Page 55 of The Night Runs Red

"Enough of that," Rowena said, thumb swiping beneath my lashes. "Let's dance."

She spun me around in circles, laughing until we cried as time passed in a blur. Jasper would occasionally jump in, even though he had absolutely no rhythm. There was a euphoric high in the air, and for the first time this evening, I let myself be free from the burden of my thoughts. My mind had wandered far enough, and there would be time for more tomorrow, but I wanted to live for today.

The three of us made our way to the bar, ordering an assortment of drinks because we couldn't decide. "Why not get them all?" Rowena and Jasper said in unison as they filled a tray with cocktails. I followed them to a small table in the corner where the crowd was in full view.

The atmosphere in here was wildly different than that in the foyer. This was wild and reckless, strobe lights incessantly filling the air with their white light as bodies writhed to the beat of the music. The other was still haunted by the sounds of string instruments, where old men sat around and smoked cigars while eye-fucking any woman who wasn't their wife. It was only then that I realized Rion still wasn't here.

I turned to Jasper. "Where is he?" I yelled over the music.

"Don't know!" he yelled back, finishing a shot of clear liquor that Rowena shoved into his hand.

Movement caught my eye as Senna walked through the door in a floor-length black satin gown that hugged her body as though painted on. Her hair fell down her back in perfect waves, not a single hair out of place. "Fuck," Jasper muttered under his breath before reaching over and tapping Rowena on the shoulder.

Her eyes grew wide, a snarl building in her throat as Senna stopped in front of our table. "Well, well, well..." she purred, taking the time to scrutinize our appearances without saying a word. My hands dropped to the skirt of my gown, playing with the soft fabric to keep myself from slapping that stupid grin off her face. But her gaze stopped as she eyed the marks along my skin, her expression morphing into one of anger.

Jasper sat back, draping his arm around me. "And just when I thought this party would be free of snakes," he said, shaking his head. "The queen herself shows up."

She narrowed her eyes at Jasper. "And here I thought you might have thought up some better insults, but I suppose that is too much for your small brain to handle."

Jasper tipped his head back and laughed, only growing Senna's anger. He placed a hand over his heart in mock hurt. "Oh no, how will I ever go on?"

"What are you doing here, Senna?" Rowena asked, handing me a fresh drink. I silently thanked her for something else to occupy my hands.

"It's the blood moon, Rowena. Everyone is here," she said, gesturing toward the crowd.

"No. What are you doing here? As in our table? You know, where no one wants you?"

Behind me, Jasper high-fived Rowena. But it was Senna's next words that sent my heart plummeting. "I was talking to Rion moments ago and told him I was dying to see you." A wicked smirk crossed her lips. "But now that I've seen you, I should be returning to the party." She turned and sauntered through the crowd.

I watched her go as Jasper and Rowena whispered reassurances in my ear, but I couldn't shake the black cloud that now hung over my head.

I should follow her...

No, that would be stupid.

But isn't knowing the truth better than speculating?

"I need some fresh air," I called out, fleeing the room before Jasper or Rowena could stop me.

There was only one way to find out.

My heartbeat thundered in my ears, covering the music from the party as I made my way up the staircase. Somewhere in the sea of people, I'd lost track of Senna. It was okay, seeing as I didn't care what she did, as long as she stayed away from Rion. I didn't trust her and knew she would stop at nothing when digging her claws into my husband.

As I'd parted the crowd, I also noticed Renwick and Leonora's absence. Seeing the way Leonora had micro-managed every aspect of the evening, I assumed she'd be taking full advantage of enjoying her hard work.

I stood at the bottom of the second set of stairs leading to Rion's bedroom and office. For the first time since I'd left the party, I'd hesitated. My hand rested on the thick mahogany railing, and I contemplated turning back. It was the smarter option of the two. I could spend the rest of the night dancing, drinking, and having fun. When Rion showed up, I would throw my arms around him and kiss him under the stars, tangling our tongues and limbs until we became one.

That's what I should do, but I didn't put much stock into following the rules.

More than anything, I just wanted to see him. This afternoon was stupid, and we'd both reacted poorly. I wanted to tell him that as I got down on my knees and asked for forgiveness with my tongue.

Raised voices drifted down, and my curiosity won out. I stepped slowly, though I knew the noise from below would help mask my footsteps. The door to his office was cracked, deja vu rushing over me. The first time I'd snuck up here, I'd seen and heard a similar sight. Unlike that time, however, it wasn't Leonora on the other side.

It was my uncle.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Rion sat behind his desk, his fingers steepled together as he stared at my uncle pacing before him. “What do you want, Castor? You have taken up more than enough of my time already, and I would like to get back to my wife.”

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