Page 113 of In the Blood

She didn’t introduce herself, but the boisterous man that appeared behind her made up for her tepid greeting. “I’m Leon. The rude one is Kaya. We’ve been looking forward to meeting you. We’re Raf’s friends—his only friends,” he teased, jabbing Rafael in the ribs.

Raf shoved him back. “Hit me again and I’ll have one less friend.” Raf flashed his fangs.

“Rafael never told me about you two, but I’m not surprised. He likes his secrets… I'm sure it's a lot of work to keep up the tough guy persona,” I joked.

Leon gave me a warm grin back. “Definitely, but he’s a big ol’ softie, deep down. Aren’t you, sweetie?”

Raf shot him a glare that would shake most people, but Leon continued unfazed. “Don’t mind Kaya. She’s another tough nut to crack, so don’t take anything she says to heart.”

He was giant… with muscles stacked on top of muscles. His long, blonde hair was so thoroughly tangled, I couldn’t imagine anyone but Lusha being able to tame it.

“Wait until you hear what else he hasn’t told you…” Kaya pursed her lips at me and narrowed her upturned eyes, as if she was sucking on something sour.

“Enough, Kaya,” Raf said sharply. She lifted her hands in apology, rolling her eyes. I watched their dynamic in fascination, trying to figure it out. Was she a past lover? A current one? I felt an absurd twinge of jealousy, even knowing I had no claim over him.

“Can we shadow in tonight?” Kaya asked, crossing her arms.

“Yes,” Raf replied. “The wards over the Great Hall have been lifted. They’re going to set some type of trap for me, so I’ll need both of you staying vigilante, while Marigold and I create chaos.” They nodded in unison.

“Louis, do you have your plan in place? We’ll meet at the portal at midnight. Don’t hesitate to incapacitate anybody you come across, even if you’re familiar with them. We can’t take any risks tonight. Understood?”

Louis mumbled, “Yes,” in the same way any little brother might and it made me laugh. We were all a little broken, but together we were fighting for a better world, fortwobetter worlds. As we combed over the plan one more time, I felt my chest swell with a glimmer of hope. And if I was still capable of feeling hope, then perhaps Galen hadn’t taken everything from me, after all.

As we flew towards the castle, my magic sung, ecstatic to be under the night stars with Raf. If I died tonight, at least I got to experience flying with him one last time. After so much solitude, so much fear and pain, I had a better read on what was important to me,whowas important to me.

Rafael was who I’d clung to when I was alone in the dark. He’d been my light. I cared for him more than he knew, but I had no intention of telling him. His friendship was something I wouldn’t risk. I was shattered, beyond repair, and he deserved…everything. He deserved someone who hadn’t chosen his brother over him.

I shifted my thoughts back to our mission as we drew near. He was going to shadow us inside when the bells of Monrovia Castle's clock tower chimed eleven—the time slot we were originally scheduledfor. We had no idea what we’d be walking into, but our main goal was simple; steal the show and stay alive.

"It’s time to dance again, Goldie."I heard my mother’s voice in my head, thick with pride.

The clock tower rang.

ding, dong, ding, dong.

ding, dong, ding, dong.

ding, dong, ding.

And on the eleventh chime, we turned to mist.

fifty-four

My eyes blinked as they adjusted to the bright ballroom. Black tendrils of smoke spilled off of us, contrasting against my moon-white gown. An opulent party surrounded us, but my focus was solely on Rafael.

We arranged ourselves into position. Someone gasped. A glass shattered. And then I heard our dance instructor, Archibald, cheering. “Bravo! What an entrance! We were told you weren’t coming, but this arrival was well worth the suspense!” He clapped his hands enthusiastically. I tried to keep a straight face as the musicians gawked at each other in confusion, fumbled with their instruments, and began to play at his instruction.

Archie turned to the crowd, as rehearsed. “Ladies and Gentle Fae, may I present Prince Rafael Ruhn and our very own world walker, Princess Marigold of Aurelius!” He beamed as the crowd cheered.

Raf locked eyes with me and we began to spin around the floor, bending and twirling. I dared a quick glance around the room and spotted Galen’s auburn hair as he stood next to Isla. They both wore matching green formal wear—a gold crown glittered atop Galen’s head.

I’d never seen him in a crown. I pulled my lips back in a silent snarl. Raf should be the one wearing a crown. He’d make a better King than his brother, in every way that mattered.

Galen and Isla’s mouths were gaping open so wide, it was nearly comical. I’d taken his surprise reveal from him. I was supposed to be standing where she stood. He looked as if he might turn into a raging ball of fire and combust.

If I let my fear rise to the surface, I’d crumble to the floor. I reminded myself that I was safe in Raf’s arms. Sylvia sat on her throne, unimpressedand aloof, in a royal blue gown. But Iknewshe was steaming inside. They’d lost the world walker and now here she was, on her own terms.

The Elders were salivating as they sat in a neat row at the edge of the dance floor. They looked a little too comfortable and it made me uneasy. Had Galen told them what I was? We were taking such a big risk—we were in the enemy’s territory with only blind faith and minimal backup to save us.

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