Page 57 of Potion of Deception (Potion of Deception #1)

“You didn't make it easier, didn't let me know something about you to make me feel some sympathy for you.

You are still a stranger . And it's not fair that I am the one who has to do something and decide what is better for others. All I wanted was to save my father, not all of this mess!” She slowed down, trying to steady her voice, “Yes, I do have doubts about you but you have no right to make me feel guilty about it.

You did nothing to gain my trust. Our deal started with lying so no, I am not the only liar here.

And I'm just a human. And I'm scared. I am terrified to be honest, and it makes me confused because I'm trapped in something I don't understand and I don't know what to do and, honestly, I don't want to!

I was put in this situation where I have to choose what to do but it's not my responsibility.

I don't have to choose. Why me? You think I am happy to make this decision?

It's your problem and the vampires’, never mine.

Excuse me for not throwing the dagger in Caidas' face when he put it in my hands; For thinking what I should do with it and if I can trust you with this information.

But don't make me feel guilty because of it.

I didn't choose it. I just want it to end and…I want my normal life back.”

Finally her lips pulled tight, the corner of her mouth trembled and the look she gave Dante said she was truly done with all of this mess.

He studied her face, her eyes. Not a muscle moved on his face. What he was thinking was a pure mystery. Then his jaw clenched and he let out the words in the air to fill the tense space between them.

“You are right, it's not fair, not for you, not for any other human.

I didn't think it would turn into this. You indeed don't have any reason to trust me but we share one goal.

I told you not to trust other vampires, not because I'm scared that they can convince you to betray me.

I said it because I don't trust any of them and would never do so if I were a human.

All I said was only to protect you. I promised I won't let anyone harm you and I meant it.

But I didn't think I should beware of you too.”

Violette swallowed, did she imagine it or had she indeed caught a pinch of sadness in his tone?

His eyes lowered for a brittle moment before they found hers again.

“I forgot what fear can do with the human heart and mind.” His shoulders loosened, a sorrow crept into his voice. “And yet, I'll give you advice, Little Witch. If you kill me then you won't go back to your previous life, you'll not be the same. It will change everything.”

His features softened, brows knitted and eyes gleamed with understanding. He didn't say anything else as a triumphant melody came from the hall, announcing the arrival of the host of the evening. They had to go back to the ballroom.

But Violette didn’t move, still staring at Dante as if she waited for something else he would say. As much as his last words didn't sound angry or peeved he still looked pretty gloomy and rigorous.

She didn't know if he fully understood her but he seemed to be kinder than she expected after all of the emotions she threw his way. Perhaps he understood how it is to be human more than he was revealing. Perhaps he still remembers how it feels to be embroiled with hesitation .

“You should go,” he said as his dim eyes bored into hers.

She pursed her lips, heading to the ballroom. And despite her numbing in the aisle for a brief moment, she didn't turn her head back. No, she disappeared into the crowd of opulent skirts and quilted frock coats.

Her steps quickly brought her to the center of the room and picked the spot nearby; she remembered Dante's words to not be too close to the stairs. Her eyes caught the champagne tray and she quickly picked a glass from a passing courtier to look casual and bored .

Her heart was still shrinking, and she let her gaze drift to Dante – his eyes were peering at her from the crowd and then he simply nodded. She hoped it was a gesture of support – if he could feel such a thing after their conversation.

A male frame appeared at the top of the stairs.

Lord Adrogans began to descend the stairs with elusive grace, as the eyes of all the guests were riveted to him.

He was a tall, fit young man with chestnut hair brushed back, a few strands of which were falling over his bushy brows.

His attire comprised of a short silk brown coat needlepointed with a fanciful pattern, beige pants and polished high boots.

Violette watched his every move as she remembered to look more casual.

Well, she knew how to pretend, it wasn't the first time she had to show other emotions instead of what she felt, even when a hurricane reigned in her soul.

She nervously looked back, trying to find Dante again, but then a soft and gallant voice hit her ear.

“Lady Nora.”

