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Medra laughed. “You’re talking to him now, aren’t you?”

“I told him what you said,” I admitted. “He’s very pleased.” I glanced around. “Can we leave now? In a few minutes everyone will know.”

“You mean Lady Avari will realize she just paid a fortune to host a ball for the most elite highbloods in Sangratha, only to be made a fool of by her grandson?” Medra whispered innocently.

“Yes.” I pulled her towards the door. “Goodness,” I said, raising my voice and hoping someone would overhear. “Will you look at that. I fear I’ve twisted my ankle. I simply must go to the infirmary. Please take me, Medra.”

She giggled. “I think you’re overdoing it slightly.”

“I doubt that. Please, can we go?” I begged.

We reached the door and were soon in the corridor. Fortunately, Regan’s goons were no longer guarding the entrance—not that they’d been doing a good job of that in the first place.

“Oh dear,” I said, smacking myself on the forehead. “I just realized I need a book from the library. I have to doublecheck one of my citations.”

“The library already, hmm? Good to see your heart isn’t too, too broken by Kage’s throwing you over,” Medra teased.

I grimaced. “I think I’ll be fine. You know, you said to try to feel something for him, but … I never really could.”

“Because he isn’t the one,” she said softly, touching my arm.

I almost told her then. But logic or fear held me back.

Blake suddenly appeared. “Are you all right?” He looked at me anxiously.

I blushed. “I’m fine. Really.”

He scowled suspiciously. “The whole room is talking about it. Apparently Kage has ended your engagement.”

“Yes, that’s right,” I confirmed.

“And Florence is absolutely fine with that,” Medra said, stepping up to Blake and putting a hand on his chest as his eyes narrowed.

“She is? Because if you tell me otherwise, Florence, I swear I’ll go back in that ballroom and pound the shit out of him.” Blake looked eager.

“That won’t be necessary,” I said hastily. “But thank you for the … very sweet offer.” He seemed disappointed.

Medra looped her arm through Blake’s. “He’ll be fine,” she mouthed and grinned. To Blake, she said aloud, “Let’s go, Drakharrow. Florence is going to the library. And we’re going to change.”

Blake was still frowning. “We are?”

“Yes, out of these clothes. Into something more comfortable,” she emphasized.

“But I thought Florence hurt her ankle.” He eyed the bottom of my dress. “Should I carry her?” he asked hesitantly.

Medra rolled her eyes at me. “Look at her. Does she look injured? She’s perfectly fine. Blake, you can’t believe all the gossip you hear.”

I snickered as she pulled him down the hall towards the Avari tower, arguing with him about the best way to remove a corset. I headed in the opposite direction towards the library. The halls were dim at this time of night. Most students were already in their towers. Belatedly, I realized I was breaking my curfew. I was a blightborn, and it was past nine o’clock. I bit my lip, trying to decide if the correct citation was worth breaking a school rule. I knew precisely where the book was located. Lord Ryan Bryan’s Botanical Index. West Annex. Third tier. Stack M72. Shelf 4. Also, all of the librarians knew me. They wouldn’t think twice if they saw me sneak in. Besides, they’d be busy, tidying up for the library’s closing at eleven. I doubted they’d even notice me. I’d sneak in, quiet as a mouse, and go straight to the shelf.

I’d already survived a ball and a broken engagement. Surely I could check a citation and get back to my room without being expelled. After all, Regan was probably still back in the ballroom. And her guards hadn’t exactly seemed committed to doing their jobs.

It all went as planned.At least, on the way to the library. Finding a secluded table, I wound up poring over the Botanical Index for nearly an hour. But I dawdled.The library was closing as I left. I walked back to Avari tower slowly, the excitement of the evening finally catching up with me. Feeling bone-weary and ready for my bed, I’d only gotten a little ways away from the library when a thin yip shattered the stillness.

I stopped. A growling sound came from up ahead. Nothing like Nyxaris’s. Nothing like anything I recognized.

But that yip? I already knew who that was.

The hairs on my arms stood up. “Neville?” Another yip—this time higher, more frantic.