Page 215 of Barbi and the Villain

That night, I go to sleep filled with happiness and hope.

Although that incident last week had left a sour taste in my mouth, Nyk had more than made it up to me. He’s been thoughtful and attentive, and the amount of detail he’d put into this dress alone speaks of the fact that he knows me.

He knows and loves me.

A dreamy sigh escapes me as I succumb to sleep. And despite my initial reservations, I am ready for the masquerade.

The following day, we spend hours getting ready and going over every potential thing that might go wrong.

Nyk gives me a quick lesson on some of the most important guests I should avoid and a short overview of the Jubal palace and the main area where the party will be conducted.

I do my makeup and put the dress and mask on while Nykander puts on a dashing velvet red suit accompanied by a similar mask that covers two thirds of his face.

“Shall we?” he asks as he takes my arm.

“Is it bad that I’m a bit excited about it? Especially since it’s a masquerade. How fun is that!” I gush.

He smiles and shakes his head.

Leading me out of the lighthouse, I’m surprised to see a carriage with flying horses waiting for us out front.

Nyk opens the door for me to climb and then joins me.

It doesn’t take long for us to reach Jubal palace. We land a small distance away, and the horses continue on a canter forward.

There is a long line of carriages leading up to the palace gates.

Due to the number of guests, the line moves slowly, during which time Nykander reminds me once more of the protocol at the party.

“Try to speak as little as possible,” he advises. “You might speak the same language, but there are certain tells that will give you away. Do not engage with other males. While I am gone, stick to a corner and pretend to eat or drink something.”

“My, but you should have given me a list. This is too much for my feeble brain,” I add playfully.

“Barbi,” he adds in a warning tone. “I am serious. This is a very important event and we cannot be found out. I am not ready for Tartareia to know I have returned.”

“All right, all right. I will behave.”

He grunts.

Our carriage moves forward, finally stopping at the palace gates for the guards to check our identities.

Nykander places his arm over me.

“Lord and Lady Garos,” he states.

The guards stare at us intently for moments on end before they nod, ticking off the names on their list.

“What just happened?” I ask on a whisper.

“Let’s just say our aura matched that of Lord and Lady Garos,” he adds in a tight voice.

Before I can question how that is possible, we’ve made it past the palace gates. Immediately, I feel a shift within me and I lose all contact with my source of energy.

Suddenly, I feel…bereft.

A gasp escapes me, but Nyk grabs my hand and squeezes it—a sign he needs me to keep quiet.

I’ve only had my abilities for a while, but the sudden absence cuts me to my core.

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