She spun her head – two green eyes were looking at her from above. Lord Adrogans . Great, she didn't even have to do anything to get his attention. Probably shouldn't have doubted Dante's words. This time.

“I'm honored by your presence.” His lips curved into a kind smile as he leaned to kiss her hand, his lips brushed over the thin fabric of her gloves.

Up close he looked like a really handsome young man and much taller than she'd imagined. He had high cheekbones, an aristocratic chiseled nose and a passionate gaze. His eyes radiated life – so different from the vampire she knows.

“Lord Adrogans.” Her legs intertwined for a curtsy.

His voice was soft as velvet, “I hope your trip was safe and didn't cause any inconvenience.”

“Thank you, it was quite enjoyable,” Violette aimed for a refined and graceful tone, carefully considering each word and avoiding any impulsive urge to share her thoughts.

She breathed as she continued, “However, who doesn't like a little adventure in between the passing landscapes outside the window?” Her lips curled in a jaunty smile.

She hoped it looked better than it felt.

Her heart wasn't as good at hiding the truth as her face, it was thrumming with such a speed and in every beat was rattling Liar .

Good thing Lord Adrogans wasn't a vampire and didn’t have sensitive hearing, otherwise it would give her away in an instant.

For her own luck, her fake smile worked like a charm and earned her a laugh.

She'd never heard such an expensive sound: short and ringing.

It sounded fake but she always imagined rich people were sounding somewhat like this.

It was so different from the sharp and complacent laugh of Dante, maybe because he'd never tried to impress someone or gain their favor unlike Lord Adrogans.

She was an interesting thing to him this evening, a gem in this room.

She was a duchess . And finally she realized how important she was, how welcomed she was here.

Even if all this was for Lady Nora, not her.

With this thought the strain loosened its grip on her and she raised her chin, letting herself be dazzling tonight.

“Indeed, I would never give up on a good adventure,” the words left the Lord's mouth.

“So we share the same interest then.” Her eyes shone as her lashes fluttered.

With an elegant movement he extended his hand to her. “Would you make me an honor and be my partner for the first dance, Lady Nora?”

Her eyes dropped to his palm. The inner voice encouraged her to put her hand in his. So with a new breath she gave him a sweet sincere smile, while placing the glass with champagne on a silver tray.

“Lead me,” she said and let him take her to the center of the room.

All the guests' eyes were locked on them – the young lord and the duchess, a truly tempting occurrence for new whispers.

The violin started playing, another one joined. Then, a piano, cello notes and a light flute motif accompanied, plunging the ballroom in a transcendent composition.

Violette looked straight in the Lord’s eyes, trying to not look away, although it seemed to her not such an easy task at first – she'd never held eye contact for this long before, except for Dante…

But sometimes she herself hadn't noticed how quickly time flew when she looked into his bottomless sapphire eyes; there was something in them that she couldn't unravel and probably this made her return her gaze to them so often.

Nevertheless, the Lord's eyes were green, almost a pine shade.

His gaze was kind and yet assertive. She wondered, was he really like that or was he just trying to impress her? Maybe both?

She found it not too hard to make her gaze lock with him after all.

He didn't make her nervous as another man in this ballroom and it made it much easier for her to pretend she liked this evening and his company.

Well, it was partly true: Lord Adrogans was nice, seemed respectful and, of course, well-mannered.

He didn't allow himself insolence and shameless comments.

It was easy to talk with him, however, she was thinking twice before letting the words leave her mouth, holding to a memory that she is a duchess and should withstand the game until the end.

Surprisingly, she still hadn't noticed his arrogance – it brought her thoughts back to Dante again.

He was somewhere in this room. Her eyes escaped the Lord's gaze just for a brief moment to find another one.

Sharper. Colder. But she felt like she wanted to see his familiar face.

And yet, her eyes didn't find him, more likely he already started his part of the plan.

Or, perhaps, he found himself a quite pleasant company here.

“How do you find our places? Isn't it quite boring compared to your homeland?” Lord Adrogans asked, however Violette felt like this question was only to return her eyes back to his. She lost the courage for a second.