The Mistress
My father raised his hand, a silent signal to the marksmen on the balcony.
The red dot of a laser sight appeared on Daniel’s forehead, then shifted to the hand holding the vial.
“Victoria, drop,” Zander roared.
I didn’t hesitate. I threw my weight forward, the silver lace of my dress tearing as I dove toward the floor.
A single, muffled pop echoed through the ballroom.
I hit the marble, the air knocked out of my lungs, as the glass vial shattered on the stage beside me. I looked up, expecting to see Daniel falling, but the scene was a blur of chaos.