Page 62 of Starfall

Strings of freshwater pearls dangled from the ceiling, and thousands of perky yellow roses intertwined with vines that climbed the sides of the tent.

Looming high in the center hung a masterpiece of a crystal chandelier with striking red candles glistening with dripping wax.

The light glimmered on the patrons and their luxurious sequined gowns and silk and brocade suits, all wearing matching smiles like the world lay at their feet.

I’d never seen such an abundance of wealth, and while I wished I could find fault with the extravagance, my foolish heart pumped with misguided excitement.

“Just try to blend in,” Wyatt coaxed beside me. “I’m sure Elias will be with you when he can get free of Darren.”

I couldn’t form the words for a reply. Wyatt seemed friendly enough, but my mind could only focus on Elias and my power. Or, lack thereof.

Panic swirled in my belly even as I lifted my shoulders and tilted my chin. I felt silly now in my black dress when earlier I’d felt like a dark goddess. Like me . Now, I was just a naive woman who had no idea what lay in store for her.

I focused on studying the guests at their ivory-covered tables, memorizing their faces and jewels.

Their gowns and eye color. Anything to center me as panic sent me spiraling.

Those brave enough to leave their tables swirled on the floor with their partners, their long, elegant dresses made of the finest materials, more than a few wearing elaborate masks that had to have taken months to create.

I noted many paid homage to the Eternal and his beings.

“It’s time to go,” Wyatt whispered, his warm hand bracing my side as he ushered me to a servant handing out plain black masks for those who’d come without.

I grabbed mine and placed it over my eyes with numb hands, my anxiety spiking when I lost sight of Elias.

To my horror, Wyatt appeared to have vanished as well, swallowed by the sea of newcomers entering the tent.

In my haste to find Elias, I stepped on my hem, nearly pitching forward. But before I could tumble to the polished wooden slats, an icy hand reached out and captured my wrist.

“Careful, little star.”

I whirled around and, if not for the hand keeping me in place, I would’ve lunged. The universe had to be working against me.

“ You .”

Xavier stood in an elegant and understated suit, the top of his black silk shirt undone.

He’d pinned a single raven feather to his jacket, which I realized was crafted of luxurious velvet.

He, too, wore a mask, though unlike mine, it was tailored specifically for him; hundreds of onyx gems glimmered over a satin fabric, and two raven wings branched out on each side.

A mirror of the mask he’d crafted for me.

“Have you been looking for me?” he asked, a cursed dimple popping up. “Though, judging by that tone, you almost sound angry, which I know can’t be right.” He glanced at his finery with a raised brow. “I wore my best just for you.”

“You shouldn’t have bothered.” I rolled my eyes, about to pull my hand from his. He tightened his fingers like he sensed my intent. His grip didn’t hurt, but it was a clear warning that he wasn’t ready to end the conversation.

“I would’ve thought you’d be pleased I showed myself in person. You’ve been glaring at every mirror you passed. Oh, and shouting my name. Though, I’d prefer if you were shouting it in a different way.”

I glowered, not in the mood for his games. Of course, the bastard had been watching me helplessly attempt to reach him. I surmised as much. And he did nothing to ease my concerns.

“You told me to carry out with the plan, right? Well, my magic failed.” I stepped into his space, startled when he released a surprised exhale. “And I can’t help but think that you had something to do with that.” I lifted the pendant with my free hand. “Was this a gift or a curse?”

Xavier casually surveyed the room, completely unaffected by my outburst. It made me want to knee him in the groin. I bet he wouldn’t be so unaffected then.

“You trust so very little,” he mused softly. “It was any wonder I had to go behind your back and save you from yourself.”

The words hit like a slap to the face.

“Xavier—”

“Yes, yes.” He waved his hand idly, still seizing my wrist tightly.

“I should have told you and all that. But tell me, honestly, would you have sacrificed yourself had I not told you I wouldn’t see you killed?

” His tone took on a deep tone, nearly a growl.

He pushed against my chest, my soft curves melding into his hard body.

“You were going to save your sisters any way you knew how, and while I love that about you, things had to work out this way.”

“Bastard,” I snarled, once again trying to rip my arm from his.

He held firm. “I can’t believe I ever thought you had a plan.

That maybe, just maybe , you wanted to help.

