Page 182 of Stormbreaker

He leans in to kiss me, then picks up the black velvet mask from the bed, tying it over his face. I don’t know how it manages to make him look even more devastating, but I struggle to breathe around the sparkling thing fizzing in my chest. He looks dangerous and mysterious, just like that day when he first arrived and upended all our worlds.

We stare at each other for another second before he takes my hand and presses his lips to the back. “I’ll see you soon.”

Then he leaves the room while I wait for Domino and Journey to arrive.

An hour later, we’re all dressed for the ball. Domino opted for a bright red dress with a strapless bodice and a skirt made of swooping layers of satin. Her ornate mask is decorated with bits of red and gold lace and beading. Journey chose a sequined black dress with hot pink lining that peeks through a high slit up the side and a sleek mask of pink leather.

My dress is soft and flowing, with a cascade of purple roses traveling over my shoulder and a skirt of white and amethyst layers of sheer silk. It’s absolutely beautiful and one of the prettiest dresses I’ve ever owned.

My purple half mask ties with a white ribbon, accented with white lace and beading.

“You look almost like an Empire Storm,” Domino remarks as I check myself in the mirror. I smile before I walk over and give her a hug.

“I’m so glad you came to Amery.” I look at Journey. “Both of you. This year has been so much better with you two in it.”

Journey scoots off the bed, and we all hug.

“Next year is gonna rock!” Journey says, and I have to laugh at her enthusiasm.

“It really is.”

As long as I can stop the Extinguishers from hitting the target on my back.

While I put on the finishing touches of my makeup, I can’t help but think of Trinity. We should have been doing this together. Instead, we haven’t spoken in what feels like forever.

A blast of wind rattles the windows, and I turn to look outside.

“Weather’s getting rough,” Domino says, a worried groove forming between her brows, but the storm will also serve as the distraction we need tonight.

My cadet boots lie in the corner, and I walk over to stuff my feet inside. I do have a set of pretty purple heels, but they don’t seem practical for the break-in.

“Boots?” Journey asks.

“I did something to my ankle in the gym yesterday,” I say, tying them up and throwing my skirt over the toes. “See? You can’t even tell.”

Journey gives me a skeptical look and shrugs as another gust of wind tosses a blast of raindrops at the windows.

“Ugh, we’re going to get wet,” Domino says. “It’s starting to rain.”

“Bring a jacket,” I say, opting for cropped, fitted black leather. “It’s a quick walk across the plaza.”

“My hair,” Journey whimpers as she fluffs it up in the mirror.

“I have one with a hood you can use,” I say, opening my closet and handing it over.

Once we’re all suitably covered, we head upstairs to find dozens of other students joining the flow, everyone dressed in their best. An electric sense of excitement hangs in the air, and despite the nervous pit in my stomach, I find myself swept up in everyone’s enthusiasm. We scurry across the plaza, clinging to our skirts that toss in the wind before entering the lobby of the Citadel.

Servers dressed in black-and-white suits bearing golden platters with flutes of sparkling wine greet us as they direct us toward the ballroom. The hall is magnificently decorated with giant drooping boughs of greenery, covered in colorful bursts of flowers and tall golden candelabras, each fitted with dripping candles.

The ballroom is resplendent with its gilded, frescoed ceilings and walls. The hardwood floors gleam in the flicker of candlelight and the thousands of rows of string lights draped across the ceiling.

Domino gasps and clings to my arm as we take it all in. It’s positively magical. “Some days I wake up and can’t believe I’m here,” she says. “A Society party.”

“Let’s ditch these jackets,” Journey says, shaking off a shower of raindrops. “And then I want one of those cocktails.”

We’re moving toward the coat check line when I spot Edward standing in the corner. “I’ll be right back,” I say, waving at Domino and Journey before weaving through the crowd.

“Hey,” I say, coming up to Edward. “Are we all set?”