Shadow of love and power

like stars. The marble floor shone like glass beneath my feet. Everyone was dressed in fancy gowns and

a black dress that hugged me tightly. I could f

as light but felt possessive. A chill ran throu

en though my insides we

me. "They're just curious. They won

be here. His suit fit him perfectly, highlighting his tall, lean

ked about," he said softl

vy blanket. To be his. This was my

-

ome At

f champagne, and polite chatter. Adrian was in his element. He joked

olite, sure. But I could see the looks in th

k to the moment. "Meet Charles . He'

t reach his eyes. "Ah, the new Mrs. Blackwood," he said, taking

so sure a

aid, forcing another smile t

too long, and I felt

catch," he said, sounding almo

t a bit. "Thanks, Charles. But Emily is m

ompliment. But before I could think

ter," he said, with a look in his

why don't you get some fresh ai

e warm air in the ballroom felt th

-

Wa

my racing heart. I leaned against the railing and stared out at the spa

uite the show you're putting

e one who had been watching me. He lounged against the

ked, caution cree

ing," he said as he stepped cl

panic. "I don't kn

appearing. "I've seen Adrian around. He doesn't do

there's an issue, ta

here's a tip: be careful. You're in a game where you don't k

nto the darkness. I was left shaken

-

an's

found Adrian waiting for me

he asked. His voic

air," I replied, my

lled me aside. "Did anyo

y mind, but I hesitated. "No,"

thought he might see right through me. B

irmly. "This place can be dan

el the irony in that.

ldn't leave my mind. It echoed around in my head, r

a strange message, and his face went blank, t