I put one foot in front of the other, shuffling forward warily. I hadn’t gone far when I heard music drifting from somewhere ahead. It grew steadily louder until the thumping beat drowned out everything else.
Up ahead, rainbow-colored lights streamed out from an open doorway. I headed for it, and the darkness began to lighten. A moment later, I walked out of the narrow hallway and into a large open space blinking with fiber-optic lights that pulsed in time to the techno-esque music blaring from all sides. The colored lights flashed red then green then purple, bathing the space until everything glowed.
Above me, metal catwalks wound around the edges, opening the ceiling up to reveal multiple floors overhead. At the very top, a band played, and I was struck motionless, completely entranced by the singer’s voice. It moved me, heating my blood until I could feel my coiled tension slipping toward something less about danger and more about—
Shit.
I blinked and forced my gaze away.
Damn sirens.
Focusing instead on the strains of the guitars, I scanned the warehouse. It was already filling with guests, most of which held drinks that glowed in various shades to match the colored lights beating down from above. To my left and right, giant fluffy bean bag chairs lined the walls. Several were already occupied, and I had to force myself to not stare at the range of creatures perched on the cushions, not to mention their attire or the activities they were currently engaged in.
Near the dance floor, my gaze caught on a woman. Tall, slender, and graceful, her body language reminded me of a dancer or someone with a profession requiring precision and fluidity. Her eyes were sharp as she assessed the room around her. Between that and the fact that she didn’t hold a glowy drink, my senses pricked.
I studied her more closely.
Her calculated expression was probably unnoticeable by the other guests, but my years of training had taught me to spot one of my own from a mile off. This girl was definitely working an angle.
I watched as she bumped a caterer and then the subtle slip of her hand as she searched along the server’s sash. She murmured an apology and flashed a smile that did wonders to sell the whole thing as an awkward accident. It was a move that looked nearly as practiced and polished as her dark curls and silky dress.
Then, she moved straight for the next server, her purposeful strides doing nothing to hide her intent.
Curious more than anything, I watched as she made her move on the second caterer. It would have been successful too; nothing more than a slight brush of fingers over the woman’s flowing sash. But then the caterer suddenly turned, dragging the graceful brunette along with her.
I saw the cool flash in her eyes as she realized she’d been made and wondered if she’d be smooth enough to make this work. I tried to think of what I’d do in her shoes. Probably make it out as a casual bump or go with a drunken party girl act. But she surprised me by wrapping her arms around the caterer’s waist in a hug from behind. Before the caterer could pull away, she leaned in close and whispered something. The server’s brows shot up.
Instead of fear or awareness that she’d been marked by a professional, the server simply glanced back at the brunette as if gauging her level of sanity.
After another handful of words were exchanged, the brunette stepped back and walked away, melting into the crowd. The server went back to work with a small smile crooking her lips.
Damn. The woman was better than I’d first thought. Whatever she’d come here to do tonight, I had a feeling she’d be successful at it.
Determined not to get involved in anything resembling work, I looked away and spotted a bar.
Perfect.
I made my way over and wedged in beside an industrial-looking metal barstool. The thing looked completely uncomfortable. I opted to lean against the marbled bar top instead and studied the bottles lining the shelves behind the bar. They were backlit with a glowing blue light, but I didn’t miss the obvious offerings on display: alcohol, soda—and blood.
“What’ll you have?”
A female bartender with pink hair and mischievous brown eyes smiled back at me. Her septum piercing glinted against the crystal lights set inside the marbled bar. She leaned forward. Her black dress was cut low to offer a view that had my eyes wandering just long enough to turn her smile to a smirk.
“See something you like?” she added before I could answer.
I lifted my eyes to hers again, not quite sorry about getting caught checking her out. Not when she looked so damn pleased with herself for it.
“I’ll have a whiskey. Neat.”
“Bor-ing,” she sang.
“You have a better idea?”
