Page 140 of The Forbidden Note

Serena blinks and blinks.

Breeze gulps.

Viola is the first to break the quiet. “You’re stunning.”

“Doallthe teachers at Redwood look this sexy or just her?” Cadence’s best friend Breeze asks.

Serena slow claps. “If I wasn’t such a fan of black and leather, I’d want to borrow that dress.”

Cadence rises slowly. “Everyone is going to be looking at you tonight.”

“Then I don’t think I should—”

“Zane is going to hate it.”

I freeze, swept up in a fantasy of Zane grinding his teeth in anger as I dance without him.

“Is that a yes?” the clerk asks, a note of hope ringing in her voice.

I smile villainously, touching the delicate fabric. “We’re taking this dress.”

* * *

Jinx: Every Wicked Kingdom Needs A Royal Ball

In just a few short hours, all the Cinderellas will appear in masks, ready to steal the hearts of the royals. Snare King is the rumored favorite now that he’s warmed his bed with Redwood’s most beautiful governess.

As all the over-worked and underpaid fairy godmothers turn their entitled Cinderellas into princesses for the gala, I wonder who Snare King will steal away with tonight?

Until the next post, keep your enemies close and your secrets even closer.

- Jinx

CHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVE

ZANE

Finn and Sol stand beside me, looking disinterested in the dance floor. Tonight’s December Ball is already playing its part. Most of the student body showed up thanks to Jinx hyping up the mystique element of the party. It also helps that students outside of Redwood could attend.

This hellhole is a vicious playground most of the year, but in December, Redwood is known for its epic school dances. Everything is expensive and over-the-top.

Tonight is no exception.

The walls are covered with marble-themed wallpaper. Fake pillars have been dragged in to give the illusion of some kind of palace. Ivy and green foliage drape the pillars and a giant mosaic ceiling dangles above us.

The event planner this year went crazy and added a live orchestra to give the feel of a real Victorian era ball. There are baskets of fresh flowers that I couldn’t name even if someone held a gun to my head and servers wearing authentic vests and trousers that look like pirates.

It’s not just a dance.

It’s an experience.

And the place is absolutely swarming.

“Dutch and Cadence aren’t here yet?” Sol asks.

I check my phone and shake my head.

He grips his cup of punch tightly. I can smell the vodka from here.

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