Page 51 of Mostly Shattered

It has to be close to sunset. I waste no time. I slip out of the gown, wriggling and squirming to free myself from its silky trap, before discarding it on the floor.

“You called for me?” Costin’s low voice stops me as I reach for a dresser drawer. My breath audibly catches.

I spin around to face him. “Costin. How?”

How did he hear me? I didn’t even say his name out loud.

“You called for me.” This time, it’s a statement, not a question. The seductive sound causes me to shiver.

“Now I can always find you.”I vaguely remember him saying that to me once. Is this what he meant? We have some kind of supernatural blood link?

I’m not sure I like that idea.

My room is dark except for lights coming from the outside windows radiating from the city below. If the vampire is here, that means the sun has set, but there are still hints of dusky light in the darkening sky.

The azure hue of his shirt perfectly complementsthe shade of my dress. I find it an odd coincidence. He exudes a timeless sophistication that sets him apart. Unlike my brother, he’s not following the latest fashion trends, but Costin’s choices have a classic allure that withstands the test of time. Adorning his index finger is a substantial ruby ring set in intricately designed silver of the Gothic-style. This is not the first time I’ve noticed his penchant for wearing antique jewelry. His trousers discreetly reveal polished boots that exude a captivating sheen, adding to the overall aura of refinement and elegance.

Even if I didn’t know about his vampiric nature, I would have to admit he draws the eye and commands attention just by standing in the room. Seeing him now, I could easily envision him as the ruler of a grand castle, surveying his domain from a lofty vantage point, looking down upon the common folk who could never aspire to his lofty status.

I dare myself to look into his eyes, even though I know that he’s capable of mesmerizing me to his will. His gaze is intense, swirling with an angry red.

“I suppose well wishes are in order,” he says. “Chester Freemont is a lucky man.”

Is he… mad at me?

If so, he’s going to have to stand in line. I’m not on too many favorite persons lists at the moment.

“Oh please,” I dismissed with a wave of my hand. “Not you, too.”

“Best wishes are not in order?” His expression lightens by a tiny degree. But I see it.

Is he jealous? That doesn’t make any sense. I doubt he would even be here talking to me if my grandfather hadn’t pressured him into a life debt.

“Chester Freemont isn’t worth anyone’s well wishes,” I say, with a dismissing wave.

Costin’s eyes narrow, and I catch the briefest flicker of something dark and possessive. “If that’s true, then why are you marrying him?” His voice is smooth, but there’s an edge to it, a sharpness that slices through the room.

“Power. Legacy. Survival. That’s all anyone seems to care about.” I pause, studying him. Is that what this is for him, too? Am I just another piece of the prophecy, another tool in his quest for power?

“And you?” His gaze locks on mine, unblinking. “How do you feel about this Chester? You seem rather... compliant.”

He is jealous.

“Can we not talk about this now? We have to get out of here before they come looking for me to rejoin the party.” I glance around the room, trying to remember what I was doing. It’s unnerving having Costin in my bedroom with me. He makes it hard to concentrate on anything else.

“We?”

“Unlessyouwant to stay in marry Chester in my place? I got to tell you that you would be doing me a huge favor if you did.”

“I can drop him off the rooftop if you like,” the vampire offers.

“Tempting, but that’ll make things worse.” Not much worse, but worse.

“If you do not wish to marry him, then why are you seeking an engagement with him?” Intensity radiates off him like a palpable invisible force.

“I’m not the one making the arrangements.” Why are we talking about this? I don’t want to discuss my future with him. It’s none of his business who I marry or why.

“If you do not want it, say no. Mortality is no excuse. You are an adult. You should act like one. You do not have to agree.” He gives a small shake of his head. “I thought you were made of stronger stuff than that.”

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