Page 136 of Terror Tuesday

“Maybe we could do something with this.”

My hand brushes over her back. She used to be the girl who was too scared to disobey. And now? She’s coming up with even better strategies to take down more people.

“Maybe we could.”

thirty-seven

The Winter’sGiving Ball is a Greek Life charity event held at the president’s house before Thanksgiving break every year. I wait for Valen to pick me up atOmegahouse while Sora helps me dress. The ache for Naomi throbs in my chest. I miss my friend.

“There.” Sora’s thin lips press together. “That’s very nice.”

“Well, if I earned a ‘very nice’ from you, it must be spectacular,” I say, turning toward the mirror. My gown is made of thick mauve organza layers inlaid with faux pink begonias. A diamond tiara rests on my dark hair, styled in an intricate updo. I can’t help smiling at my appearance.

“Very queen-like,” Sora says as she tucks another bobby pin in my hair.

“Thank you. You look amazing.”

She narrows her eyes at her white silk off-the-shoulder gown. “You said that already.”

“I know, but?—”

“Are you flirting with me?” Her face remains neutral as her dark eyes hold my gaze.

I blink rapidly. “Um…no.”

Finally, she relaxes. “That was a joke.”

“Oh.” With raised eyebrows, I let loose a tiny laugh. “That was clever…”

“He’s here! Olivia! Valen Von Dovish ishere…” Hailey screams from the hallway.

As I brush past her and head toward the curved staircase, my heart skips.

I think every single one of my sisters is hanging around, trying to get a glimpse of just exactlywhatthe mysterious Valen looks like. But they, unlike me, are disappointed. Murmurs of, “Aw, you can’t even see his face!” cling to the air.

Seeing him in a deep green tuxedo, gold ascot, and bronze full-face lion’s masquerade mask has flutters swarming my stomach.

As I approach, he holds out a bouquet of begonias (the official flower ofOmega Nu Epsilon) for me, and I melt a little inside. Pressing them to my nose, I reach for his hand to squeeze it.

“No one will mistake you for anythingbuta Delta member,” I tell him, a hint of his smile visible beneath the mask.

“And you for my queen.” Hearing his voice, I forget masked Valen and feel transported back to the bar with Elliot. Two boyfriends in one…

After handing off the flowers to a sister, I grab my evening bag and check my cleavage for the vial I’ve tucked in there—Aiden’s contribution to the evening’s festivities. Valen’s eyes trail down to my tits, and he gives me a nod.

“Can’t even see it,” he whispers while giving my cheek a quick kiss.

He surrounds my shoulders with a faux fur wrap and takes my hand, leading us to the front door. My steps halt as he revealshis surprise. A genuine carriage awaits us, with two white horses standing in the circular drive.

“Did you do this?”

“The only ride fitting for a Monarch.”

Giddy, I bounce on my toes as he helps me climb up, then covers our laps with a heavy blanket.

It’s a short trip to the president’s house, the driveway lit up with twinkle lights guiding our way. Grandpa Cardell always hosts extravagant Christmas parties like this, except he brings in the snow machines to make it even more spectacular. Part of me wonders what Valen and I will do at our manor.

If they let us live.