Page 43 of Dark Angel

His rushing has caused his brown hair to become undone, and his cheeks to flush.

“It’s fine, Will. We only just arrived ourselves. Something attacked the Spellcaster last night. We presume it was an Infernal.”

Clarence watches Will closely, studying his expression intently. His uncle blows out a breath, not really looking as shocked as the rest of them. His trust in Will is dwindling the more he sees him.

“Certainly. Infernals are ruthless and heartless, so I probably was a demonic creature.”

“But an Infernal should have used a demonic blade or summoned its dark forces to strangle him. Why would it use a simple Mortal blade?” Clarence questions his uncle.

Will shrugs at him, “Maybe it’s all it could find.” He pauses to look down at the deceased body. “It seems to have worked as well.”

Clarence’s jaw clenches. “I’ll go look around to see if any weapons looked misplaced.”

He leaves the sitting room and Will trails after him into the hallway. “Clarence, why are you being so insistent? It was only a Spellcaster.”

Clarence blinks at him slowly. “That doesn’t matter. It’s our job to look after all Mortal and Marked kinds, not just our own. I just want to know why it chose something Mortal instead of a stronger weapon. The Spellcaster surely has more around here that we can assess.”

Will shakes his head at him, “He’s gone, Clarence. I don’t think it’s necessary to walk around and see what killed him.”

Swallowing, Clarence stares at his uncle questioningly. Why is he being so adamant about Clarence dropping this? He lets out a breath, nodding slowly. “All right. I suppose you have more experience than I do. Let’s go back and help with the body.”

16

Frills and Frocks

“I think the blue.” Valarie’s birdlike voice flutters out from the other side of the screen. “It suits your features more than the copper one.”

They’re at one of the modiste stores on Mayfair choosing gowns for the upcoming ball at the Ascendancy in two days’ time. Daisy wanted a new gown for the ball, so Kora invited Valarie and Alice to join them.

Kora’s hidden behind one of the wooden screens. A young modiste girl is fastening the tiny buttons on the blue gown Valarie insisted she try on. Kora does have to admit that this colour looks wonderful on her. It’s a duller shade reminding her of ripened blueberries.

“There you go Miss.” The black-haired girl behind her smiles through the mirror as she lets go of the gown. “It’s stunning on you.”

Kora grins back at her through the mirror, lifting the skirt off the floor before coming out to show her friends.

Valarie’s face lights up with delight as soon as she steps out from behind the screen. Alice stares at her, stunned, as if Kora’s alight with flames. Her eyes are wide like usual.

Daisy nods in validation of Valarie’s choice. “I agree. The blue is definitely more your colour. The copper will clash too much with your hair.”

“See. I think it looks gorgeous. Every man will want to write their name on your dance card.” Valarie chimes before winking at Kora.

“I don’t know abouteveryman.” Kora runs her fingertips over the smooth fabric. It’s silky and shiny with tiny silver embellishments framing the bodice. Her corset digs slightly into her skin underneath.

Daisy scoffs, tossing her hand through the air. “Kora, every man will stare at you. Just accept it, you’re strikingly beautiful. Now,” she changes the subject by lifting the two gowns, “which will suit Alice more?”

Alice bites her bottom lip as she stares between the red long sleeve gown and the emerald dress with the puffy short sleeves that cover delicate shoulders.

“I say the red.” Valarie pipes up, standing and bringing the dress up to Alice to envision it on her.

Alice blushes.

Kora wishes she wasn’t so quiet and easily embarrassed. “I agree with Valarie,” Kora announces. “Try it on, Alice.”

“I should?”

One of the modiste’s assesses Alice, eyes studying her as she ponders. “Believe me, the red will make you shimmer like fire. All gazes will be on you.”

Alice winces, and Kora wraps an arm around her smaller shoulders. “You don’t have to buy it if you’re not entirely comfortable wearing it.” Reminding Matthew’s younger sister.

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