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“Sparrow said it was a surprise.” Faye lied, knowing Vashien would stop them if he knew what they were about to do.
Vashien nodded, picking the dishes up. “Well, be safe. Don’t let Sparrow make too many bad decisions.”
Faye smiled and waved as she weaved through the crowded tavern, making her way to the door.
Sparrow already had their coats. Faye took hers, pulling it on. “In a hurry, hooker?”
Sparrow bumped the swinging oak door open with her hip, her winter coat half on. “I’m trying to get there before you change your mind.” Pulling her coat on completely, she hopped in place, holding the door open. “Let’s go. Let’s go.”
Faye stepped out into the night, the brisk chill biting her cheeks. She glanced up at the red moon hanging full in the night sky.
“This way.” Sparrow took her wrist and led her through the city streets, lined with shops and tall buildings.
They crossed several blocks before Faye finally asked, “Do you know where you’re going?”
“Darkness, walking sucks. Remind me to take phasing lessons next year.”
Faye laughed. Sparrow would complain a few times every year but never learned the teleporting skill most dark-bloods used to travel anywhere they’d been previously.
“We’re almost there.” Sparrow pointed to a stone spire that rose above the shop buildings.
They stopped a block away, at the outskirts of the city.
Faye stared at the open courtyard. “I think we’re underdressed.”
Dozens of people were entering the courtyard, dressed in ornate gowns. Their hair arranged and pinned, some in beautiful curls and others wore strings of glittering jewels woven into their elaborate braids. The men accompanying them wore tailored suits. “This doesn’t look like the vampire orgy you’ve been dreaming of.” Faye stuffed her hands in her pockets to fight off the cold of the winter night. She looked on at the people entering suspiciously. How were they not cold? None of them had coats. Not even a shawl.
“They’re probably blood whores.” Sparrow shrugged. “Orgies won’t happen outside where anyone could see them.”
Sparrow squeezed her wrist, and warmth spread over her body. “Sight shield. We’re invisible.”
Faye skeptically glanced down at herself, then Sparrow. “I can still see you.”
“That’s because it’s the same spell.” Sparrow punched her in the arm.
Rubbing her arm, Faye looked at her sideways. “Are you sure?”
Sparrow shrugged. “New spell. Let’s see.”
Faye stood in shock for a moment as Sparrow bolted for the courtyard. Faye dashed after her, catching up as she waved a hand in front of a man in a gray suit. Faye mouthed,What are you doing?
“Relax, he’s a baby dark-blood. You can talk. We’re invisible, and they can’t hear us.” To the man, she yelled, “Can you?” Sparrow smiled at Faye triumphantly.
“Fifteen minutes,” Faye whispered.
Sparrow waved her on, slipping further into the courtyard.
Faye followed cautiously and could scarcely believe what she saw.
The air carried a heavy floral scent. Twinkling lights laced intricate archways. Beautifully manicured plants and flowers surrounded grand fountains—pathways carved through the grounds with wrought iron benches scattered throughout. A string quartet played, setting the mood.
Beyond the hedged walls of the gardens rose a massive stone structure with several turrets arching high at different heights.
“I’m not burning my fifteen minutes here.” Sparrow linked arms with Faye pulling her forward.
Faye followed, nearly tripping over Sparrow when they passed a woman seated on a male’s lap on one of the benches. His mouth pressed to her throat as she clung to him. Her nails dug into the dark material of his suit jacket.
Faye could only watch, knowing she was invading the couple’s intimate exchange but couldn’t bring herself to look away. She abstained from sex, unwilling to surrender what little control she still had over her life. But this give and take between them appealed to her. Faye could see the woman led their exchange. Her vampire surrendered, receiving what she offered. An intoxicating dynamic Faye was nearly tempted to try.
