Page 134 of Buried in Blood

I don’t see Damien.

Not yet.

But I know he’s watching.

Astra sees me first.

She’s dressed in satin and rage—dark lipstick, sharp cheekbones, hair curled like rebellion. Her eyes widen when they lock on mine. She looks like the perfect bride.

She whispers something to Evelyn, who turns so fast I see the shimmer of panic before she covers it with a smile.

“Harmony?” Evelyn steps forward, voice uncertain. “You… you came?”

I nod, throat tight. “Would’ve been rude not to. I wasn’t sure I’d be welcome. The ceremony was beautiful.”

Astra crosses her arms. “That’s never stopped you before.”

I ignore the jab. I deserve it.

“I just wanted to say congratulations,” I offer. “Lucien and Astra… it’s—”

I pause.

I almost saybeautiful.

I almost saysafe.

But I settle on, “It’s good to see something still standing.”

Evelyn softens. Astra doesn’t.

“I need to freshen up,” I add quickly, before they can pull me in deeper. “Long drive.”

“Of course.” Evelyn gestures toward the guesthouse. “The bathrooms are just past the kitchen, second door on the left.”

I nod, stepping past them like a woman walking through smoke. My heart’s beating too fast. My palms are damp. The clutch feels heavier with every step.

I slip through the hallway—no one around. The music fades behind me, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” by Frankie Valli plays.

The hum of hidden speakers surrounds me, and the distant pop of champagne echoes.

Now.

I enter the service kitchen first. Cold. Stainless steel counters.

Imove to the fire extinguisher panel. The latch sticks, but I force it open.

Device one. Click.

I move fast now. Focused.

Basement. I slide down the narrow stairwell, heart in my throat. The breaker box is old, rusted. I pop it open and press the second device into the corner.

Device two. Done.

Back upstairs.

Outside.