“Oh, I have lots of ideas for you,” she said, her gaze darkening as it swept over me.
My brow lifted.
“Onyx!” The male bartender stomped over. “Where the hell did you put the luster dust?”
Onyx, the bartender currently displaying her goods for me, batted her eyes. “What makes you think I put it anywhere, Barassa?”
His eyes narrowed. “Because you like to torture me, woman.”
Her lips twitched. She snapped her fingers, and a fine dusting of powder appeared across her exposed chest. “Oops, there it is. I guess you’ll have to take what you need from here.”
Barassa growled.
“Fine, have it your way.” She snapped again and a bottle of powder appeared on the bar in front of me.
Barassa snatched it, sending her an irritated glare before winking at me, then stomped back to his end and continued mixing drinks.
Onyx grinned at me. “Lion shifters are so touchy.”
Lion shifter. That explained the smell. Werewolf, but not.
“They also have terrible tempers,” I pointed out.
Though this one had the patience of a saint, I found myself wondering if she had a death wish or was just plain crazy.
But she just shrugged, unconcerned. “Care to try something more daring?”
“Let’s stick to whiskey for now,” I said, and she shrugged as she reached for the bottle.
“Suit yourself.”
“Whiskey is such an honest drink, don’t you think?”
The perfume hit me first, and I turned as a figure settled on the empty stool beside me. An arm brushed mine. Not an accident if her calculated smile was any indication.
Emerald stones hung from her ears, an offset to the black dress that hung over her wide hips and rose high on her neck. She watched me with sharp, dark eyes that reminded me strangely of the hallway I took to get in here. She was older than me, but the awareness behind her gaze made it clear she wasn’t to be underestimated.
“Pardon me, space is a little tight here,” she said smoothly.
I used her words as an excuse to put a little distance between us. Not that there was far to go. She was right. The bar was full.
“I’m Priscilla,” she said, offering her hand.
The name rippled through me, and I swallowed the recognition that rose. Holy shit. Priscilla was a water fae; a noteworthy one if the stories were true.
“Breck.”
She shook my hand with fingers as cold as the depths of the sea.
“First timer?” she asked.
“What gave it away?”
“You look a little unnerved.”
“Just taking it all in.”
“Ah.” She gestured to the space around us. “Well, Breck, what do you think of The Monster Ball?”
In all of my time at Highborn Academy, I’d never seen this many supes in one place. My two years there had been mostly spent in the company of other hunters and soldiers like me. There’d been two exceptions, but they’d long since disappeared from my life.
This party and its guests were like nothing I’d ever seen.
“It’s living up to its reputation.”
She laughed, and the sound grated on me like sandpaper.
The bartender, Onyx, set my whiskey on the bar in front of me.
<
br /> “Priscilla,” Onyx greeted, sending me a look I couldn’t read but looked eerily like a warning. “What’ll it be?”
“I’ll take your special.” Priscilla’s tone turned icy.
Onyx left without a word and returned a moment later with a purple drink that glowed underneath the lights.
“One Witchy Woman,” Onyx said flatly then stalked off.
“She doesn’t like you very much,” I said, mostly fishing.
“Meh. She gets a little territorial,” Priscilla said, waving off my concern. “But I’m not interested in Onyx. I want to hear about you. Where are you from, and how did you come to be invited to a party like The Monster Ball?”
“Lucky, I guess,” I said, but I could already see she wasn’t going to buy naïveté.
“Here with anyone special?” she asked.
“Just me.” I hesitated then added, “I’m actually looking for a water fae.”
Her gaze sharpened. “And what could you possibly want with one of the sea folk?”
Her tone was deceivingly light, but I’d marked her the moment she brushed my arm—just like I was sure she’d marked me. Maybe even from across the room. A witch was a witch even if this one was from under the sea.
I met her gaze unflinchingly and gave her the most direct answer there was. “Admittance.”
