Page 168 of Bone Year

An orchestra plays something low and slow at the far end of the hall. Faculty is standing in small clusters along the perimeter and on the second-floor balcony. I see Bale near the window, his arms crossed while he talks to Cane, who looks great in a purple velvet dress.

“Oh gods,” Lux breathes, “Lyrian is here.”

“Of course he’s here, looking all hot and fiery with his red hair.” Ellavee says.

“Hey.” I slap Ellavee’s arm then turn to Lux, “Go. We’ll find you later,” I tell her.

She smiles before disappearing into the crowd in a flash of silk and navy blue.

“I need a drink,” Ellavee says, heading toward the bar.

I need to keep a clear head for tonight, but I still go with her.

Nestor is by the buffet table with a glass of something dark, watching the room over his spectacles. He sees me and inclines his head. I salute and smile. I’ll have to thank him later for including Poppy.

Ellavee takes a shot of something. “I’m going to dance. Want to come?”

I look over at her. “No, go ahead. I’ll see you later.”

She vanishes into the crowd, and I grab one of the colorful bubbly drinks the bartender assured me is non-alcoholic. I take a sip of the fruity liquid and turn to take in the room.

“You look very nice tonight, Mae.”

I freeze when I hear his voice and turn to see Jace. He’s in a white suit, the same color as his wings. I look up and meet his blue eye, the one that has lost its luster. His other is covered in a dark-gray patch.

He grabs his drink and walks away before I can say anything.

I’m too in shock to move. Is he being nice or fucking with me?

“Red.”

I internally cringe and look to my right. Malric is dressed in deep red, and I think it’s fitting, given how sinister he is.

I dip my head to him but don’t say anything. I don’t want to engage.

“I think it’s time I get that dance we talked about,” he says.

I close my eyes and inhale. Do not lose your shit. He’s not worth your time.

“I’m not dancing tonight,” I say as pleasantly as I can and take another sip of my drink.

“When are you going to believe me? I’ve tried to tell you that you don’t want to make an enemy out of me, Red.”

I’m not in the mood for this.

“One dance and you’ll leave me alone indefinitely?”

He smiles, because he knows I’m about to give in. He holds his hands up like he’s surrendering.

“Let’s say next time you’ll be asking me.”

I almost choke when I laugh. “Yeah, that’ll never happen. Let’s get this over with so I can get on with my night.”

He holds out his hand to me.

He leads me onto the floor, and the orchestra transitions into something slower than it was a moment ago.

His other hand finds my waist, and he places it lower than is polite. I shift it up two inches without breaking eye contact. His mouth twitches, but he doesn’t fight me.