There's a brush of fingers against my right hand, and "Yes, I'd love to." Slips out before I can stop myself. Rosaria, you did that on purpose! What the actual fuck!

  More importantly, even with the compulsion, why did I say yes?

  Perfect, pretty Annabeth, always thinking she's better than me. Not everyone is born into an ancient bloodline or a rich mortal one. Some of us need to scrape by and figure things out as we go.

  It feels like the eyes of the entire room are watching me and Annabeth right now. Even before Rosaria meddled, I didn't have many avenues to decline; now, I don't have any.

  I raise my left hand to hers and don't gasp at all when Annabeth raises our joined hands to her lips and kisses the back of my hand. Yes, I did this with Rosaria earlier, but it feels different; I know Annabeth. She gently tugs on my hand, leading me away from the bar and into the centre of the dance floor. I'm feeling really off bance, and I'm going to bme that on the drink—that has to be all it is.

  It's only as Annabeth is spinning me around that she says, "Mother failed to mention your invitation. Your dress is lovely." She seems uncomfortable, though. Probably because of the few times we’ve run into one another previously, we've never got along, and now she’s complimenting me.

  "Thank you, but it doesn't hold a candle to your gown." A painful admission, but a needed one. I'm feeling a little spiteful, but I'm not going to be petty. Her gown really is gorgeous.

  A spark of magic comes from Annabeth and wraps around us, and I stumble for half a beat before I find my footing again. If there are exclusions from the peace bond, it's Annabeth and her Mother, but that isn't what this is; this particur spell is familiar.

  A quiet field, I've mainly used it to bst music after curfew, for a private conversation in a crowded room full of eavesdroppers, it's perfect.

  "There, now we can speak a little more honestly."

  That's fine with me. I don't need to force a smile—that's weird. I was expecting to be frowning. It probably doesn't matter. "What do you want, Annabeth?"

  "A dance, obviously. As our special guest, not dancing with you would look out of pce. Mother will be by eventually for the same reason. I was going to wait until ter, but you looked like you were in over your head."

  "I was not; I had everything under control." Minus my emotions being a mess and the cracks in my cocoon protecting me from Rosaria and any other potential passive effects.

  Everything was fine!

  We're still spinning, and of course, Annabeth is a good dancer; could she not be graceful for five minutes? Urgh!

  "You were pinned between Rosaria of the Crimson Dawn and Saturnia of the Fming Veil. Out of your depth barely scratches the surface." Annabeth presses forward, not dipping me but putting a bit of pressure on my spine. "Before you get indignant, they're dangerous."

  Wow, thanks, super helpful.

  "I'm not an idiot; I know Rosaria has been charming me. I'm being careful."

  "Night Goddess, you're such a bimbo." The song is ending, and I'm absolutely not going to let that be the final word between us tonight. Annabeth's surprised and only manages to say, "What?" Because as she drops her hands, I grab them and swing us into the new song. It's my turn to lead because I've had quite enough.

  All night tonight, I’ve been demurring, letting my partners set the pace, but I'm not going to put up with it from Annabeth. "You don't get to call me a bimbo and strut away. Not even in your Mother's house, Annabeth." She's so obnoxious! "Yes, I was between them, but for a very good reason. Aoife's song took me by surprise. Attie was helping me, and so was Rosaria. I needed an anchor, and they were there. You weren't."

  Not that I would have wanted her there, but she doesn't get to insult me over my choices.

  Something fshes over Annabeth's face, but I can't pce the emotion. We break apart for a moment, and after a twirl, we come back together in our dance. "That makes it even worse." There's a huskiness to Annabeth's voice. "If you're sensitive like that, who knows what those two would have done to you?" She sounds almost concerned. As if.

  Between the quiet field and the topic of conversation, I'm not going to have a better time to ask. "Does Rosaria keep humans as pets?" It's the only expnation that makes sense to me for how Morrigan reacted to me earlier, dismissing me because I was with Rosaria.

  It's not unheard of; life, commitment, and jobs often take precedence over people's lives, and some find great joy in belonging to another. The supernatural world just makes it even more common; there are plenty of beings out in the world willing to be patrons, it just depends on what you’re willing to sell. There's no shame in it, but it isn't for me either. I'm content being a free agent.

  I need to be.

  "Why are you asking? Is the great Deliah Drake looking to be owned?" There’s a slight edge to her tone, but I can’t pce the emotion, amusement maybe, that seems like Annabeth.

  Never.

  "You might look pretty with a colr around your neck, Annabeth, but that isn't for me." She's wearing a choker, but it's close enough at the moment. "I'm just trying to confirm a theory."

  My smile broadens as Annabeth's cheeks flush. Good, I scored a point there. I don't mind antagonising her a little, especially tonight, but it might be a good time to get some air; I can't stir things up too much, even if I'm enjoying myself at Annabeth's expense.

  Besides, there are at least half a dozen couples near us right now that are showing hints of looking for an opening to cut in, whether that's to dance with me or Annabeth; I'm not sure. It could be either of us or both, and right now, I’m not interested in another dance.

  This song is winding down, and I'm going to find a balcony or something to give myself some space. The stars always make me feel better, and seeing them will help me regain my bance. I need to top off my reserves.

  Annabeth squeezes my hand, and I watch as she gres at someone I don't recognise who is about to step in between us. Watching him falter and step away is pretty funny, actually. Hopefully, whoever he is, he wants to dance with Annabeth and not me. "I'm leading during the next song; you're terrible at it."

  "I am not! Besides, I was going to get some air." My dance coach used me as an example a few times; I'm light on my feet, and Annabeth is just being a bitch.

  "I'll walk you out myself, but one more dance. I need William to go away, please." That 'please' looks like it cost Annabeth something, but fine. If a boy is hassling her, I'll help out. Magic or no magic, it's the right thing to do.

  “One more dance for an escort to some starlight, then." And maybe another drink afterwards. I need to build up my cocoon more and make it more of a shield, and that will take both energy and fuel. Alcohol is actually great for that purpose, and I can burn off some of the buzz at the same time.

