“You look beautiful, Princess,” Teddy says, and I gulp.
“I’m not attending the ball with you,” I grumble, and Archer dips his head for a beat before looking up through his lashes at me.
“I’m sorry, Ivy. We’ve given you your space, and we’re more than happy to oblige again, just not tonight. This isn’t up for debate,” he declares.
My eyes narrow, assessing each of their eyes, searching out that same orange hue, but it's as if it never existed.
Before I can figure out a response, Baron clears his throat, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he speaks. “The leaders of the kingdoms are going to be here,” he states, and my eyebrows pinch in confusion.
“That's the point, isn't it?” I clarify, and he nods.
“That includes Leonardo.”
I gulp, my heart racing as shame threatens to flood my veins. How embarrassing of me. How had I not seen the bigger picture? I’ve been too caught up in what’s right in front of me to see past that.
“Arriving with the four of you might make the situation worse,” I offer, struggling to keep my head, and Archer grunts.
“I don't give a fuck if it does. He doesn't get anywhere near you,” Sax confirms, and I wave him off.
“Whatever.”
I shut my door behind me, stomping toward the stairs in a flurry, and I’m thankful when nobody stops me. Not that it means they’re letting me go, I can sense them a step behind me.
I can feel their eyes across my skin, heating me from head to toe.
I told Meadow and the others I would meet them at the ball, hoping to keep my hated mates away from guessing I would be leaving now. All I have now is regret since I have to make the walk alone. I should have known they’d figure me out.
As I trudge across campus in my stiletto heels, my phoenix mourns the distance between my mates and me. It's a familiar state I’ve found myself in repeatedly over the past week, one that takes root, clawing through me, and despite the excitement thatbursts from the other students, as I make my way through the crowd, I don't get to enjoy a single glimmer of it.
Nearing the entrance, I falter when I spy Silas off to the side, leaning against the wall as he sucks in a deep breath. His eyes are hooded, his shoulders rounded, and I'm instantly reminded of what was mentioned about his sister last week.
She was Hugo’s mate.
My hand flexes at my side as I consider my options, and despite the promise I made to my mates, I know this isn't flirting, so I approach without caution, even though I can sense them watching.
“Hey, are you doing okay?” I ask, and he looks away, avoiding my stare.
“I’ll be fine,” he grunts dismissively, and I rock back on my heels, clearing my throat.
“Are you sure?” I push, and his eyes narrow.
“I don't need your pity, Ivy,” he snaps, and I muster the best smile I can, despite his brazen attitude.
“It's not pity, it's sympathy,” I murmur, taking a backward step, hellbent on doing whatever is necessary to keep those orange eyes away. “Have you seen my brother?” I ask, and he shakes his head, stomping off in the opposite direction of the entryway.
Spinning on the spot, there’s no surprise when I find my hated mates waiting. I pay them no mind as I head inside and approach the ballroom, stunned by how pretty the setup looks as I draw near.
Candles float in the air, creating the most beautiful ambiance, while roses and crystals lie scattered at the center of each table. A blacked-out floor filled with sparkly lights waits in the center of the room for everyone to dance, but for now, I head toward the table assigned to the Fire Protectors, which is on my left.
Every step I take feels like it's under scrutiny, but I play it off, already overwhelmed by the amount of people in here. I can smell the liquor in the air, but I know that's not in the cards for me tonight.
Glancing over my shoulder, I try to search out my friends, but all I find is my mates a moment before they all disperse. Archer strides toward me, and I clear my throat, quickly turning away. Approaching the table, I’m surprised to find little cards with everybody's names attached. It takes me a few moments to find mine on the far left, nestled between a girl I'm unfamiliar with and Silas.
I brace myself as I pull out my chair, but I don't take a seat before the card at my side is tossed away, and Archer appears with his instead.
“You can't do that,” I blurt, and he shrugs, taking the spot branded as Silas’s a moment earlier.
“I’d been placed between Francesca and Bonnie. What would you prefer?” he asks, cocking a brow at me, and I gulp, irritated by the frustration it causes inside of me.
