A Dangerous Game

The lights in the ballroom were shining blindingly. Too bright, too white. Each imperfection on my skin seemed enhanced. I re-tightened the strap on my dress for what had to be the third time, attempting to carry on as if I didn't have it twisted again. The room was packed with people: fake laughter, clinking glasses, the sound of heels hitting marble. I hated these parties, but tonight was different. Something was off.

And then I saw him.

Thane Orion Nightangle.

Tall, pointed, all black as always. My heart jumped without my permission. I attempted to look away, but I couldn't. And before I could finish staring, I spotted her.

Magnolia.

She rushed over to his side and grabbed his hand, clutching it like a snake that'd caught its prey. My stomach dropped. Of course she was going to be there. Out of all people, naturally it would have to be Magnolia Verlice.

My throat tightened. Memories hit me sharply—her jeering laughter outside the school hallway, the adhesive notes plastered on my locker with "fat cow" scribbled across it, the snickers that followed me wherever I went. She never left me alone. And now she stood beside Thane as if she was entitled to be there.

"Oh," Magnolia replied, her eyes locking onto mine. "Look what we have here. Nadira Evahart."

Her voice was saccharine, but I could sense the poison in her tone. She leaned forward, looking shocked. "I didn't know I would run into you at something this. opulent."

I clenched my fists at my side. "It's my family's fundraiser. I think I'm invited."

She laughed, too loudly, too falsely. "Of course, of course. How foolish of me. I simply thought you weren't the type for… public affairs. You know." Her eyes ran over me like I was an old dress she wouldn't buy.

I smiled once more, though it hurt. "Well, here I am. So I suppose you were wrong."

Her lips trembled. For a moment, she looked troubled, and I knew why. Her eyes had already scanned me from top to bottom. I was no longer the same. My dress fitted better, waist smaller, jawpoint clearer.

Thane's voice cut her short before she could utter another word.

"Nadira."

The sound of my name on his lips turned my stomach. His voice remained the same. Low and even and commanding. He wasn't glancing at Magnolia. Only me.

"You've changed," he stated flatly.

I took a breath. I wished I hadn't waited—for hoped—for something pleasant. Naturally, Thane didn't do pleasant.

He tilted his head, his eyes scanning me. "I thought you would be my rabbit. Now you're just my doll."

His words left a wound. The shame burned across my chest. A doll? Did he honestly believe this was a compliment?

I stood tall. "I'm not your anything, Thane. Not then, not now, not ever."

Magnolia's hold on his arm grew tighter. I saw it, and so did he. He didn't step back, though. His eyes never left mine.

He smiled. Not the nice one, but the one that revealed he wasn't being serious. "We'll see."

My throat ached, but I wouldn't allow him to see me weakening.

Magnolia gulped hard. "Thane, sweetheart, we have to go and greet the chairman. Don't delay."

He didn't move. His impassiveness destabilized Magnolia's smile.

Why are you even here, Nadira?" Magnolia insisted, taking one step forward. "You've always hated parties like this. Don't tell me you're trying to. fit in now?"

I shot her a flat look. "I don't have to try. I'm invited.".

Her laughter was sharp. "Belong? You?" She crouched closer, her odor acrid and suffocating. "Please. You'll always be the girl who dined by herself in the cafeteria, two lunches because one wasn't sufficient."

She struck me where I was vulnerable, memories flashing like blades. For a moment, I had shrunk. Almost. But not tonight.

"You could try improving your retorts, Magnolia," I said softly. "This one's stale."

Magnolia stiffened, the grin stuck on her face. I could tell she hadn't been anticipating me responding. She glanced upward at Thane, maybe seeking support, but his eyes never left mine.

Aunt Celestine interrupted before she could strike back once more.

"Good grief, isn't this. energetic," she said, sipping her wine. Her dress glimmered under the light, her face tranquil but alert. She looked at me just like she always did—like a jagged rock she was eager to throw away.

"Ah, dear Nadira," Aunt Celestine continued. "You have managed to surprise us. Who would ever have imagined you able to look so. respectable?"

I swallowed hard. Her tone was syrupy, but her purpose was not hidden.

"Thank you," I said tightly. "Change is possible, even when no one is expecting it."

She laughed. "Be careful, child. Sometimes change rouses shadows best left forgotten."

I glared, confused. "What are you saying?"

She simply smiled, taking a sip from her cup. "You'll see."

Magnolia rolled closer to her, muttering under her breath, and they laughed together. I wanted to scream.

I was turning away, my ribcage constricted, when a man pushed past. He had a server's jacket on, an empty tray held against his body. For a moment I didn't think anything of it—until he leaned ever so slightly and whispered in a voice only I could hear.

"Be careful. You don't know who you really are."

My heart ceased beating.

I turned back, but he was nowhere to be found, swallowed up in the crowd. I hastily scanned the room, peering into faces, but no one looked my way.

Thane's voice spoke once more, too close. "Is everything all right?"

I stepped away quickly, shaking my head. "Stay away from me.".

His gaze followed me out, calm but fuming. Magnolia gripped his arm, smiling for all the others, but she glared that he wasn't even paying attention to her. Aunt Celestine watched, her cold smirk on her face, sipping her wine as if she knew something I did not.

And the words circled in my head, over and over again—

You don't know who you really are.

For the first time, I realized that this was not everything about Thane. This was more.

And I was not ready for it.