  The song ends, and I see William approaching us, even as Annabeth extends her right hand to me. Then we're dancing again. There's whispering around us. We're on our fifth dance now, without pause. It's not unexpected, but it's also something I need to be conscious of.

  People are going to make assumptions about us, like we're dating or something, and that makes me feel weirdly tense. Probably at the thought that Morrigan is trying to recruit me or something, or the other assumptions people will make, and that Annabeth is the messenger; that's usually how these things go. Thankfully, I haven't seen any sign of it yet. Annabeth has been remarkably quiet for her, and if dancing with me was part of some angle, she would have started the business conversation by now.

  The resources would be nice, but I'm fine being on my side, free to help anyone I want without approval or any worry about politics. Things get messy when you choose sides.

  Honestly, they're messy enough without it.

  As we spin around, I see William leaving the dance floor entirely. Good, whoever he is, he's annoying. I can tell that without even speaking with him. Annabeth can do way better than him.

  Rosaria catches my eye and raises a gss towards me. We still need to get our second dance, but that can wait until I come back inside; I need to be better fortified. I don't see Attie anywhere at the moment, but she could be in another room; Morrigan is dancing with someone, and I swear she smiles when she sees me with Annabeth. It could just be a coincidence, though. Leon's dancing with a woman with vines in her hair, or her hair is vines; I can't tell from this distance. Overall, the mood in the ballroom is calm and joyous. My face almost hurts from how much I'm smiling; tonight's amazing.

  Let's see: Finish this dance, get some air, find Aurora at some point, and dance with her. I have a promised second dance with Rosaria pnned. I would really like to dance with Attie at least once; Morrigan is also coming for a dance. My dance card is pretty full, especially with Annabeth filling slots.

  I catch Aoife coming back onto the stage, and that's as good a sign to head outside as any. "I need to go; I'm not ready for an encore." I expected Annabeth to drop out of the dance, but she just dances us across the ballroom and only stops when the song does.

  "The balcony is out this way to the right." Annabeth wraps her arm around mine and begins leading me entirely out of the ballroom, and just in time because I stagger when the first notes from Aiofe hit me, Annabeth's arm is the only thing keeping me from falling over. My teeth immediately begin to chatter, and holes are opening in my cocoon.

  What's causing that? Sensitivity to what? No one seems to want to expin.

  It's only once I'm outside that I start to feel better; the starlight feels amazing. We're alone; the balcony is completely deserted. I assume everyone is listening to the performance. It sounded like a big deal, but I've never heard of Aiofe before tonight. Until I figure out what's happening to me, I won't be able to enjoy it.

  "Thank you." We couldn't have timed our exit any better if we had pnned it. I'm gd Annabeth didn't try to keep me longer. Dancing out of the ballroom is the only reason I got across it so fast. It isn't something I would have thought of.

  Annabeth gnces around. We're alone, as far as I can tell, and we still have the quiet field, but she still whispers when she says, "Sensitive doesn't even scratch the surface. How are you getting home tonight?"

  My cocoon is worthless at the moment, and it might be contaminated; it's better to push it away from me and let the energy scatter as motes of light, starting from scratch, rather than trying to repair it.

  There are all kinds of theories about what magic really is, and from everything I’ve read, I learned that every person has a unique connection. I've been wishing on stars for as long as I can remember; I have an affection for them, and they're where my power comes from.

  When I have the connection open, it's like the stars are reaching out to me. The cocoon was a good idea, but I need something better, something that starts from outside of myself and insutes me against Aiofe and even Rosaria.

  I start weaving the current of energy around myself, beginning with a loose net, with stars instead of knots, before I start filling in the gaps until, instead of a net, I'm in a suit of armour made out of starlight and for the first time in what feels like hours, I can breathe, and I let my connection to the stars fade. They'll be there when I need them.

  "Wow," Annabeth whispers; there's a sense of awe from her that makes me flush. It's also interesting because most people aren't able to see it. Just what talents has Annabeth been hiding?

  "That's better." I might need to refresh it ter, but I'm going to skip the rest of Aoife's performances tonight. My armour will help, but may not be completely effective, especially since I'm not actually sure what I need to block, and there's no reason to risk myself. "But to answer your question, your Mother said via her carriage, it's how I arrived."

  Annabeth gnces over her shoulder quickly before she says. "Good, you shouldn't walk. Mother told me Aoife had seven performances pnned for tonight, and that was the second. I'd suggest you leave around her fifth. No matter what." Is she worried?

  That's interesting. It kind of feels nice, especially since we aren't friends.

  "Madam Fête suggested I leave just after 5 am." I'm going to be lucky to make it that long, but I don't need to insult Morrigan by leaving early. "And thanks, Annabeth. For well, everything."

  "If you want to repay me, you can keep suitors away for the rest of tonight."

  There are worse things she could have asked for. I'm not indebted to Annabeth, not in any material or magical way, but I want to keep the scales banced between us as best I can, and I really don't like the idea of suitors bothering her; it makes me feel weird.

  "I owe three dances, well, four, but I can keep my dance card free otherwise."

  "My mother and who else, Rosaria, I assume?" There's a frown in her voice; Annabeth really doesn't like me spending time with Rosaria.

  "One with Rosaria, one with Saturnia, one with Aurora, and your Mother, yes. I promised the dances, and I won't go back on my word."

  There's an almost puzzled look on Annabeth's face, and I only understand when she says. "Who's Aurora?"

  "My escort tonight, she announced me into the ball."

  "You made friends with the staff; of course, you did. Deliah Drake, friend to all."

  That isn't my slogan, but it's close enough. Most humans don't know about the supernatural, but the few who do can find me easily enough. There are posters all over town, and word of mouth helps a lot. I've thought about a website, but anyone who's ever searched 'real magic' knows how much trash pops up. (Not me, though, I've never done that.)

