Page 183 of Stormbreaker

He’s dressed for the ball in a suit similar to Rook’s but with a more disheveled air, thanks to his undone jacket and the open top buttons of his shirt.

“I’m ready,” he says with a lopsided grin that seems at odds with the moment. “Everything’s good to go.”

“You’re sure?”

“Don’t worry—I’ve got this handled.”

He doesn’t seem nervous at all. In fact, he seems eager.

“Okay, thank you. I know this has been a lot of work.”

“I like working with Rook,” he says. “He’s different from what I thought he’d be.”

“Yeah,” I say. “I know the feeling.”

“What’s with you two?” Edward asks. “You’ve gotten pretty close, it seems.”

It’s my turn to smile. “I think so?”

“Do you like him?” I shrug, trying to make it look casual, but Edward grins. “Well, he’s obsessed with you.”

My forehead furrows. “He is?”

“Definitely. I can tell. I’m happy for you. You deserve someone special, Poe.”

I exhale a soft breath. “Thank you,” I whisper. “Before I forget, there’s another thing I’m hoping we can find out. I learned something about Raine recently, and I need you to see if there are any more details about his death.”

“Raine?” he says, his eyes widening. “What happened to him?”

“I’m not sure, but I need to find out.”

“What do you mean by that? He died in a Solitude attack.”

“I know, but it might not be that simple.”

He studies my face, trying to read what I can’t and won’t share.

“Okay,” he says. “I’m trusting you.”

“You’re the best, Edward. I’d love to see you more. Maybe we can grab coffee sometimes?”

Losing Trinity has been extremely hard, and if I examine myself more closely, I realize how I let myself get distracted by everything else in my life. It’s made the pain of losing her a bit softer, without all the same rough edges. Edward has been sitting with only this piece of him she carved out.

“I’d like that,” he answers before we’re interrupted by a voice booming over the loudspeaker.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” I turn toward a stage at the room’s far end, where a man stands holding a microphone. “Welcome to New Manhattan’s annual graduation masquerade! It’s my pleasure to welcome all four of our esteemed Houses to participate in this most honored of traditions.” The man pauses for a round of applause before gesturing to his left. “I’d like to welcome The Shield to the stage!”

Another chorus of thunderous clapping breaks out as Chancellor Marks, General Sol, and Chancellor Orsen all emerge from a door along with a contingent of their Circle Guard. General Sol bounds up the stage, formidable in a purple velvet suit with curve-hugging pants and a jacket that flares elegantly at the waist. Her silver boots are polished to a high shine, and her hair is pulled back into a high knot with the tail draping over a shoulder.

Chancellors Marks and Orsen both wear dark suits, crisp white shirts, and shiny black shoes.

General Sol accepts the microphone and bows.

“Welcome!” she says to the room. “We are honored to join you at the end of another school year, when New Manhattan’s brightest and best come together to celebrate our successes.”

More applause as several new people join The Shield on the stage, including an elegant couple dripping with jewels and confidence: Scion Beaufort with her stunning wife.

They greet the leaders with air kisses and handshakes as another pair ascends.