Page 78 of Shadow Kissed (Marked by Blood 1)

“Does it involve your escape?”

“Well, no.”

“Then I’m not interested in hearing it. If those vampires are really your friends, then they’ll want you to get out of here too. Go, be with Draven. Honestly, before Astor died, I thought you’d end up with him anyway.”

“No.” I slipped my hands out from between hers. “He’s my friend, and Astor’s alive. Well, sort of. He’s a vampire and the reason you and I are here.” I lowered my head. “He sold us out to Nightshade.”

Her voice lowered, venom lacing her tone. “What?” I was worried the vein pulsing in her forehead might burst at any moment. Her hands balled into fists, her lips baring back, showing her teeth and two elongated fangs. “That traitor.” She planted her feet apart, looking as if she might attack anything that moved.

“He’s kept my identity a secret, but he did tell them the guild's secrets and how to get inside headquarters.”

Her tongue darted around her fangs, the whites of her eyes showing as she contemplated a scene I didn’t want to see. “I trusted him. We all did.” Her voice rose until she was shouting. “You are in danger. Our life was utterly uprooted because he decided to be a coward.”

“Mom.” I went to touch her, but she stepped back.

“Don’t try to take away my anger, Olivia,” she warned. “I plan on honing it into a weapon against that traitor.”

“He’s not even here!” I spluttered. She’d always been a little hot-headed, but never on this level. Turning into a vampire had heightened her emotions and her senses, it appeared. “Astor’s in the city.”

“Then he’s not unreachable.” She bared her teeth, storming to the door. “Pack nothing for tonight. Raise no suspicions.” She tempered her rage into her escape plan for me. “Draven will come to your room at midnight when the masquerade ball will be in full swing. Go, Olivia, and don’t look back. I need to go before I raise suspicions.”

She was gone before I could argue her point or calm her down before she went back to the king in such a foul mood. She didn’t even say goodbye, but I got the sense she didn’t want to be around me while feeling so out of control.

I walked to the window, looking out at the evergreen forest blotting out into the distance, disappearing into the fog surrounding the base of the mountain. My mom had handed me what I wanted on a silver platter, but if I left, it would be without her. I would never know if she was okay or bothered to try to stay alive. There were no doubts in my mind that she would kill Kalon and maybe Astor. Despite all he’d done, I didn’t want him dead. Just hurt a little.

Then there was Erianna. She’d been so kind to me, one of the few people who’d tried to understand me and show me any compassion since I arrived. If I left, what would happen to her?

I shook my head, closing the drapes on the horizon. I wouldn’t turn my back on the plan now, especially if it meant leaving my mom behind. I was sure she’d end up dead trying to protect me. I loved her more deeply than anyone, and I would not abandon her. Especially when she needed me the most. I had to do this, and it was almost time for me to get ready for the ball.

As if I was given a sign from the gods that I was on the right path, Erianna entered the room, smiling. I checked the clock on the nightstand. It was six o'clock already. “The festivities will begin soon. Do you remember what you need to do?”

I nodded slowly. “Yes. Stay with Sebastian, pretend to be enjoying my time with him, and not arise suspicions.”

“Kalon will be watching. If you leave, he’ll get suspicious.”

“I know.”

“Then get dressed. At midnight, the king has a surprise for everyone. I’m pretty sure that means it’ll turn into a blood fest with mortals brought in for everyone to feed on. I’d suggest you leave before then.”

“If everything goes to plan, won’t the princess of Asland be dead?”

“A vampire, yes.” She corrected me, even though that’s what I meant. “Is everything okay?”

I touched my blotchy cheeks and freshly dried tears from my mom’s visit. “Yes.” I decided not to tell her about my mom’s escape plan. It would only complicate things. “I was thinking about my ex.” It was a lie because I’d thought less and less about him recently. His touches had become a distant memory, and the grief I’d felt for him had become a part of me, along with all my other trauma. All of it was changing me into a new version of myself which felt a hundred times stronger than the girl who was always afraid.

“He’ll get his one day,” Erianna promised and left me alone to get dressed.

I eyed the sparkly, floor-length gown made of material so thin it may as well have been a second skin. “Hopefully, we can keep the attention of a room,” I said to the dress. “Because there’s no backing out now.” Magic tingled in my fingertips, begging to be used. I wasn’t in control enough to attempt any spells yet, mostly because I was worried I would destroy another window. However, it was comforting to feel it there, as a part of me, ready to fight.

***

The ballroom was decorated in reds and golds, a decadent display of wealth and power. Women dripped with diamonds and silks as they held up thin masks, not hiding who they were in the slightest. Champagne flowed from mortal servers dressed in tuxedos. A fountain of blood poured, forcing bile up my throat. It reminded me of the chocolate fountain from my seventh birthday party, but one made from nightmares.

Sebastian came up behind me, placing his hand against my back. I could feel his touch through the thin material. “You are stunning.”

My cheeks turned a deep shade of pink as I looked at myself in the reflection of a champagne glass. I took it from the server and drank the whole thing. “Let’s get this over with.”

He smiled devilishly, grabbing a glass of champagne for himself. “Just what every man wants to hear. Ah.” He pointed toward a bald man who looked in his late thirties. His brown skin shimmered as he moved under the low, yellow light. When he neared, I felt something change in me. It was as if I recognized him. “Olivia, this is Azia. The king’s sorcerer.”

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