  I've heard rumours that there's an undernet for magic users, but despite my best efforts, I haven't found it. If it's actually real and not just a way to mess with newcomers to the community, I haven't found any evidence of it yet, and I won't ask anyone about it either. That would be embarrassing.

  "Aurora's cute, and Homecoming was a bust romance-wise. We flirted a little." It's hard to date people who aren't in the know. I literally vanish for hours at a time, and no one ever believes me when I say magic is real. So I get called a liar, or a cheater or worse.

  It sucks. My social standing is the only reason that I'm not an outcast; sure, people think I'm a little weird, but at the end of the day, I'm hot, and sometimes, especially in high school, that's all that matters to people.

  "Out of those four, your Aurora would be the safest." I bite my tongue to keep myself from blurting out a reply. The safest in a list that includes her Mother. That isn't an admission I had expected. Ever. "I can manage while you're busy with your other entanglements."

  "Then we have an agreement: after I've fulfilled my obligations, I can dance with you until my departure." It actually sounds fun, and I don't want to dance with the men here tonight any more than Annabeth wants to.

  It's a win-win.

  I'm having way more fun than I expected, especially with Annabeth. Maybe because tonight, we can both just be two women dancing without worrying too much about everything else. It's nice, and Annabeth is stunning. Standing here with her under the stars is like something out of a romance novel.

  It's not like I like her or anything.

  "That sounds great. I know the performance schedule, so we can be out of the ballroom with time to spare." Annabeth is grinning a little. I guess she really wants to avoid the boys, but it's also thoughtful of her. Avoiding Aoife is my main priority right now. "We should head back in. If you're ready?"

  We have been out here for a while now; if the other guests aren't already wondering where we are, they will soon. I don't want that kind of attention; there's already too much, especially after the bar. Everyone heard Attie say I'm sensitive, and I just have to hope that it doesn't cause me real problems.

  Until I figure out precisely what Aoife is doing, I won't be safe from her or simir effects. I hate having gaps in my defences.

  "Sure, sounds good."

  I'm not sure which one of us reaches out first, but before I know it, my fingers curl around Annabeth's. The stupid thing is that it feels nice. We aren't even friends, but I'm finding comfort in her presence right now.

  We're the centre of attention as we walk back into the ballroom. I actually see a few guests' points, but there's thankfully no sign of Aoife, and that means I let Annabeth immediately pull me into a dance, with her leading, of course. She smiles when she catches me rolling my eyes.

  "We have about thirty minutes before the next performance; you'll want to find your suitors before that. I'll escort you out; I'm not sure they will, not even Mother." That admission seems to have cost Annabeth something, but it's also good to know. It’s also the second time tonight, I wonder why?

  Whatever sensitivity I have can be taken advantage of; through the peace bond, it isn't technically an attack, but given that even Rosaria sounded genuinely concerned, I absolutely need to be cautious of it.

  "Then, to be safe, I'll do one more dance with you before I fulfil my other obligations." I don't have suitors, not in the romantic sense, anyway. At least not tonight; some of the jock boys at school have tried when lesbian isn't enough of a deterrent. They're such a massive waste of my time.

  Annabeth has her angle tonight, but she's also gone out of her way to help me so that I can trust her, at least a little bit, since we're helping one another.

  I'm content to let Annabeth lead for the moment, but when I come back, that's going to change; I can't let her think she's in charge of me or something like that.

  As we dance, I keep an eye out for the people I owe dances to. Naturally, Rosaria is the first person to catch my eye; it's like she wanted me to see her, and when she motions towards me, I nod, and she starts to make her way over.

  "Incoming," I whisper, just to be safe. Besides, this song is wrapping up, and I'm about to attract more attention. Annabeth and I drop our arms and take a single step back from one another.

  "Annabeth, my dear. Would you mind if I cut in? Deliah owes me a dance."

  "As long as you return her to me, I could be so persuaded. You're not the only party she owes additional dances to."

  They both turn to look at me, and I curtsey. "Annabeth is quite correct, but I'm happy to dance with you, Rosaria."

  "Wonderful, and I will return her to you directly." Rosaria turns to me and extends her right hand. "Shall we, my dear?" 'Dear' is it, instead of 'darling,' isn't that interesting? I'm gd about it; 'dear' is just a word; there's no weight to it. I'm gd that I don't need to test my defences so soon.

  "Bye, Annabeth." I wave once, and then I swing in Rosaria's arms, and to my surprise, I find myself giggling. Princess time!

  "How are you feeling, Deliah?"

  "Better. Being outside helped; I needed the space." I feel a lot more level now, emotionally and physically. As long as I'm careful and Rosaria doesn't call me 'darling', I think I'll be fine.

  There's a mischievous look on Rosaria's face before she says. "I'm sure being alone out on the balcony, under the stars, with Annabeth didn't hurt, did it? That must have been romantic. Did you kiss her, Deliah?"

  "What, no! Of course not. It's Annabeth." She's very pretty, sure, but I don't like her, even if she's been really sweet tonight, and I've liked dancing with her a lot. I'm just nervous, and that's why my heart is beating so fast.

  "And me, Deliah, how would you feel if I were to kiss you?" Forget fast; my heart literally just skipped, and I think Rosaria knows it, too, because her smile just doubled in size. "Is that something you'd like?" Her breath feels hot on my neck, and I tremble in her arms.

  A gnce around shows a lot of solitary people near us, like they're waiting to cut in; Rosaria almost feels tense. A demon of some species I don't recognise but of masculine lean steps forward, and I swear Rosaria growls at him, and then he turns away, and so do a few other nearby parties.

  Once we're alone, I finally answer her. "Yes, very much." My voice is soft, barely more than a squeak, and I groan. It's the stupid truth effect; I totally forget about it. Yes, it's something I want, but just blurting it out is embarrassing.

