I need to meet him to get it.
But I can't break away. The first hour passes in a blur of introductions and small talk. I meet more people and fall into my usual Calli routine. I laugh at the right moments, ask appropriate questions, and keep my hand possessively on Niko's arm. All the while, I'm counting minutes, watching Declan, and keeping track of Stavros's movements.
Eventually, Niko leads me to the dance floor where couples sway to a slow romantic melody. His hand finds my waist, and he pulls me close, our bodies fitting together perfectly.
"You look beautiful, Calli," he says, his lips brushing against my neck. The warmth of his breath is almost comforting against my racing thoughts.
I smile, genuine despite everything, and allow myself a moment to enjoy the feeling of his body against mine. But my eyes continue to scan the room over his shoulder, searching for Declan.
I spot him near a corner, and he catches my eye and makes a subtle motion toward the far side of the room, then disappears into the crowd.
A man in a navy suit approaches us on the dance floor. "Nikolaos," he calls out. "Oh my god. It's been too long."
Niko turns, keeping one hand on my waist. "George. Shit. Good to see you."
As they exchange pleasantries, I seize my opportunity. "If you'll excuse me," I say, touching Niko's arm lightly. "I'm going to get some water and freshen up."
Niko's eyes linger on mine for a moment. "Of course, orea mou. Hurry back to me,” he says and winks.
I slip away, weaving through the crowd toward the area Declan gestured to. My heart's pounding, but I keep my face composed, my steps measured.
I find him at a champagne table, arranging napkins.
I approach slowly, casually.
"Would you care for a drink, ma'am?" he asks, like he doesn't know me.
He doesn't wait for a response. Just hands me a glass of champagne with a folded cocktail napkin beneath it. The moment my fingers close around the napkin, I feel something hard wrapped inside it.
His eyes meet mine briefly. "Remember," he says quietly, "a little is all you need."
Then he turns and disappears into the crowd.
I stand there, champagne in one hand and the napkin in the other. I peek at the napkin, lifting one corner carefully. Inside is a small glass vial with clear liquid—the wolfsbane. My heart drops into my stomach.
Suddenly, what I'm about to do feels crushing. This isn't training. This isn't planning. This is real. This is happening now.
I look down at the champagne, knowing I have no intention of drinking it, but it gives me an excuse to hold the napkin. Plus, I need something to do with my hands or they might start shaking.
I keep it low, letting the condensation bead against my fingers.
I turn, scanning the room for Niko. He was just there, at the edge of the dance floor with that man, but now I can't find him. That's weird. I start walking between clusters of guests, smiling politely as I pass.
Where the hell did he go?
I keep walking around, nodding at strangers. Faking normal.
Then I see them.
Three of Stavros's guards moving quickly through the ballroom toward the back terrace doors. Their faces are tense, hands hovering near concealed weapons.
Something's happening.
I continue searching for Niko, a knot forming in my stomach. He was supposed to be there. I was going to go back to him, wait, and then at some point I'd head to the study and wait for Stavros, but…
I look around.
Damn. Stavros is gone, too.
