sa

rm, but to the swell

The heaviness in my limbs told me I had slept through the enti

d to the landing of the grand stairc

ound tables draped in heavy white silk. A sea of people in tuxedos and evening gowns

thday

decade, not since Mom died. But as my eyes adjusted,

ther's portrait-a breathtaking oil p

aph of Serena, my father's mistress-turned

ster so hard my kn

with a tray of champagne. He kept hi

oice raspy from disuse. "Whe

moved to storage, Madam," he whispered, shame color

oo

on the marble. The crowd parted as I approac

e murmured behind a

already in Serena's nam

ying slightly, a champagne flute i

r with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Co

he center of the room. She was draped in diamonds-diamonds that

Serena," I said

etching into a thin, predatory line. "But we have s

retort, Rissa e

my lungs in a

ng like a peacock. But it wasn't seeing

s the

ge emerald green silk g

ry dinner. The one I kept in a sealed, climate-controlled garment bag in my

ld up a hand, silencing t

ing with performative pride, "I present a t

Inside, a massive pink diamond

to Rissa

l into a stu

ies the future of the L

rper this time. He turned to me, his smile faltering into something bri

I ignored him. I walk

My voice was low, tremb

back into Xander's ches

arled. "Take off

tween us to shield her. "It's just a dress, Nessa.

ords slapped me harde

houted, my control snap

hurt her; I just wanted to rip th

, his grip bruisingly ti

aw her

asn't a stumble; it was a launch

ed, crashing onto

ulder strap of the dress herself. The sound of

shrieked, clutching her stom

sped in colle

shoved

thrown off. My lower back slammed in

outward in blinding waves. I crumpl

tch!" Xander

es beside Rissa, who

?" Salvo was there too, fussing

looke

m, terrifying wetness

en I pulled my hand away, my

pered, my voice

ver his sho

of any recognition that I was his

elf," he spat. "Reflec

ating her like fragile porcelain, whil

room!" Sa

ooks of disdain at the jealous, v

cended. I was utterly