Chapter 3
The next day was the Nightsong family's annual party.
All the power players from the vampire clans showed up. They called it a feast, but it was the biggest social gathering of the year for the thirteen clans.
I thought I'd be stuck in the basement and get out of this whole thing, but before it was even dark out, I heard the lock click open.
My eldest brother stood there in the full black uniform of the Evernight Knights, sharp and imposing like a statue, his expression so cold it nearly froze me on the spot.
He said, tossing a dress at me, "Get changed. Father wants you at the party."
"I don't..." I started.
He sneered, "You think I want to be here? The Bloodfang family asked for you by name. Carlos, your fiancé, brought his whole family."
I changed into the dress and followed him out.
The party hall at Nightsong Castle was stunning under the moonlight, like a scene from a dream.
Black candles flickered on silver candelabras, and shadowstone crystals embedded in the walls bathed everything in a soft blue glow.
The long table was covered in deep purple velvet, piled high with silverware and goblets filled to the brim with blood.
Vampire nobles, all dressed to the nines, mingled in small groups, chatting and laughing.
When I walked in, the room went quiet for a split second, then the chatter picked up again.
I stood off to the side, just waiting for this whole thing to be over so I could leave.
But the Bloodfang family clearly wasn't about to let me off the hook.
Carlos was the kind of guy I would spot in a crowd. He had blonde hair, red eyes, and features so sharp they looked like they belonged on a movie poster.
Today, he was dressed in a white military uniform. The Bloodfang family crest was pinned to his chest. He had his arm linked with the woman beside him.
I recognized her instantly. She was my cousin.
Her name was Elena Nightsong. She was the daughter of a branch of the Nightsong family, an A-rank talent, a genius at shadow magic, and the undisputed beauty among our generation.
They walked over to me together.
Carlos stopped right in front of me, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. "Audrey, it's been a while."
I didn't say a word.