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Her husband Vaughn was muscular and generally smiling. An alpha wolf, at the head of his pack, he was respected in many circles. These parties weren't one of them.

I flashed the flask in my purse. "I heard congratulations are in order?"

My aunt chuckled. "Yes.Again, as my sister likely said. Thanks for that, darling. You should come by to see us, soon. Daphne wonders when her pretty cousin will braid her hair again."

I promised I would, feeling rather guilty. The last few weeks I’d been so focused on my rune issues, I barely checked on anyone.

"I have to run, but I'll see you very soon."

I did just that, dashing for the main doors, when a dauntingly familiar voice snapped, "Where do you think you're going?"

Oh, fuck.Mother.

I turned to see her advance towards me in great strides despite her heels. Cousin Castor walked right next to her, smiling in a forced, insincere way that only served to highlight his resemblance to a demented baboon.

"Kleos, don't be irresponsible. You can't leave in the middle of a party. And as you didn't get in touch, Castor was hoping to finalize your date for next week. Really, what were you thinking, dancing with that?—"

"Sorry, Mother, I'm not feeling well." I grasped the front of my dress, lifting it a few inches in order to avoid falling on my face, and took off at a run.

When I reached the doors, a chuckle escaped me. I was positively elated about not giving into her this time. And just as excited by the fact that she'd be horrified if she knew who I was running towards.

"You're late." Lucian leaned behind a column.

"Lurking in the shadows like any good dark wizard?"

He quirked a brow. "Should I come out and make it obvious to mummy and the tool who you're going to leave with?"

Yes please,I wished I could say. Instead, I giggled gleefully.

To my surprise, Lucian looked concerned."What?"

"You're flushed. And you don't usually laugh that much."

Both facts were probably true, but I didn't see why it was a cause for concern.

"Come on. The sooner you're locked up, the sooner I'll breathe easily."

I grinned. "You have the weirdest kinks, Regis."

We headed to the main entrance, Lucian sticking to the darkness of the alcoves, brushing windows and columns while I walked in the center of the hall. But he kept his eyes on me at all times.

We passed some acquaintances and strangers, and whenever one would wave at me, or even stop togreet me, I would feel a shift in the general air around me. One glance behind my shoulders and I saw silver eyes flash dangerously. Then we were at the entrance of the Hall of Truce, where I would have been expected to leave towards the main doors.

And I did just that.

I was positively shocked to see me, in my dress, and my necklace, and my off-white red-soled heels, walk out.

I must have drunk more than I thought.

"What the?—"

"Ronan," Lucian whispers,right by my side.

He tilted his head to yet another dark wizard lurking in the shadow, this one truly playing the part, in black clothes and an actual honest to godcape.

I waved at him happily. "Neat trick."

"Illusions are his area of expertise. No one will notice you. But let's get going. We only have a few minutes."