  "I'm supposed to return you to Annabeth, and that's a shame. I could whisk you out into the hedge and ravage you and make you mine so easily. A few more whispers, and you would yearn for it. Aoife's song made that so clear, you would be perfect." Rosaria's grip around my waist and hand is tight. I couldn't get away if I wanted to, and for the first time tonight, that's unpleasant.

  The song's still going, but I'm no longer having fun. Flirting was fun, but this isn't flirting. Rosaria is acting differently than she did earlier; there's a sense of urgency now. "Let go of me."

  "Only if you tell me you don't want it, that some small part of you doesn't yearn to belong to me: Deliah Drake, the outsider. Would a home with me really be that bad?"

  My foster parents are fine; they're proud of me, but they didn't get me even before I became a paranormal detective.

  'Why a cheerleader, Deliah?'

  "Couldn't you focus that energy on academics?'

  'Isn't all that stuff a little frivolous?'

  As if I'm not a straight-A student and captain of the cheerleaders. I'm not even sure how I would start expining the magic stuff; they'd probably think I lost my mind or something worse.

  My friends and teammates are the same; I can't share all of myself with them, and it makes me feel awful alone. The thought of properly belonging is almost overwhelming, but that isn't something I can agree to.

  There's too much that I want to do with my life.

  "We both know I can't, but I can agree with you and still not want it." The song is winding down, and that's good. Hopefully, I can avoid Rosaria for the rest of tonight. "Why are you pushing? We were having fun earlier." That's what I can't understand. I've known all night that Rosaria was interested in me, but this is well beyond what I expected from her. It's far too forceful.

  Rosaria unexpectedly dips me by pressing her weight forward, and when I get a good look at her, vertically slitted eyes stare down at me. "Because someone is going to take you from me. I've heard them talking; I would take such good care of you, not like the others, no. You'd at least be happy with me, Deliah."

  "Are you drunk?!" That's the only expnation that makes sense for Rosaria's changed behaviour. Yes, people have been looking at me a lot more since I left with Annabeth, but how much trouble am I actually in?

  "Yes, but that isn't what this is." Rosaria's lips come close, and thankfully and regrettably, they only brush across my cheek; it tingles, even through my armour. "I need to return you to Annabeth, but that kiss is a promise, my dear. I will see you again and soon."

  Our hands are connected, so what I'm about to say will hopefully have some weight behind it. "I don't want to see you, not if you're going to act like this. I'm a person, Rosaria."

  "Yes, but you could be so much more." Rosaria wants to call me darling; some part of her feels like she's screaming it at me, but she's resisting it. Whatever instinct is driving her right now, she isn't entirely under its sway. That's good. "Being a person is highly overrated." The song is almost over, and Rosaria starts dancing me towards where Annabeth is on the dancefloor, and all but deposits me into her arms. "See you soon, Deliah." I don't know who Annabeth was dancing with, but they seem almost shocked to be with Rosaria. It's a little funny.

  The important thing is that I'm back with Annabeth, and isn't that a sentence I never expected to say, think, whatever. Now that we're back together, though, I can feel the quiet field back up.

  "Safe and sound, Deliah?" Annabeth sounds amused, but this is serious. It's all fun and games until it isn't, and of all the people here tonight, I thought Annabeth would understand.

  "By the skin of my teeth, Rosaria got pretty intense there. She thinks someone is going to steal me from her; I don't belong to her." Joining a side comes with all kinds of advantages, but it's the downsides that concern me. Restrictions on who I can help, when, and decring an allegiance might prevent someone who needs my help from asking me and being solo means that it isn't an issue.

  "She's staking a cim before someone else does. I did tell you to tread carefully with her and Attie. Really, Deliah, what did you expect?"

  "A night at a real ball, where I occasionally feel like a princess, the whole fantasy. The entire community knows that I'm independent; that's part of my value."

  I'm letting Annabeth lead while I organise my thoughts, but she isn't making it easy. "Part of your value is your independence, I agree, but Deliah, has it never occurred to you that the person who wins you over will gain standing of their own?"

  No, that never occurred to me, and it should have; it's a stupid oversight. I always thought about what it would mean for me, but I never stopped to consider what a patron might gain. "I hadn't, no. I always worried it would cost me clients, that someone in need might avoid me because of it."

  "Why do you think you're here tonight?" I swear, Annabeth just rolled her eyes at me. She's actually more fun than I expected, and she reminds me of the seniors when I was a junior, but then Annabeth is twenty, while I'm eighteen.

  "I assumed your mother had an offer for me or wanted to show everyone that we were at least on good terms." We're not, but we aren't enemies either, and if the current status quo gets me more invitations to balls, I'm happy enough with that.

  "More the second one, but your visits to the local clinics have helped. Some people who were on the fence signed up after you okayed them, but it's standing, too; you're here under our roof for a Nightsend ball. Your first step into our world."

  It's hardly my first, but maybe my first official step, but that's fine, too. As long as people see me as a neutral party, that's all I care about. If it brings more invitations, even better. I love a good party.

  The current song is ending, and I haven't seen any sign of either Attie or Aurora; Rosaria seems to have vanished as well. That's good; I don't really want to see her right now.

  Morrigan's voice comes from right behind my ear. "My daughter, I see you found our guest of honour. How wonderful, might I cut in?" Oh, right, I forgot about her. Whoops.

  "Of course, Mother." And Annabeth takes a step away from me.

  I start to curtsey, but Morrigan grabs my left hand and swings me into a dance. Okay then, someone's eager.

  "Lady Moonscar, thank you again for the invitation." It doesn't hurt to be extra polite.

  She ughs, and there's a pulse of magic around us, quite simir to the quiet field Annabeth used; it's much more refined, especially since Morrigan did it without even a gesture. I'm envious. "My dear, I should be thanking you for accepting. You're the talk of the party; everyone wants to know why you're here and how I convinced you. It's delightful." Her smile turns a little sly. "I see my daughter has caught your eye."

