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The wards slammed closed, snapping each layer of protection precisely where it had been before.
“Sold to the merchant in black!”
Everyone applauded Royce and his new purchase, and Elyse exhaled. Her heart was slamming against her ribs so forcefully that she was certain everyone would hear it.
But they had done it. They had made the exchange and no one had seemed to notice.
Elyse nodded to Jaime, letting him know that the true rose was safely in her pocket, then she bit her lip, glancing at Royce. He would find out sooner or later that the rose he had just bought for a small fortune was not the real thing, but hopefully they would be long gone by then.
“Jaime,” she said quietly, "can I use one of your checks to pay for the necklace?" She could feel the blood rising to her face, her head ringing with embarrassment. She'd acted impulsively, without a plan for how she would actually buy the necklace. “I promise I have the funds to pay you back.”
Jaime smiled and reached a hand into his breast pocket. He pulled out a slender piece of paper and handed it to Elyse. “I can't imagine another woman more suited for such a beautiful piece,” he murmured.
Now Elyse's cheeks heated for a different reason, and she swiftly looked away. That was not a door she wished to open.
“Mrs. Nottingfeld, if you would like to claim your necklace,” called the auctioneer. He waved his hands, magicking away the wards that Elyse had just put back up, and invited her onto the dais.
“Of course,” Elyse said, smiling as she went to claim her prize.
Chapter 35
- Elyse -
The night air was much more crisp as Elyse and Manny exited the mansion, the salty breeze floating from the ocean congratulating them. Elyse no longer felt weighed down by the heavy layers of silk. Her gown now felt like a fitting choice, complementing her victorious spirit.
Jaime had left a few minutes earlier, promising to see them back at the inn shortly. She supposed she couldn’t stay mad at him for attending the auction. After all, it was his bidding on the rose that had bought them crucial extra seconds. Regardless, she was glad for Manny’s sole company as they made their way through the streets.
De Vesalis had come alive, well and truly. The streets were so crowded with revelers that Elyse and Manny had to weave through them. Once again, Elyse was grateful for the short walk as she kept one hand in her pocket, ensuring the safety of the rose.
“I wish we could stay here and celebrate,” Manny said, bliss echoing through his voice. He smirked as he watched the tourists clamoring down the street.
Elyse couldn’t have disagreed more. She hated crowds, especially ones full of drunk and reckless men. “The sooner we get out of the city, the better,” she grunted.
“You’re right,” Manny ceded. “But a drink will still be in order when we get back.”
Now that was something Elyse could get on board with. She fantasized about their celebration as they wound through the streets, imagining Killian giving her an especially appreciative look. Perhaps this would be the first step toward reconciliation. Maybe now he would be willing to listen to her.
They were only a few blocks from the inn when something shifted in the air. A shiver whispered down Elyse’s spine, proclaiming a sinister presence.
“I believe you have something that doesn’t belong to you,” came a deep voice.
She whirled to see a tall man with dark hair and mismatched eyes. Ymaritis stood mere feet away, a sneer on his face.
“Did you think I wouldn’t see?” he asked, his sneer turning to a taunting smile. He raised one hand and pointed to his silver eye. “I see everything.” He gave Elyse a knowing look as he appraised her, his gaze seeming to penetrate her disguise.
Beside her, Manny tensed. Any lingering joy at their victory vanished as sweat gathered on Elyse’s neck. They needed to get out of there—now. With one hand, she grasped Manny’s wrist, and with the other she reached toward her pocket—the one that held a vial of transportation potion.
Ymaritis was quicker. He clenched his hand into a fist, and by the time Elyse’s hand plunged into her pocket, there was nothing but broken glass and spilled liquid.
They wouldn’t be getting away by magic.
She could feel Manny’s eyes on her, waiting for her lead. Without taking her eyes off Ymaritis, she ordered, “Go back to the inn.”
Manny’s reply was firm. “I won’t leave you.”
Ymaritis continued to smile at them, violent energy radiating from him.
“Yes, you will,” she commanded Manny. “You’re a liability. I’ve got this.”
