I looked down.
My skin was no longer cloaked.
Visible. Exposed.
I gasped—softly. My heart slammed in my chest.
A voice came from the shadows. Cold and familiar.
"What are you doing here?"
I turned, slowly.
There he stood. Kael.
Clothed entirely in black, the fabric sleek against his tall frame. His pale skin glowed in the moonlight, sharp like carved stone. His hair was slightly wind-tossed, his eyes steady. Watching.
His brow arched. "Well?"
I swallowed hard. My throat was dry.
But I hadn't done anything wrong. Not truly. I could lie. I could bluff. I had to.
I squared my shoulders.
"I don't think that's any of your business," I said, lifting my chin. I tried to keep my voice from shaking. It almost did.
He didn't answer immediately.
His eyes moved—from me to the prison building just behind me. Then back again.
Something flickered in his expression. Like he was about to speak.
But I didn't give him the chance.
"I don't owe you any explanation as to where I go," I said. My voice was firmer now. Sharper.
Then I turned.
And walked away. Fast.
The cold air bit at my cheeks. I didn't stop. Not until the mansion came into view.
Relief flooded me when I reached the front door.
No one had followed.
I climbed the stairs quickly, my steps light, and reached my room. I shut the door behind me and leaned against it, heart still pounding.
A soft knock.
I flinched.
A maid entered, eyes downcast, hands clenched nervously around her apron.
"Lady Arenia says to tell you," she began in a trembling voice, "that the first preliminary meeting for the Blood Moon—the Ladies' Gathering—will be held tomorrow."
I blinked.
Already?
The girl swallowed. "She says you are to look your absolute best… and that you must feed tonight."
She stepped forward. Bare wrist exposed. Her head bowed in submission.
The scent hit me.
I backed away.
"No," I said immediately, too fast.
She looked up at me in fear.
"I won't feed," I said, trying to soften my voice. "Tell her I did. Lie to her. Please."
She hesitated, then nodded quickly.
"Thank you," I whispered.
I turned away from her.She left without another word.
And I was alone again.
Alone with the knowledge that tomorrow, I'd be stepping deeper into a world I didn't belong in.
And I had to make it through without slipping.
Without breaking.
Without becoming the monster I saw in my dreams.