  Okay, I need to phrase this delicately; I'm not going to get myself in trouble here. "Annabeth has been a lovely hostess this evening. It's nice to dance with someone close to my age. We have a lot in common, actually." To my surprise, she reminds me of just girls at school, almost normal. It's a little unsettling. If I didn't know Annabeth was a vampire, I would never have suspected it, but that's the point. Vampires are ambush predators; some hunt less directly, but blending in and striking their prey is the traditional imagery for a reason.

  "I'm very pleased to hear that; the two of you becoming friends would be wonderful." Morrigan twirls me around so suddenly that my breath catches. "Perhaps you and I could find some common ground ourselves."

  Morrigan and I don't have anything in common other than our shared ability to use magic. I'm a prey animal to her, but that isn't something I'm going to throw into her face; it would be rude, at minimum.

  "I'm quite happy to work with you, Ma'am. I don't want to pick a side or sign up, but if it helps people on either side, I'm only a phone call away."

  "I think the time for that may have passed us by; Rosaria seems quite taken with you; she can't take her eyes off of you, in fact."

  What? I gnce around for a minute, but I don't manage to spot Rosaria anywhere. Where is she that Morrigan felt the need to comment on, but I can't spot her? "I told her no, just like I've told everyone else who has shown interest."

  Morrigan seems thrilled for some reason. Maybe because they're allies? "You're well past interest with Rosaria; she marked you; I can smell her magic on you."

  What?! When? The kiss! I felt it tingle, but I thought it was just nerves. I'll have to do a deep cleanse when I get home tonight. I pnned on it already, but I'll have to be thorough.

  "I told her no, and I stand by it. I'm far too busy to be in the service of another party." Still no sign of Rosaria either. Is she in a blind spot or something? Where is she hiding?

  "You're truly adorable, Deliah, but enough about that for now. Madame Fête seemed pleased with you when we spoke, and she mentioned your concerns. Should you remain unattached, we will make arrangements for a proper gown for you prior to the next event."

  A proper gown sounds fantastic, and so does another event, but the problem is just how much doubt there is in Morrigan's voice about remaining unattached. I just wanted to have fun tonight!

  "I look forward to hearing from you then. Thank you." Besides, I'm not signing up with anyone, especially not Rosaria. I'll still be a free agent whenever the next ball is. No matter what. Accepting a gown from Morrigan might have strings, but we can come to terms, or I'll make other arrangements. “Regarding gowns, however, I’ve been wondering about yours. What is the pattern you're diamonds are in?”

  Angie in the drama club owes me a favour, and she makes all their costumes. I'd need to buy fabric and pay for her time, but that's workable. Cashing in a favour is way better than owing Morrigan for her help. I'll have to reach out to her after the weekend.

  How expensive can fabric be?

  Morrigan seems pleased for a moment before she says. “It’s a representation of the Goddess Nyx, but we shall both see what the future holds. How are you enjoying yourself?"

  Isn't that a loaded question? "It's been wonderful." Aside from a few minor hiccups. There's no way Morrigan hasn't heard about my issues with Aoife's song, so I might as well fess up. "I'm a little sensitive to your special guest; that's been an interesting development."

  Something shifts in Morrigan's body nguage. "Is that so darling?" There's no bass, but something about her tone makes me shiver anyway, a subtle thrum maybe? Thankfully, Morrigan doesn't do anything but chuckle. "Rosaria really got her hooks into you, Deliah, and Aoife via her song, of course. You could do far worse than Rosaria. Unless you want to sign up with me?"

  Yeah, she totally knew and wanted to test how I would react, and she's just teasing me now. "I'll stick with being a free agent."

  Morrigan’s tone has a lot of doubt when she says. "We'll see, thank you for the dance. Is there anyone waiting for you?"

  "Attie and Aurora, but I'm also supposed to get back to Annabeth. We didn't finish our discussion." We weren't talking about anything specific, but I promised Annabeth more dances, so that's the most straightforward expnation.

  "Attie, do you perhaps mean Saturnia of the Fming Veil?"

  Oh right. "Yes, sorry. Saturnia asked that I call her Attie." I probably need to keep an eye on Saturnia, too; things are already complicated enough. I don't need someone else showing direct interest. Warning me about Rosaria might have just been a way to get on my good side.

  "Living dangerously indeed, Deliah."

  "That's what Annabeth said. Attie sought me out earlier, much like Rosaria did." I wonder if she had something in mind other than warning me. I wasn't suspicious earlier, but I am now. "If you happen to see her. I do owe her a dance."

  "I suppose I could help you out, Deliah." There's something in Morrigan's tone, but at this point, in for a penny.

  "Do you have a proposal?"

  Morrigan's voice is more of a purr than words when she says. "Nothing indecent, darling." The thrum on 'darling' washes over my armour, but my blush is purely from her tone. "I want Annabeth to escort you home tonight."

  Leaving with Annabeth would ensure Rosaria doesn't accost me on the way home; I'm more gd than ever to have a ride home tonight. Walking would absolutely be a mistake tonight. Not that I needed another excuse to want to get back in the carriage.

  I can't think of any obvious reason to say no. It isn't like Annabeth and Morrigan don't already know where I live. I can't let Annabeth inside, but near the property line will be fine as long as I don't let her past my shields. I like Annabeth more than I expected, but I don't trust her with access to my house. Who knows what Morrigan could do with a connection like that?

  "An escort near my home would be lovely. Thank you."

  "Delightful, I'm sure Annabeth will be thrilled. Attie, as you call her, is over near the bar. I'm going to dance us to her."

  Annabeth is a graceful dancer. Dancing with Rosaria reminds me of ice skating, and as Morrigan dances us across the ballroom, it feels like I'm floating.

  When we reach Attie, she's in a small crowd, and it's no wonder I didn't spot her earlier; everyone around her is the same unknown species. They stare at Morrigan and me as we approach, and I swear they're frowning, too.

  It isn't Attie who speaks; it's someone else; she's over a foot taller than I am and appears to be the spokeswoman. "Lady Moonscar, it's an honour. Who's this with you?"

