“You are still my little girl, so I’m definitely bound to be worried about you.”
“Trust me dad, I’m fine, and tonight, I’ll be better.”
“Tonight? What’s happening tonight?”
Miranda smirked as she intensely looked at me.
I know that look. Miranda is up to something very dangerous. But what could it be? Did she really betray me?I wondered.
Chapter 11
Luna
As I cocooned myself in my cozy couch, I got a text from Miranda, inviting me to a party at her father’s mansion.
I’m throwing a surprise party tonight. You should come. You must come!
“What are you planning, Miranda? Why the sudden party? This doesn’t feel good …”
I picked up my phone to call her, hoping she’d answer. I called twice but no answer, and then the third time she finally answered.
“Hey … Uh, I just got your text.”
“Okay …”
From her response, I could sense that something was odd.
“Uh … how are you? I’ve been trying to reach you. I called multiple times but no answer. You good?”
“Yeah, I am. I’ve just been busy. Is there anything you’d like to tell me?”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve been the one calling me, so I figured that you might want to tell me something.”
“Uh … no … just haven’t heard from you, and I decided to reach out.”
“Hmmm … if you say so. Well, make sure you are at the party tonight. I have to go now. Bye”
Miranda ended the call, and suddenly goose bumps saturated my body. I knew something was wrong, but I couldn’t figure out what it was.
The moment I stepped into the mansion, an unsettling feeling washed over me. The opulent decorations and laughter felt like a mask hiding a deeper truth. Tension hung thick in the air, like a storm about to break. Miranda had invited me, but I feltout of place—not just because of my argument with Orion, but something more ominous.
As I moved through the crowd, I noticed people in cloaks. They must be members of Orion’s clan. A mixture of excitement and unease rippled through the guests. My eyes searched for Miranda and Orion, and when I finally spotted him at the far end of the grand hall, his gaze locked onto mine. His expression was unreadable, but I could see the turmoil behind his eyes.
I made my way toward him, but just then, the music stopped. Silence fell, and all eyes turned to the sweeping staircase. Miranda stood there, radiant in a shimmering gold dress, her blonde hair cascading like a waterfall. There was something regal and dangerously confident about her, that sent a chill down my spine.
Then she smiled—a cold, calculated smile that made my heart clench.
“Good evening, everyone,” Miranda’s voice rang out, smooth and commanding. “Thank you all for coming to this special night.”
The guests applauded politely, but there was an undercurrent of uncertainty, as if they weren’t quite sure what they were clapping for. I glanced at Orion, whose face had grown pale, his eyes fixed on his daughter with a mixture of confusion and concern.
“As many of you know,” Miranda continued, her voice sweet but dripping with an edge. “I’ve been away for some time, workingon … some personal matters before I decided to return to work for my father.”
My heart raced, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of my stomach. This wasn’t just a party. Miranda was building up to something.
“And now,” she said, her eyes locking onto her father. “I think it’s time I share some exciting news.”