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Tomorrow, I’d confess the marriage proposal privately, away from Kaleb, before the set announcement, and abide by Katerina’s decision. Tonight, I’ll make her time with me worthwhile.

I gripped a freshly placed goblet from the bar. A ripe, metallic aroma swirled within the silver cup. Human blood wasn’t permitted in events, yet the Ambrogios snuck it in through the guise of pigs’ blood. Humans could never tell the difference. It disgusted them, nevertheless.

Kaleb’s laughter boomed, his goblet waving in the air and clashing against one of the Pulelua’s. Sharpened fangs flashed as they drowned in their conversation, all six siblings huddling closer to Kaleb. His eyes flickered toward me, and he motioned his head, a direct invitation to partake in the exchange.

Kaleb loved dragging me into his shared banter with Regal Families as much as he despised them all.

“Little brother!” Kaleb’s voice grew into a reverberating key. “Setefano here was just mentioning you.” I halted beside Kaleb as he made space within their tight-knitted circle, his arm wrapping around my neck and weighing down against my posture.

The three eldest brothers, Setefano, Nonu, and Reno, all stood alongside each other, the younger sisters, Tali, Miah, and Thavana, forming the remainder of the ring that enclosed me. The siblings met us in height and shared similar variants of their golden garments that adorned their deep, sepia skin. Each of their bold, red-brown eyes were attentive as they studied me. The façade I had long bore cemented.

“Kaleb mentioned something quite interesting,” Setefano said, a faint accent trailing along his words. “And it sparked many questions from us all.”

Reno chuckled, a polished smile settling along his sharp lips. “Tell us about the new plaything you were finally able to acquire. Your older brother here wouldn’t tell us the juicy details.”

“Pardon?” My eyes glanced at Kaleb as his grin grew.

“The guardian!” Nonu shouted. “Kaleb was telling us how closely wrapped you have her around your finger. How did you do it?”

My fists tightened behind my back at his mention of Katerina. I cleared my throat, a vile sensation burning through my veins. “My apologies, but I don’t understand what you’re referring to.”

Our schemes were never delved into with other Regal Families. If one minor piece of information slipped in their presence, the plans would spread like wildfire. Noah made it evident in the very beginning of this custom, as it was one of the Lautaro’s that had revealed vital details to the news, the scheme in turn dispersing.

“You can’t tease us like that,” Thavana muttered. “You must tell us how you did it.”

Kaleb’s laugh vibrated against my ears. “You are all so persistent!”

“Yes, we are. Why wouldn’t we be?” Tali asked as she motioned closer to us.

“It’s impossible to secure a little half-human that easily,” Miah argued, “especially one without the use of blackmail.”

These bloody reprobates,my tongue itched to say— instead,I tightened my jaw until the pain succumbed to the yearning to smash their heads into their skulls. Never had I felt such a strong sensation. It proved to be just as hard to contain.

“I simply followed my brother’s instruction. That’s all there is to explain my success,” I said through gritted teeth and a forced smile.

“Such flattery!” Kaleb’s hand gripped my shoulder, his fingers pressing into my skin. “Words rooted in such loyalty that it’s nearly impossible to swallow as truth.” They all fell into roaring laughter while Kaleb’s gaze froze on me.

The Puleluas flickered the ashes to life, but Kaleb ignited the searing fire that itched to bury him.

“Well, while we’re on the topic of guardians,” Thavana introduced. “Did you hear the statement the CEG released after the humans leaked the Mubarak’s disappearance?”

“Not at all,” Kaleb said as his tone dulled. “Those all related to the CEG are all miserable mutts that only side with either kind when it benefits them.”

“I agree, but they’ve reported missing guardians,” Setefano said. “Now it’s only a matter of seeing if what they claim is true.”

“Why so?” I asked, the words slipping from my lips before I could bite them away. Even though I was within their circle, it didn’t signify that I was allowed to speak, and Kaleb’s grip made it visible. Yet, there was no restraint that followed.

“The Mubaraks were never big believers of guardians,” Miah mentioned. “Rumors have it, though, that it made it easier for them to occasionally disappear. Typically, it would last for a few weeks, so it was never a big deal.”

“But now it’s due to the missing guardians,” Thavana said. “It’s brought forth more unnecessary attention.”

Roaring thrums began to ease through the soft melody, strings, and keys colliding in a rhythm of blues. The second and third lines on stage seized the ballroom with dynamics, parting the dance floor and introducing the first dance of the night. A mass of pairs occupied the center while conversations suddenly dimmed.

Kaleb’s hold loosened as he focused on the commencing dance. An outline blurred to my side and tugged at my sleeves, guiding me away from the Puleluas and Kaleb.

Raphael halted along a barren cocktail table. “Tristan’s here.”

My eyes immediately hunted for him. He wriggled through the blended crowd that curved around the main floor, humans, half-humans, and vampires paying no mind to him. The hope to see Katerina emerged as quickly as it shattered when Tristan’s eyebrows furrowed deeply.