  "Oh, Deliah. I did try to warn you." Okay, it looks like Attie spotted me, and she seems disappointed. Can she sense what Morrigan did? She must; it might also be why her companions are frowning, because frowning at the hostess would be incredibly rude.

  "Hello, Attie; Lady Moonscar was kind enough to escort me over to you for our promised dance."

  "Saturnia, you know this ray?" The tone of the word 'ray' sounds like a slur. Wait, Annabeth called her Rosaria of the Crimson Dawn, a ray of light? I really need to figure out a way to keep my reference library with me. I'd love five minutes to do some research.

  "Yes, Juno, this is Deliah Drake. The guest of honour tonight, and who I thought was smarter than this." Attie sounds so really disappointed, but it isn't my fault. I haven't done anything wrong, so why do I feel bad?

  My skin feels warm as I flush in embarrassment. "I haven't agreed to anything; Rosaria is being pushy. I've already told her I don't wish to speak with her again tonight." Hopefully, never again, but I doubt that I'm that lucky.

  Another woman stares at me, and I shiver as something washes over me. "She has a mark, but is isoted from it. Neatly done, little one."

  Okay, I'm not little; I'm tall. Attie and her friends are all over seven feet tall. Comparing our heights isn't fair. "Thank you, Miss?"

  "Theia, Miss Drake." Theia turns to her companions, Attie specifically. "Saturnia, you may dance with her without complications." Political ones, I assume, but I can't ask without looking stupid.

  "Wonderful." Morrigan cps once; it's almost condescending—no it's actually condescending—and it's only directed at me. "Deliah, Annabeth will find Aurora for you."

  Well, that makes things a lot easier, and then I can conveniently be free to dance with Annabeth for the rest of the evening. Everyone wins, but mostly Morrigan. She's obviously up to several things; there's no way she only has one pn in motion. I can't object, though, not without causing a scene, and she's helping me, which makes it worse.

  "Thank you, Lady Moonscar." One low curtsey ter, and once Morrigan has walked away. Attie and her friends have me surrounded. There are pulses of magic flying between them, but other than dancing over my skin, it isn't directly affecting me. As one, they turn and look down at me.

  Before I can get too nervous, Attie extends her right hand. "Shall we dance, Deliah?"

  "Yes, that would be lovely." Plus, it gets me away from whatever this is. They're judging me, and I really don't like it. "Please excuse us."

  Maybe letting Attie lead is a mistake, especially after how this night has gone so far, but I can't think of a way to switch things up without causing a scene, so I grab her extended hand with my left. I knew from earlier how warm Attie is, but that's when I was drowning in ice; dancing with her is a different kind of heat altogether; all of her movements are powerful, and she's moving me where she wants me, more than guiding me, but it's also kind of a nice change of pace.

  I need to be careful with what I say here; unlike when I was dancing with Annabeth and Morrigan, anyone could be listening right now, and they probably are. "I don't think your companions like me very much."

  "The scent of Rosaria's magic is all over you; they're wary. I was disappointed when I smelled her on you, especially considering I warned you." There's a lot of judgment in her voice. It sucks. Tonight was supposed to be a chance to let my hair down and rex without needing to worry about the danger I'm constantly in.

  The number of magic users fluctuates pretty steadily, and sometimes, people just vanish. The only thing I'm sure of is that mortal magic users like me are lucky to st six months without being either conscripted or dying. I'm at thirteen. With how tonight has gone so far, it's starting to feel like my luck is running out.

  Maybe tonight was a trap all along; maybe events like this ball are how various parts of the supernatural community get mortal magic users under their sway. Lure us in with the promise of safety and protection, and hammer at weaknesses we don't even know we have until we break.

  I need to be better than this and smarter, too.

  No matter what Rosaria, Attie, Morrigan, or anyone wants, I'm not going to be their pawn. I'll die first.

  "You did; I'm aware of all the reasons to choose a side and that you have a pitch ready for me yourself. I also appreciate you not forcing the issue."

  Attie just ughs. "Your name has been popur this evening; Rosaria's interest was evident. I did not, however, expect her to mark you without permission. That is not an act done lightly."

  Lightly barely scratches the surface; a mark from a patron is standard. Clear signs of allegiance help prevent conflicts from spilling over into the broader community. The tingle on my cheek from Rosaria feels like a brand now that I'm aware of it, but it's incomplete, and it will stay that way until I say yes, but that day will never come.

  I'm less confident now than I was earlier tonight that I can cleanse myself with just what I have on hand at home. The bath bombs I created work for casual magic, lingering traces, and spell byproducts; they weren’t designed to repel a brand from someone like Rosaria. I honestly thought I was beneath her notice.

  "That makes two of us; it's a pain." I'd love to use more colourful nguage, but it wouldn't be appropriate, and everything I say right now is subject to scrutiny.

  "Little embers need to tread carefully, lest they be stamped out." Well, that's a colourful metaphor for death or worse. Not all Patron retionships are bad, allegedly, anyway. I'm suspicious of those stories, and even if some of them are true, the power dynamics are heavily tilted towards the Patron.

  "I'm doing my best." And barely keeping my head above the water. One thing tonight has made clear is just how close to drowning I've been.

  Attie's reply is a sp in the face, even as she presses me tightly against her chest. "No, Deliah, you're not. You've been making foolish decisions all evening; you're making one right now."

  "Being friendly with you or dancing right now?" Probably both, and Attie's right, of course, but I'm as safe as I can be right now. Morrigan is thrilled that I'm going to spend more time with Annabeth tonight; she'll interfere on my behalf if needed, at least tonight.

  Tomorrow, I'll be fair game again.

  I'm not sure how I feel about relying on Morrigan, of all people, for my safety for the rest of tonight. Maybe I let my desire to be at this ball override my common sense. At a gnce, it made sense: I'm as safe as I can be, but that doesn't mean I'm safe, and some dangers don't rely on violence. Problems are easier to manage when you can just punch them in the face.

