Page 88 of Her Creation

“And you, Victoria?” Wilhelm continued. “It is a shame it has been so long since you have attended one of our little social gatherings.”

“Such a shame,” Sophia muttered, her glare cutting into Victoria like a dirk.

“How is your head, Sophia?” Victoria asked quickly. “It appears to have healed quite nicely. No significant scarring.” She had done a good job on her stitching, and the confirmation gave her a boost of confidence.

Sophia’s mouth tightened. “My head is fine. I am going to fetch some punch and find more acceptable company.” She hooked arms with Helena and Johanna. “Girls.”

Helena glanced back as Sophia swept her away. Victoria turned to leave, assuming Wilhelm would do the same, but his firm grip closed around her wrist, startling her.

Innominatus saw it.

His body reacted before his thoughts could catch up. His posture changed, his expression darkening as something lethal stirred and ached beneath his skin.

“Do not leave, Victoria,” Wilhelm said, his voice low and arrogant. “We have much to discuss.”

“We have nothing to discuss,” Victoria replied as she pulled free and turned away, drawing her hands to her stomach so they could not be seized again.

Wilhelm stepped around her, blocking her path before she could retreat into the crowd. “So that is why you really ended things between us?” he said sharply. “Him?”

“What?” Victoria asked, disbelief pulling her features tight.

“Your father’s assistant, Innominatus.”

Her mouth fell open. “I did not end things between us,” she whispered, glancing around to ensure no one could overhear. “I was forced to expose myself to save your wife from bleeding out. In return, you were forced to stop blackmailing me. That is not ending things between us, Wilhelm. There was never anything between us except manipulation and coercion.”

Across the room, Innominatus took a single step forward—and then another.

Wilhelm rolled his brown eyes, and when they settled on Victoria again, they were sharp with a predatory spark. “I think you enjoyed yourself.”

Her head shook immediately. She could not do this, not now. There was too much bearing down on her, too many fragile things already threatening to fracture. She could not shoulder Wilhelm again on top of everything else. “I assure you, I did not.”

His jaw tightened, eyes narrowing as though her denial amused him. “Well, I enjoyed myself. I told you, there is something strange about you that I find captivating. I see it now in the way you move through a room. Your odd little habits. The way you look as though you are listening to something no one else can hear.” His gaze traveled over her with deliberate slowness. “Even dressed differently, you are still unlike anyone else. Like a white raven. Strange and startling. Ugly, even. And yet something you cannot stop thinking about mounting—hanging above your fireplace, if only as a conversation piece. I need you, Victoria.”

Victoria swallowed down her fear. With wide, nervous eyes, she took a step backward, needing to get away from him. If she did not put distance between them immediately, something terrible would follow.

His gaze drifted over her face, his lids lowered, mouth going rigid as every line of his expression pulled tight. “Knowing he thinks he has you only makes me want you more.”

Her brows drew together, her mouth twisting in disgust. She was just about to attempt another escape without drawing attention when a deep voice cut cleanly into the space between them.

“Victoria.”

She turned, completely frazzled, breath catching as she found Innominatus behind her. His sharp eyes swept over her face, taking in her expression, the way she was standing slightly back on her heels as though bracing for flight. It was not curiosity in his gaze but assessment, as if he were reconstructing the entire exchange from the tension still vibrating through her body.

Relief hit her so fast it was nearly painful. It tangled with anxiety and worry, a storm of emotions crashing together in her chest. “Inno,” she said. “Is everything all right?” Something in the severity of his expression sent a chill through her stomach.

“I came to ask you the same question.” His gaze shifted from her without softening, locking onto Wilhelm with frank, unvarnished hostility. He did not bother to disguise it as politeness. He looked down at Wilhelm, who barely came to his shoulder, as though weighing him and finding him lacking.

“Oh yes. Everything is quite fine,” Victoria said quickly, feeling the murderous rage pouring off Innominatus. “I was just saying goodbye to Herr von Lichtenmarstein.” She dipped into a low curtsey, and as she rose, she tucked her arm firmly through Inno’s, claiming his presence without apology.

“Mr. Creatura,” Wilhelm said smoothly, though his eyes flicked to where Victoria had anchored herself to him with an irritated look. “I am so pleased you could attend. It is all my father has been able to speak of lately. You do remember us from our visit to Dr. Frankenstein’s, who as I am certain he has informed you, is under my father’s protection and favor, yes?”

“I recall,” Inno said, his low voice even and unyielding.

Wilhelm’s expression darkened. “It is unfortunate that the doctor could not attend this evening. My father had hoped to speak with him. His recent illness has prompted several important discussions. And as Dr. Frankenstein’s successor, it is essential that you understand that while he may choose his successor, the court ultimately decides whether or not you are aligned with us. You are welcome here, of course, but your allegiance must be properly understood if you intend to assume his position.”

Victoria’s nerves were already stripped raw. Her hands began to tremble with restrained fury, but Innominatus closed his palms securely around hers, quieting them. “This is not the time for such discussions, Wilhelm,” she warned, her voice tight.

Inno’s arm slid behind her back, his hand settling at her waist with deliberate care. Slowly, unmistakably, he drew her against his side.