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Peri’s grin matched Yulia’s as she nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Absolutely! And more drinks!”
“More drinks!” Yulia echoed, laughter spilling from her.
The night spiralled into a blur of drinks, dancing, and new faces. Peri found herself caught in the wild rhythm of it all—dancing with anyone and everyone, kissing any magical being her tattoo warmed for. Her body vibrated with the music, the sheer freedom of enjoying herself like never before.
At one point, as she was laughing at a joke, her eyes snagged on a shock of wavy jade hair. She stopped mid-laugh and pushed past the muscly demon she’d been dancing with, ignoring his offer for a fresh drink.
A strange, irresistible pull urged her forward, and she weaved through the crowd, heart racing, until she finally spotted her: Brenn.
The green demoness stood out like a beacon, swaying gently with her lemon-yellow cocktail in hand. Peri gasped as she took in the sight before her. Brenn wasn’t in her usual practical trekking clothes or scholarly robes. Tonight, she was dressed in a flowing gown, sheer fabric cascading to the floor like delicate flower petals. Her soft green skin shimmered with golden paint, and her horns, now painted in the same sunset gold, matched her dress perfectly.
Peri couldn’t resist. She dashed forward, as much as one could in a packed room, bouncing through the crowd until she practically tackled Brenn into a tight hug.
“What the fuck—” Brenn gasped as she pushed Peri back, eyes narrowing to get a better look at her.
Peri drunkenly grinned, cheeks rosy from the joy and exertion. “You look amazing!”
Brenn’s eyes narrowed as she studied Peri, trying to figure out why this sorceress believed they were friends. After a long, tense pause, her expression softened, and almost in awe, she whispered, “Peri?”
Before Brenn could say anything more, Peri hurled herself at her in a fierce, unrestrained hug. This time, Brenn didn’t hesitate. She wrapped her arms around Peri, holding her tightly, the warmth of the embrace speaking volumes where words fell short.
Chapter
Thirty-Four
OLEANDER BRIGHTMORE
Oleander was slumped on a sofa made of flowing water, sipping crisp white wine that Namble had left for him. Nearby, Hemlock brooded into his cocktail, both waiting for Wisteria, though Oleander was fairly certain she wasn’t coming. He suspected she had lied about meeting up with them, hoping to avoid any more questions about her mysterious plans.
The siblings’ sign-names were rarely used in seriousness, rather they utilised them as mocking weapons meant to taunt. Trying to lift Hemlock’s mood, Oleander leaned forward, signing his name with as much ironic flourish as he could muster. Hemlock’s sign-name referenced how clever he’d been as a toddler—it was a combination of the sign for “H” and “intelligent.”
Oleander’s own sign-name, though, was a reminder of a less dignified moment. It referenced the time he’d vomited pasta onto the statue of the Devil during their yearly pilgrimage. He’d been three and jostled around too much. Still, it had stuck, and become his name.
>Can you help me find Perine?She’ll be the only sorceress-looking being here.I thought the two of you were dating?She’s betrothed,Does she know that?< Hemlock signed, eyebrows raised in sly challenge.
Oleander moodily poured himself another glass, draining it just as quickly. When he next looked up, he found her staring up at him. Their eyes locked and Oleander’s blood turned to ice. She was heaving deep breaths in and out—while he couldn’t breathe at all. His hands curled into fists so tight he’d lost feeling in his fingers. The room around them swelled and faded to black.
It was only the two of them, locked in something he didn’t understand. Then, with her eyes never leaving his, she leaned forward and kissed the demoness holding her. He watched, entranced as her eyes fluttered closed and the kiss deepened.
Oh, fuck this.
He was moving before he even realised it, striding down the cascading staircase of water. His foot slipped on the slick surface of the stairs, and he threw out his hand to catch himself on the wall of water next to him. Only his balance faltered and he fell straight through it, landing with a splash in the dark water below.
Infuriated, he gritted his teeth and swam back towards the bubble of a ballroom until his feet finally found dry ground.
He made his way through the crowd, his heart pounding until he reached the spot where Perine had been. Through the throng, Oleander caught sight of a flash of jade-green hair. Pushing his way through a wide array of dancers, he soon found not only Brennessel but Perine, the two of them locked in an emotional embrace. Tears streamed down their faces as she hugged Perine aggressively.