  This entire weekend is going to be a total write-off, even if my parents think that I'm having a zy spa weekend. Multiple cleanses, lots of research, and design work. My arsenal

  "That and more, Deliah. Your decrations of independence aren't doing you any favours. It's a challenge to those of us who covet mortals."

  'Those of us, huh. I'm not surprised; it's a rare supernatural being that doesn't collect mortal magic users. We can act in all kinds of ways they can't. I didn't expect Attie to just say it, though.

  "I've been forceful on the issue, I admit, more than a little headstrong." And I put way too much faith in the peace bond, but live and learn, and thankfully, tonight, I'll be able to do both, even if it's by the skin of my teeth.

  "You're young." Attie ughs again, and our song is winding down, so we'll need to wrap up this conversation soon. "The Fming Veil would welcome you with open arms, Deliah, and not just because you would be a nice feather in our cap against the Crimson Dawn; Rosaria would be furious." The grin currently stretching across Attie's face has her fangs on clear dispy, and she's joking, mostly. It's only a joke until I say yes, and then Attie was never kidding.

  Rosaria's reaction is all the more reason not to do it, especially not with this brand.

  "To be welcomed is appreciated, but I need to find my own path. Should the Fming Veil ever need my services, I would be happy to assist." I can see Annabeth making her way towards us with a terrified Aurora in tow, and that timing is perfect.

  "You can expect to hear something in the coming weeks, Deliah. Stay safe until then." Attie drops her hands and curtseys, and I return it just as deeply. I really need to stop deferring to the people here.

  "Thank you for the advice and the dance. I look forward to hearing from the Fming Veil." Especially since whenever it happens, I'll actually know what it is.

  Annabeth stops right beside us, and I swear Aurora is trying to hide behind her. Is she intimidated by Attie? Probably, and that just makes her smarter than I am. "Deliah, here is Aurora as promised. Saturnia, would you honour me with a dance?"

  Attie's curtsey to Annabeth is lower than the one she gave me, which is interesting and annoying. It's understandable; Annabeth is the daughter of the hostess, but I still don't like not matching up. "I would like that. Deliah. We'll be in touch."

  There are a few beings without dance partners lingering nearby, and I probably only have a few seconds to grab Aurora and start dancing before someone grabs me, and that's the st thing I want. Unlike earlier, she looks uncomfortable. For this dance, though, I'm going to lead, and as I extend my right hand, I say. "Hello, Aurora, shall we?"

  Thankfully, as she takes my hand, she says, "Yes, Miss Drake." In an almost professional tone, the pyfulness from earlier is gone, and that's a shame. I was hoping for a fun dance with her, but maybe having Morrigan and Annabeth seek Aurora out has her on edge. I would be in her pce; honestly, it probably just means Aurora is smarter than I am.

  At least we're dancing; it was the first thing I wanted out of tonight, and I'm gd it's coming true. "I didn't get you in trouble, did I?" Annabeth seemed more amused by the idea earlier, so I don't think so, but I'd rather ask and know.

  Aurora shakes her head. "Flirting with guests is to be expected; it's encouraged. For you, Miss Drake, I believe the human expression is 'too rich for my blood'. You have a high level of interest, and I don't wish to anger anyone."

  "You can smell Rosaria on me, can't you?" It stands to reason that if Attie can, others can, and as staff, Aurora is wary. I get it; it just sucks.

  "Yes, but even before then, matters became clear. You're cute, Deliah, but I'm not a fool." That's blunt and probably accurate.

  Ah, well, Aurora is a good dancer, and I'm having fun. There's no pressure with Aurora, and after how tonight has gone, it's a nice change of pace, even if it's less fun than with Annabeth, and that isn't something I ever expected.

  The song is winding down, and that's for the best. "Thank you for the dance, Aurora, and the escort. Both were appreciated."

  "Try and take care of yourself, Miss Drake."

  I've barely taken a step back from Aurora when Annabeth sides into my arms and starts twirling me around. She's leading again; I'll have to swap at the next song. I don't mind being on the back foot occasionally, but not every song, and certainly not tonight.

  The important thing is that everyone I owe a dance to has had their chance, and Annabeth and I can keep suitors and everyone else away from each other for the rest of tonight. My trips out to the balcony will help me keep track of time. I don't entirely trust my watch, but if I see even a hint of sunrise, it's time to go. I just need to be smart for the next hour and change.

  ***

  It's time for me to go. It's early, not te anymore, and I really don't want to test the limits of the peace bond. Dancing with Annabeth has been great, and not just because I've led as many of our dances as she has; we're even.

  My armour is holding, but 'darling', the few times someone has said it has rattled me. Aoife's song would shatter it; I caught a few notes of her st performance, and Annabeth had to steady me. I wouldn't put it past some of this crowd to grab hold of me and keep me here.

  Morrigan may or may not detain me; I'm leaning towards no, especially since she wants Annabeth to take me home. Whatever she has pnned, it won't be an issue tonight; in the near future, though, she's definitely going to be a problem, but I can worry about that after a bit of sleep. It can be future Deliah's problem, just like everything else.

  That doesn't mean another guest won't try to dey me, though. If Rosaria gets her hands on me, I already know that I can't get away from her. If she manages to detain me during one of Aoife's songs, I'll be completely exposed.

  "Annabeth, after this dance, I think it's about time for me to leave." I still have time; it's barely five, but I don't want to risk getting sidetracked or deyed.

  "Aoife will be performing again soon, so now is as good a time as any for you to depart. The vultures are circling." A pulse of magic flits away from Annabeth; it feels like a messenger spell. I haven't used them; they're fshy, and most of my clients prefer to be discreet. I assume Annabeth is having someone get the carriage ready.

  Vultures though? Quite a few single parties are lurking nearby, and there's more attention on me than there is on Annabeth. Actually, I think they're circling us like sharks.