Even if you never told me everything, a small part of me wanted to trust you.

” I cursed and rubbed my hand over my temples.

“I’ve been such an idiot allowing myself to get twisted up in your mystery. ”

“Arina, I was only trying to help?—”

“I need to find Elias, and then you can speak in your insipid riddles to your heart’s content.”

Xavier’s full lips turned down, his jaw clenching. “If you haven’t noticed, Elias is busy entertaining his many admirers. If Grace doesn’t work out, he’ll have his pick.”

He was baiting me, trying to egg me on. I wouldn’t fall for it. Again.

“What are you actually doing here?” I asked, digging my feet in place. “It can’t be because you had the desire to play dress up and follow me around. What’s your end goal?”

He cocked his head, sending straight locks of white hair tumbling into his golden eyes. “I’m here for a dance before the world ends,” he said casually, a smile blossoming on his face.

“Oh, that won’t happen,” I snapped. “Find some other poor star maiden to fool and trick. I am no one’s pawn.”

A low growl rumbled in his chest. Effortlessly, he wrapped his arms around my waist, imprisoning me against his granite physique. Not even my divine strength was a match. I pressed my palms into the solid stone that was his upper body, seething.

“You are far from a pawn,” he murmured. “You are going to be a queen.”

I glowered, hating that I had to crane my neck to meet his eyes.

“I already told you, I’m not interested in whatever game you’re playing.

Besides, I have more important things to do, and you…

” I remembered the necklace Liv placed around my neck.

“You lost any trust I had for you when you tampered with my power by sending your necklace, which I hadn’t wanted to wear, by the way,” I added in case he thought I placed it around my neck on purpose.

“My friend put it on before I could stop her.”

His smile was brilliant as he stared at the glistening gem between us.

“It looks divine on you. I should thank this friend.” Xavier’s hand curled possessively around my waist, and a bolt of energy shot through me.

“I do apologize for the deception. It really isn’t my style.

” He hummed through his teeth. “But I like you just the way you are, and I’d never steal away your magic.

That brilliant little stone only hinders your power temporarily.

Once we remove it, you will be back to your full strength. ”

Not an ounce of remorse crossed his handsome features as he admitted to stealing my power.

“You’re lucky Elias won,” I grumbled, digging my fingers into his jacket, aiming to wound. He didn’t so much as wince.

“I suppose it didn’t matter anyway,” he mused, his thumb beginning to circle my hip. “I couldn’t have prevented tonight, even if I wanted to.”

I let out a squeak of surprise when he moved, luring me deeper onto the dance floor. I fought to keep still, but he lowered his head and whispered into my ear. “If you make a scene, they’ll toss you out. I doubt the soul bond will be kind to Elias. ”

“I hate you,” I said, venom lacing my tone. Yet when he eased me into a spin, I went without a fight. He could play his foolish games, but the second the song ended, I would make a run for it.

“You claim to hate me so vehemently, but you don’t even know me,” Xavier replied, that impish pair of dimples popping up on either cheek.

“You think you know who the villain is, when in reality, the heroes are often just the villains who were lucky enough to win. They get to tell their story without dispute, and so the world believes they are virtuous and gallant. They don’t look too closely at the masks they wear to hide the ugly rot inside. ”

“And you’re different, how?”

Xavier’s hand shifted back to my waist, his grip firm. His other leisurely traced the length of my arm until he grasped my hand and intertwined our fingers. His touch was frozen, colder than any star maiden’s. I shivered.

“I, my little star, am different because I’m trying to right the balance that my dear older brother ruined with his greed.

” I stepped on his toes at that, and he finally winced.

Older brother ? Xavier smoothly continued on with the dance as if nothing had transpired.

“My brother desired the fame, the power that came with his role, whereas I only wanted to keep the world running properly. I’ve kept my identity a secret, biding my time until he went too far.

You asked me my name, and in truth, it used to be Xavier, but most of those who know me in my realm refer to me as the Ending. ”

The music swelled, but I couldn’t make out the tune. The ballroom blurred together in a line of yellow, Xavier’s face the single solid thing I could hold on to. It was obnoxiously handsome.

“Breathe,” he ordered, slowing our pace, his contorted features almost appearing concerned. “You’ll pass out if you hold your breath like that.”