Page 71 of Crimson Born

His face contracted in confusion. “What do you mean ‘if you don’t see me’? You’re going to the ball tomorrow night, aren’t you?”

“Of course. Attendance is mandatory.”

“Well, I’ll see you then. I’m still your bodyguard.”

“I won’t be needing a bodyguard tomorrow night. It’s an event inside the Bastion with the entire Bloodbound regiment present. I can’t imagine a safer situation. Goodnight Reece. And best wishes on your new life. May it bring you much happiness.”

29

The Ball

One of our history classes at the Bastion had covered the history of the caverns, back when they were the domain of humans and used as show caves.

We’d learned about an annual ball that was held here in the caverns during the early 1800s, and our instructor had even passed around some old black and white photographs.

Tonight’s event was a modern reflection of that one, only with far more beautiful attendees. I doubted if a royal gathering in the human world could be any more elegant.

Hundreds of fashionably dressed vampires mingled and danced together in the ballroom, their shadows cavorting on the high stone walls.

This room featured abundant flowstone draperies, hanging alabaster stone structures so intricate and beautiful it was hard to believe they formed naturally.

The ceiling was covered in anthodites, calcium carbonite crystals that resembled flowers—they were known as the orchids of the mineral kingdom, and they really did look like they were blooming above us.

Below on the dance floor, the men wore black tuxedoes or gothic style long coats, some with fancy stitches or floral patterns, and the women were attired in a rainbow assortment of floor-length gowns.

Imogen had departed from her usual black attire and stood on a rock precipice overseeing the festivities in a strapless white ballgown embroidered with intricate black beadwork flowers.

My own dress was shocking red. The sheer tulle was embellished all over with silk organza red rose appliqués, making it appear the roses wereallI was wearing.

Even with the truncated fitting session, the seamstress had done an incredible job. The dress fit tightly in the bodice and flowed freely below the waist, sweeping the floor as I walked.

The seamstress had cautioned me to lift the hem when walking over some of the bastion’s rougher stone flooring on the way to the ballroom.

“That’s a Marchesa, you know,” she’d said.

I’d nodded obediently, though I’d had no idea who or what a Marchesa was.

The Bastion itself looked more magical than I’d ever seen it. An orchestra to one side of the ballroom filled the air with exquisite music, making me feel like I’d stepped out of the real world and into a movie—or a dream.

Imogen had obviously kept her worker bees very busy hanging new lanterns and lighting candles throughout the cavern.

It had probably never been so brightly lit, but some dark corners and alcoves remained. That was, no doubt, by design. Quite a few couples were taking advantage of those spaces for private conversations—and private liaisons—hidden for the most part from the crowd.

I was jealous of them.

Kissing Reece last night had been everything I’d ever dreamed it would be. And yet he insisted it should never have happened.

And wouldn’t be repeated.

A depressing thought considering he was the only male I was interested in. Even more depressing... he would take a vow tomorrow night that would ensure we could never be together.

Speak of the devil.

Reece stepped into the ballroom and surveyed it, moving his head slowly side to side in a scan of the crowd.

He wore the Bloodbound’s dress uniform tonight—a high-collared velveteen swallowtail blazer with an embossed Victorian pattern around the sleeves and lapels. The deep red formal jacket was worn over slim black trousers and knee-high black boots. His dark hair gleamed like polished onyx.

I wanted him.

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