Page 55 of Forgotten Monsters
20
DEAD SWAN
Patrons hold their collective breaths as Cole and Brie waltz inside the ballroom, and my throat tightens. Cole’s black jacket shimmers with gold, teal, and silver accents, matching the fabric of Brie’s dress. It’s infuriating that they look so damn good together.
I grit my teeth and return to my task.
The small white spheres containing Devereaux’s spell dissolve into the wine instantly as they touch its surface, another tray of glasses ready for distribution.
My scalp itches because of the white wig, but Lydia and I blended in with the waitress crew without problems. Trent’s surname certainly bought us a lot of leeway with the caterers.
Before I get started on the last batch of drinks, Oz walks over to the bar, barely two feet of space between us. “I’ll have a martini, please.”
I graze the edge of my mask, making sure it’s still in place, and tuck the white spheres back inside my pockets, unwilling to take the chance that the dragon will figure out what I’m doing.
Shoulders stiff, I stare dead ahead not to cross his gaze and prepare his drinks.
He inches closer. “Hello, Julia.”
With the most neutral expression I can muster, I wait, wondering if he’s fishing, but as I meet his dangerous gray stare, I know I’ve been made.
A light chuckle colors his breath. “Dragons sense fire.”
“You might have wings and scales, but you’re no dragon—you’re a snake,” I hiss under my breath.
I can’t cause a scene now, not when we’re so close, so I concentrate on his martini instead.
“Nothing ever turned me on more than an honest woman. I’m thrilled to see you alive, really. Does this mean Allie—” he scours the room. “Ah, she’s escorting the drunk Fae. Interesting. Care to let me in on your little plan?”
I grip the shaker. “Don’t you dare look at my sister like that. You used angel dust to feel me up, you bastard.”
“Did I? If I remember correctly, I didn’torderyou to kiss me. I asked if you found me attractive and if youwantedto kiss me. How was I to know you were lying? I merelycheckedthat I hadn’t misread your flushed ears and stuttered breaths—”
“You were dating my sister.”
His shoulders hitch. “Like you don’t know what it’s like to crave two different men.”
I hand him his drink, but I’d rather throw it in his face. “Don’t pretend we’re remotely similar.”
“I admit…I didn’t know you were alive.” He dumps the glass on the table and grips the rim. “I don’t like being played, so maybe you can tell me where you’ve been all these years, and why, and I won’t alert Darkwood quite yet.”
The deliberate distortion of a saxophone resonates around us, and Flynn whisks Allie to the dance floor.
A smirk festers on my lips.
Oz cranes his neck around to follow my gaze, but he can’t stop us now.
I close my eyes not to be taken in by the spectacle created by Barron’s enchanted dress. I’m already in position for the spell, and I peek at the corners of the room through my eyelashes. Lydia, Deveraux, Dad, Cole, and Brie, have all taken their spots.
Anyone who consumed even a drop of alcohol tonight will be petrified for a few minutes and forced to listen to what we have to say. We’re either going to bring Darkwood down—or convince every dignitary here that we’re terrorists.
Hell…we had to try something.
I murmur the incantation, and immediately, small gasps and shuddered breaths echo around the crowd. The band stops playing abruptly, either petrified, too, or shocked. Conversations, laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the ruffle of fabric give way to a perfectly frozen audience.
Flynn brings their dance to a halt. “Nicely done. We got their attention now,” he says loud enough for everyone to hear.
The loud statement contrasts with the quiet, petrified guests. The Magus, Councilmen, and their dates—even Allie’s mother—are all stuck in place.
