lo

about it. Tell me about your relationship with

with a small smile. "He a

I insist

t going to wait until we were out of school to mark me. He was just taking advantage of me." Jenny's rage tur

ouncil suspects you of forging your engagement, the consequences are severe. That is why, after their final eligibility age for the Claiming, one couple will usually break up with the other. Jenny will be 22 years old ne

e council members. I ignore it and leave a message on voicemail. Speaking of the end o

a ball c

er head on my lap. "I

fy my mother, then return here to eat junk food, drink rea

e asks, a li

ours a

iping her swollen eyes

too," I say, kissing her on

nted through thick forest. I b

kissing my cheek. "I will come ge

say as she walks away. I groan and throw

old micromanaging man with nothing-Councilmen Geoff, how can I he

and calm. "I heard you wer

estigating the attack on the Moon Dune

? Are you

njury. "Just a deep scratch with Wolfsbane on it.

ou still able to

at he is after? "I-uh-yes, I think I c

lence. "I was afraid you would

u do not have a mate by the end of the Claiming, you

in the back of my throat. "I app

await you

it. "Are you going to l

up the phone and ignore his follow-up call.

carefully line and apply crimson red lipstick to my pink lips. I carefully trace my sky-blue eyes with eyeliner before applying silver eyeshadow and mascara. I put on the blasted silver mask, allowing a thin black glass to cover my eyes. I then put on a diamond choker t

nd makeup, I go into my wal

nds and crystals against the background creates the illusion of stars. The gown is floor length, and I need to wear heels to keep it from touchi

oom and says, "Ci

. I mist myself with a scent-masking spray. You will be able to smell it even if you use a scent-neutralizing spray. I search for a pair of silv

ab some wine, Ciel?" she

"I did not do it." Perhaps it was a gift from a

d let it trail down to the white scarf she wears around her neck. Her cream-

e wolf mask. "It appears that I a

n cold stools," I say as I take he

turn my gaze to Jenny. "Have you decided

"No, but I would like to eat co

re not you?" I open my mouth to respond wh