Page 40 of A Wild Darkness

Glancing up at him, I roll the jacket off my shoulder. “I’m fine.”

“I insist.” Sebastian secures the fabric in place, ensuring it remains where he wants it. “The last thing I want you to feel at a time like this is more discomfort.”

I nod, accepting the gesture.

The boat jerks forward as it makes contact with the wooden dock. Sebastian and I, along with the few other passengers, get off the ferry. A small remote island, mostly with small boutique hotels and a few outdoor activities, leaves the open night sky and stars to light our way.

“Have you been to this part of the city before?” he asks, helping me step down the stairs onto a grassy area.

“My senior prom was out here.”

He laughs. “You must have gone to a rich school.”

“Says the billionaire,” I quip. Suddenly, a white passenger van drives up with the words Moore Mansion written on the side in elegant handwriting. “This must be our ride.”

“Looks like it.” Sebastian walks up to the passenger window. “Moore Mansion charity event?”

The driver, a young teenager, smiles. “Yes, sir. The event is a quick drive down the road.”

“Great.” Sebastian slides open the door for me.

I give the inside a once-over, then climb in. Sebastian climbs in right after.

The van takes us down a long road lined with old-fashioned lanterns and tall trees which sway lightly in the wind. I catch a glimpse of a full moon peeking out from behind one of the massive pines. My eyes glide up, following along the frame of a massive Victorian-style mansion. The dark outer exterior is only brought to life by the light in front from the yellow glow of two rows of rectangular windows.

“This place is gorgeous,” I mutter.

Sebastian leans back against the seat casually. “Eh, I’ve seen better.”

“Nothing compared to the manor,” I play.

“I would agree.”

The van rolls to a stop in front of a shallow stoop of three to four concrete steps leading up to the double-door entrance of the home. Sebastian slides out of the vehicle first, then gives me his hand to help me take the step in my dress.

Once my feet are comfortable on the ground, he turns to me, darkness falling over his features, sending a chill up my spine. “Showtime,” he says, then gestures for me to loop my arm through his.

A rush of anxious energy flows through my veins. “Let’s show them the happy murderous couple we are.”

He chuckles. “Exactly.”

We walk up the stairs to the front doors where we’re greeted by an usher dressed in a tuxedo and a porcelain white mask covering the left side of his face. “Welcome to Moore Mansion. There is an open bar, free seating, and a silent auction at the end of the night. Be sure to donate to the cause of your choice and have a wonderful evening.”

Sebastian and I both smile in acknowledgment.

“Thanks,” Sebastian says.

He leads me through a grand foyer and then into a grand ballroom. Crowds of people wear variations of what Sebastian and I are in, or what would be expected for a masquerade ball. Round event tables covered in black linens hold impressive centerpieces that fill the space. They’re scattered throughout the ballroom with a stage set up directing in front of us and a dance floor off to the right.

“Okay…” I say, taking it all in.

Sebastian whips his head around a few times, casing the room before turning back to glance at me. “Let’s just blend in and wait for whatever comes next. I’m sure they’re already scoping us out.”

“Here.” I take off his jacket and hand it back to him.

“You’re not cold anymore?” Sebastian asks as he puts it back on.

“No, it’s warmer here,” I lie, remembering what he said about how Society will know who we are from the white roses pinned on our costumes. “Probably all the people.”