Page 128 of Summoned
A black wave flows through me and sinks into my heart as I observe this society. Thishighsociety, so proud to humiliate others, yet constantly tearing itself apart. It forces youto erase your expression so it can label you “beautiful.” To swallow your words, bend your spine, and smile at those who hate you—to be accepted. And the worst part? You’re willing to debase yourself just to get your next dose.
I expected coming here would shake my resolve. But now, I move forward with a confidence that the Little Baroness never had. My father, after all, raised a predator.
Everything in me goes numb at the thought that by tomorrow night, all of this will be over. Gaetano insists we leave immediately, to a place where he can hide us from Madeline with magic.
Before that, I have a few things to take care of.
Right now, my gaze falls on Ina Stein’s small entourage of fame-seekers. The influencer became known for her harsh commentary about every contestant on the last season ofThe Bachelor. Then she got a sugar daddy and decided she belonged inourcircle.
She and her friends have claimed one of the high-top tables. They all look identical, making them the perfect targets. No one would notice if a few of them disappeared without a trace. They’re fame-hungry enough to get stars in their eyes at the mention of an exclusive event, but not quite desperate enough to be mistaken for escorts the moment they walk into the lobby.
It’s either them or Gaetano.
Something twists inside me at how coldly the thought takes shape in my mind.
I weave my way between two blondes and place my glass on the table, lips pursed.“Is it just me, or does this event get tackier each year?”
Ina snorts and nods toward the next table.“Shh, Nicole. Barbara’s right over there. Trust me, you don’t want her hearing you trash her party. She’s vicious.”
I flip my hair over my shoulder and glance at Barbara.“So am I.Besides, my father sponsors the club.” I wait for a flicker of reaction—some trace of the rumors about my family, though it’s unlikely they’ve reached Ina’s circle. She’s famous enough to be here, but still far from the truly rich.
Nothing happens.
“Hold on, wasn’t the club supposed to be for theyoung crowd?” The woman next to Ina checks out Barbara’s outfit with pursed lips. “How exactly doesthatauntie fit in?”
“Oh please, like you don’t know,” another one mutters, furrowing her brows.
“Yeah, yeah. We all know who she’s sleeping with.” Ina waves dismissively and turns to me. “By the way, is Boyana coming? She was supposed to send me some hotel recommendations for Sri Lanka. I’m planning a getaway…”
Now I remember that Boyana had ignored her texts after the twins mocked her for mingling with the ‘wannabes.’“I’m not sure she’ll make it.” I take a sip of my drink, then lean across the table and lower my voice just enough to hook them in. “If you’re bored with lame events, there’s a private party at the Hyatt tomorrow night. Invite-only. Horror-art theme.”
“Horror-art?” Ina raises a skeptical brow.
I shrug. “Think Halloween… but with Moët. Some ultra-rich Bulgarian-Italian guy is hosting it. I think he’s an artist… and maybe part of the Illuminati.”
“Oh my God, stop!” Ina leans in. “Like,actualIlluminati? Or just crazy enough that people say that?”
“I’m not sure. There’s nothing online—no posts, no details. Just word-of-mouth invitations. Like in those films where someone disappears and everyone stays quiet afterward.” I wink at the girls. “They say at his last party, some girl fainted from euphoria. Or from something else.Nobody really knows.”
“Oh, my God, you’re insane,” one of them hisses. I catch the excitement in her voice.
Ina looks intrigued. “Well, at least we’ll have good content to post on TikTok…”
“Just come by if you feel like it,” I say with practiced indifference.
Smoothing down my dress, I pull a small invitation from my purse and place it on the table. The card gleams under the lights, matte black with embossed silver edges, the kind of detail that whispers luxury.
Draw me in blood.
Horror-Art.
Hyatt Presidential Suite
Saturday, 8:00 PM
By invitation only
Their eyes lock on it.