Chapter Four
Aqua
Bronx whistled as I stepped up to the entrance and held out my ticket. “Princess Aquamarine, you get more gorgeous every year. How is that possible?”
“Saltwater smooths the skin,” Lex chimed in.
I rolled my eyes. “Both of you are shameless flirts.”
“Only for you,” Lex said.
“I just listened to you hit on the witch in front of me.”
“We’re equal opportunity flirts,” Bronx said.
“He’s right. There’s two of us, which means we have to cover more ground than most,” Lex added.
I shook my head and walked past them, heels clicking.
“Hey, we didn’t admit you yet,” Lex called.
“I’m admitting myself,” I called back.
“I’ll admit her,” Bronx muttered suggestively.
“Heard that,” I called just before I slipped inside.
The darkness was only disconcerting for a second. By the time my eyes adjusted, I was already moving down the hall toward the glowing rainbow lights at the back. Despite my disinterest earlier, excitement sped my pulse. The Monster Ball’s location changed every year, and not just the city but the décor and the theme too. Each time was somehow better than the last. I had no idea how, but The Proprietor always managed to wow everyone; not easy in a world of magical supernaturals capable of the impossible.
Stepping through the door at the end of the hall, I stopped and stood in awe at the rainbow rave.
It was gorgeous.
Industrial metals and cool marbles contrasted with the ostentatious attire of the guests filling the space. Not to mention the furry furniture and suggestive privacy corners. The Proprietor, whoever he or she was, knew how to throw a damn good party.
Dance music pulsed from the speakers, the bass hitting hard enough to make my heartbeat pulse with it. I looked up and noted Dastardly Deeds had been invited back. Marina’s voice rose over the music, beautiful and alluring. I could tell she’d toned down some of her siren magic, but that didn’t mean some of the guests hadn’t gone all glassy-eyed over her already. I shook my head and made a mental note to find her and say hi before the night was over.
Eyes still trained on the levels above me, I grunted as I knocked into someone.
“Forgive me,” I said then paused when I caught sight of the female creature. Riotous red curls tumbled over a black and silver gown that glittered in the lights. Magic rolled off of her in waves, hitting me with a force I hadn’t expected. Before I could stop myself, I leaned in and sniffed. “You’re . . . I’m not sure what you are.”
It was impolite, I knew, but I couldn’t help it. My fae magic had never let me down when identifying sea and land creatures alike. Whatever she was, I’d never met one.
The woman squared her shoulders back as if steadying her nerves. I could see the uncertainty in her sharp eyes, but she lifted her chin and answered, “Banshee.”
My eyes widened.
The banshee softened, offering a small smile. Her eyes darted to the crown tucked into my hair. “You?”
Right. I deserved that.
I took a step back, a little unsteady. A banshee? Here? Was it some kind of sign? Had my guards been right, and Priscilla really did have it out for me tonight? Because meeting a banshee usually only meant one thing.
“Water fae,” I told her, mind racing.
I should have stopped there. Turned and walked away. But I couldn’t help asking, “Am I . . .” I cleared my throat, hating that I needed to know. “Will I die tonight?”
“Are you a mortal with the surname O’Brien?”
I blinked. “No, but—”
She patted my shoulder. “Then I would have no idea. We banshees can only foretell specific families’ deaths.”
Before I could say another word, she strode away and melted into the crowd.
Weird.
I’d gone from unconcerned to worried about my own death?
What was wrong with me tonight?
Maybe being here brought up old fears. It certainly brought up memories. But it also made me feel closer to Destan. Besides, I was here now, and I wasn’t going to die.
It was time to party.
Or my version of it anyway.
Determined to enjoy something about this night, I headed for the bar on my left. I caught Imperia’s eye and waved. She smiled seductively when she saw me, and my belly curled. I’d known her for years, but last year’s party had been different. I’d been careless in my boredom and had too much to drink, thanks to her Party In My Mouth signature drink. At some point, Imperia had saved me from a bad ending with a prick of a warlock. I’d kissed her as a reward—and even through my drunken haze, I could see she’d been game for more than that.
