turns, leaving me standing alone in the middle of the dance floor.
The crowd’s eyes stay fixed on me as they watch our exchange, and I quickly step off the hard marble surface.
Just as I expected, more whispers fill my ears as I push through, eager to find a moment of quiet.
I find myself searching for the two men I met earlier, desperate to retreat to my room, but the blurred faces of the masked figures make me anxious.
I never saw the color of their masks, so finding them seems impossible.
Everyone stares at me, yet no one speaks, and I realize how truly alone I am.
I’m an angel in a room filled with demons, and I feel like Lowell brought me here to torment me.
Nervousness settles into my core like a dark fog enveloping water, and I spot a door leading outside.
I push open the black French doors, revealing a spacious courtyard.
Black vines climb nearly every surface, and the many statues make the space feel crowded.
A small seating area catches my eye, and I head toward the metal table and chairs.
The stars shine like diamonds, and for a moment, I forget I’m in Halcyon City.
This place feels like another world, and if I could, I would shoot into the sky and leave.
I’d go anywhere but here.
My senses perk up, and I jerk my head around to see a figure making its way out of the large double doors. Black leather wings catch my eye first, and I settle back into my chair when I see the familiar face of Damien approaching with two glasses of whiskey.
“You didn’t seem like a champagne girl,” Damien says, as he sets the glass down in front of me.
His pale green eyes shimmer through his black mask, and he nods as if seeking permission to join me. I return the gesture and grab the glass, swirling the ice within.
“Thanks,” I reply. “But I’m an anything girl when it comes to alcohol.”
He raises his glass to toast mine, and I watch as he takes a long sip. I follow his example and let the smoky vanilla liquid fill my mouth, burning as it travels down my throat. I don’t hesitate to take another drink immediately, enjoying the calming effect the warmth has on my system.
Damien chuckles. “Should I go get another one?”
I wipe my mouth. “If you want to hold my hair back later.”
“Tempting.”
I set the glass down and look up at the stars.
The loud music travels through the open air, and I find myself swaying back and forth to the slow, melancholy bass as I take another long drink.
We sit in silence for a while, and even though I’d rather be anywhere but here, I’m comfortable having company that isn’t Crew.