Page 44 of Seas the Reckoning

An uncomfortable weight settles in my stomach.

Starla huffs, rising and adjusting her dress This one is an icy shade of blue that reminds me of icicles clinging to a winter cavern.

She waves her hand again, the muffling magic dissipating. Her fingers tremble, and I hope she can hold out until the end of the weekend.

By the time we make our way downstairs, we are fashionably late for the second evening’s ball. Starla ended up calling for one of the staff to bring up some of the fresh clams and oysters the kitchens kept for dinner, and was able to add a bit of the pep back into her step after a quick round of building her magic back up.

Dozens of pairs of eyes swing our direction as we make our way down the central stairwell.

Tonight, the entire interior has been transformed. Instead of gold and florals, there are greens and reds more reminiscent of Christmas but all done in a way that isn’t gaudy. Real, aromatic garlands and sprigs of holly. Mistletoe that I hope to avoid stepping under with any potential suitors.

“We’re the belles of the ball,” Starla whispers to me, ‘acceptable’ accent firmly in place.

Everyone in the foyer has turned our direction. At least some of the guests are mingling in other rooms, but judging by the murmuring that takes place as we hit the landing, we’re going to be popular topics of attention again this evening.

Starla elbows me.

“Ouch!” I yelp, even though it doesn’t really hurt.

“Look!” she rolls her eyes to the left. “He made it.”

Feral is standing in the foyer, speaking to a few of the other guests. Arloc sidles up to the Founder, looking more flustered than usual.

“An honor, truly,” I hear him say as I focus on them over the noise of the crowd.

“We should say hello,” I tell Starla.

“You think? We’ve been splitting up from the guys for most of this. Speaking of which, where are they?” She casts a glance round the room, but Jackal, Ji-hwan and Exos are nowhere to be seen.

Likely a good idea. There can’t be even a hint of suspicion that Feral is with us.

Still, I walk in his direction. But not for him.

I spent a lot of the afternoon thinking about it. Having a vampire who specializes in magical jewelry fall into my lap is too glaring a hint to ignore. Grammy Pearl would probably have a full fit if she knew I’d even considered such a thing.

I’m not sure what I’ll do if he can tell the necklace is connected to a curse, but I might need the information to fix my siren ability.

The vampire smiles as we approach, a good sign. I’m struck by the fact that Feral’s eyes aren’t red, something I hadn’t registered before as being different from other vampires.

Arloc bows.

“Founder, please allow me to introduce Starla, daughter of Councilman Taylor. And Carolina.”

Feral dips his head, planting a kiss in the air just above the back of my hand.

“You are enticing, my dear. I don’t believe I’ve seen you before. Are you one of the witches the councilman knows?”

“I’m afraid not.” My voice is shaky, trying to focus on looking as though it’s the first time I’ve been in contact with the Founder.

I spot Jackal and Ji-hwan entering the foyer. Just the hyena’s presence is enough to help me breathe.

“I’m sorry, I don’t believe I know your name.” I smile up at the Founder as he releases my hand.

“Feral.” At the moment he’s solid, with no hint that he’s actually a god.

His figure is cut to perfection in a dark suit with a forest green pocket square that sets off his eyes. I look over his shoulder, and in addition to my mate I catch several others watching us. Multiple curious looks from the men and jealous looks from the ladies.

At least if I’m interpreting things right.