FIFTY ONE

ALICE

My breath came in hitched when I jumped back into the auditorium. I tried not to look bothered. It was difficult. Considering there were a few blue plates I could sight. Matthan even had one in front of him. My eyes scattered across the room like an advanced computer. On one hand, I was telling myself that maybe the effects of the Aphrodisiac were slow, but I chose to ignore the swiftly changing atmosphere of the room. How the once before prim and proper guests were now doing stuff. Hands under skirts. Kisses lefts and right. Goddess, it was happening. When I made it to our table. My heart sank. Declan wasn't in his seat and his plate was empty. He wasn't kidding when he said he was hungry.

"Where is Declan?" I asked my mom.

"He followed you out. Did you not see him?"

Of course, I did not see him. I had been hiding from the entire world under a staircase. The probability that he had passed and I didn't even see him was highly plausible. My hands were shaking as I began thinkin