  It's one of the reasons I'm gd to be with Annabeth. She's been a big help tonight, and sure, there's probably an angle I'm not seeing, but that's fine. Being on good terms with Annabeth and Morrigan is a bonus for all of us. "So they are; care to dance me off?"

  "That's probably the easiest way out of this; I doubt anyone will interfere; at the end of the day, it's my mother's house, and she wants me to escort you home."

  It's a win-win, plus it's worked well so far.

  Three separate people start to approach us, but Annabeth navigates us around them almost effortlessly. We're almost out of the ballroom when someone I don't recognise completely blocks the door. "Leaving so soon, Darling?" Forget a bass; whoever this woman is, it's like I'm standing between two speakers, and my knees give out. It's only Annabeth's surprisingly firm grip that keeps me from colpsing to the floor. "We haven't had a chance to dance yet. Surely you can stay a little longer. For me?"

  She's beautiful, and I think her eyes are purple; her hair is incredibly shiny. I wonder what product she uses? I suppose another dance wouldn't hurt.

  "Mother has requested I escort Deliah home. Meridia, she really needs to be going. Please excuse us." A giggle bubbles out of me when Annabeth lifts me into a princess carry. I'm feeling a bit floaty at the moment, but good, really good. It's like I'm drunk, but I'm not; that's impossible.

  "Next time, then. You girls have fun." And then Meridia walks off, leaving me alone with Annabeth; it's nice, she's really nice. I've never been in a princess carry before; I should be a princess more often. The corridors are empty, and as we walk out into the starlight, I see the carriage and, oh my gosh, the horses!

  "Hi, horsies, you're so pretty." The door to the carriage opens, and oh! Aurora's here. "Hi Aurora, you were fun to dance with."

  "Miss Drake, Lady Moonscar." Is Morrigan here? No, that would be stupid. I guess Annabeth is one of the Lady Moonscars, but that's so weird. She's just Annabeth. Aurora sounds amused, though; I wonder why. It doesn't matter; she's comfortable.

  Annabeth sets me on one of the seats, and I almost fall over. She shakes her head at me almost affectionately, and that's so weird from Annabeth, before she brushes the back of her hand across my cheek. I feel a tingle and then feel very, incredibly sober and embarrassed. "Back with me, Deliah?"

  "Is there a ditch I can crawl into?" Whoever Merida is, she did a number on me; the fog I was under is gone now, thankfully. Now I'm just embarrassed. "Umm, thanks, Annabeth."

  "I could hardly leave you with a siren, Deliah. Merida knew exactly what she was doing to you, and it's a faux pas, at minimum. Mother will be displeased."

  "Well, thanks for getting me away from her, and well, for everything tonight." Being with Annabeth has actually been really nice, just in general. As for Merida, it's better for Morrigan to be upset with her than me. I'll take the victory.

  "You helped me, too; consider us even. There were way too many sleazy guys around."

  That works for me. I need to figure out why I'm so sensitive to sound-based magics. Or at least sound-based magic attached to pretty women. It might just be that—Deliah Drake, disaster lesbian.

  The carriage passes through Morrigan's wards, and I shiver, but it also feels like I can breathe easier. My shields feel like tissue paper compared to theirs, but I don't have Morrigan's experience.

  I'll get there eventually.

  "Well, you were an excellent date for my first Nightsend ball." While it wasn't an official date, Annabeth and I spent almost the entire evening together; it was the best part of tonight, especially since I blew off my would-be suitors. Rosaria got way too serious and possessive. Between that, Aoife's song, and everyone else at the ball, and Aurora backing off, Annabeth has been the highlight of my night.

  I gnce out the carriage window for a minute and notice we're already pulling onto my block. How fast is this carriage? A car would take twenty minutes. I'm going to assume the carriage has a gmour to keep people from paying too much attention. Maybe it looks like a limo.

  "Deliah?" There's an undercurrent of hesitancy and something else in Annabeth's voice, and as I turn to face her, her hands come and brush against both sides of my face before they stray into my hair, and then our lips touch.

  Annabeth is kissing me! Her lips are softer than I expected, way softer. The kiss starts as chaste, but this is far from my first kiss in the backseat of a car; the carriage is close enough, and Annabeth is gorgeous. Being with her tonight has been magical, and there's no harm in a bit of kissing, especially since I've been wanting to kiss someone all night. If Annabeth is fine with one, I'm going to make the most of it.

  When we finally break apart, panting heavily, Annabeth leans back while keeping her hands in my hair; it’s very distracting. "You know, Deliah, we don't have to end things here. We've barely started."

  It's tempting, but I'm not an idiot, not completely an idiot. "You're not that good a kisser, Annabeth. I haven't completely lost my wits."

  "Can I walk you to the front door at least?" She's grinning at me, so she's joking, mostly.

  The ugh I make isn't entirely fake, either. I'm having fun flirting with Annabeth. Who knew? "Maybe another night; I don't know what kind of girl you think I am, but not on a first date." Not with Annabeth anyway, or anyone connected to the supernatural. I can't risk it. I really do need to go before someone notices the carriage, disguised or otherwise, and that means it's time for some formality. "Lady Moonscar, thank you for a wonderful evening; please convey my thanks to your mother as well."

  There's a slight furrow on Annabeth's forehead, but after a minute, she nods. "Miss Deliah Drake, I will pass along your thanks."

  The carriage door opens, and Aurora grins at me. "We've arrived, Miss Drake." Someone was listening, and I suspected as much. It might also be why Annabeth asked about coming in. We all have expectations pced on us, and there's no way Morrigan wouldn't at least ask if Annabeth tried to get access to my house.

  "Thank you, Aurora. Just one moment." Annabeth's staring at me, and fuck it. My arms wrap around her neck, and I pull her in for one st kiss. A few minutes ter, okay, several more than that, we finally break apart.

  Aurora and Annabeth aren't the only eyes watching me as I step out of the carriage, but thankfully, no one interferes with me as I step within my shields.

  I wait until I've closed the front door before I squeal into my hands.

  Best night ever!