“Hey, beautiful,” she said as I slid onto an empty stool. Her gaze flitted to my legs and the slits that revealed a lot of thigh. “Love the dress.”
“Thanks. Good to see you.”
“And you. What’ll it be tonight?”
“What’s your special?” I asked warily.
She smirked knowingly. “Succubus Kiss.”
I couldn’t help the laughter that escaped. “Of course it is. I’ll take it.”
She leaned forward, lips parting, and I could sense the innuendo coming.
“The drink only,” I clarified.
She winked. “The night is young,” she said then went to work making the drink.
Blonde hair caught my eye, and I paused to glance at the girl a couple of seats over. She was perched on the stool, legs crossed to keep all of her bits covered, which probably wasn’t an easy feat considering the fabric covered less skin than a napkin.
She was a newbie. I could tell by the way she took it all in. She was also coated in magic from the way my senses screamed at me. Our eyes met, and I wandered a step closer.
“You’ll want to pace yourself with those,” I said, nodding at the Dragon’s Breath she’d gotten from Dec.
“You’ve been here before, I take it?”
“Every year.” I tried not to let the cynicism creep in.
“Cool. Any more advice from a seasoned vet?” she asked, smiling.
“Don’t trust a warlock,” I said, grimacing. “And if you get into trouble, find Imperia.”
She nodded, wide-eyed. “Thanks.”
Imperia set my drink down, an extra tall glass complete with whipped cream and a cherry. “Brought you a double,” she said with a wink aimed at the new girl then flounced off.
Two kisses later—drinks, not the real thing—I decided I’d better distance myself from Imperia. Boredom or not, a water fae princess wasn�
�t permitted to have flings with other species. Being the heir to the sea meant sticking to my own kind. Unfortunately, there were zero options that interested me when it came to the choices in my own kingdom.
In fact, in all of the kingdoms and realms in the world, there had only ever been one.
Sighing, I made my way to the stairs, winding up and around the catwalk, floor by floor. I found myself level with the band and paused, admiring Bardou, the bass player. Long, wavy brown hair and a beard gave him an attractive roughness. From here, it was easy to recognize his signature as a wolf shifter. For the second time tonight, my mind wandered to another.
Not a wolf shifter but their opposition: a werewolf hunter. Or half-hunter, anyway. The other half of his heritage was a secret no one knew about. No one except me. And I’d never betray him. Nor would I ever see him again.
My heart ached, and I turned away from Bardou, heading up the stairs again.
On the rooftop, the music seemed softer than inside but still just as electric. The urge to dance was strong, thanks to Marina’s siren lure. I ignored it, crossing the dance floor, and headed to the bar. I felt the prickle of eyes against my back as I went. Not that I wasn’t used to it by now. I was watched everywhere I went. But this felt different.
Familiar somehow. And not in a good way.
I reached the bar and turned just as Priscilla stepped in front of me. Her black gown swirled around her ankles, and her sharp green eyes flashed with something devious.
“Princess, what a surprise.”
“Indeed. I wasn’t aware they allowed criminals to attend the Ball.”
“You wound me, Aqua. Is that any way to speak to your only living relative?”
“You’re my third cousin, Priscilla. By marriage. Hardly a relative and not by blood, thank the sea gods.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Nonetheless, I am all you have and deserve the respect due my station.”
“Your station consists of suspected murder and treason,” I hissed. “My level of respect is appropriately served.”
“There was no proof I was involved in what happened to your family. These accusations only remind the kingdom you never moved on from their deaths. A princess stuck in the past cannot possibly build a future for her people. It makes me wonder… Is that why you’ve never taken a husband? The rumors say you spend time pining for mortals though I know that’s not true since the law prohibits you from mingling with anyone but your own kind.”
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