Chapter 29

The night seemed to shimmer in a way that felt almost unreal. The warm glow of golden chandeliers overhead, the soft music dancing through the hall, and the hum of laughter filled the room. It was one of those nights I thought I’d only ever read about.

Vanessa and Chloe were having the time of their lives. Chloe was practically glued to the edge of the ballroom, ogling Damon Elvador like he was some Hollywood movie star brought to life. “Have you seen him?” she whispered to Vanessa for what had to be the fifth time, gripping her arm.

“Yes, Chloe. We’ve seen him.” Vanessa rolled her eyes, clearly irritated, but her smirk gave her away. “Try to keep your tongue in your mouth. You’re embarrassing yourself.”

Chloe gasped dramatically and flipped her golden hair back. “You’re just jealous because I have good taste.”

I smiled at their banter and shook my head, leaving them to their playful feud. Nicholas had excused himself to the men’s room—something about Chloe and Vanessa forcing tequila shots on him finally catching up to him. I couldn’t blame him; those two were relentless when they teamed up.

With a soft sigh, I drifted toward the edge of the ballroom where tall, elegant paintings lined the walls. Each painting was grander than the next, depicting moments of the town’s past: its founding, celebrations, old architecture, and dignified faces in oil paint. The portraits of the founders in particular caught my attention—men and women dressed in formal 18th-century clothing, looking stern and regal, their expressions frozen in time.

I didn’t realize how much this town prioritized its history. It was fascinating. Every brushstroke seemed alive, carrying a piece of the past into the present.

“Do you like art?”

The soft, melodic voice startled me. I turned quickly and found myself face-to-face with Bella Elvador. She stood there with her tall, poised figure, her icy blonde hair perfectly framing her flawless face. Her silver eyes were like polished mirrors, sharp and unblinking.

“Oh,” I exhaled softly, gathering myself. “Yes, I do. I mean, I’m no expert, but I think art tells stories in ways words sometimes can’t.”

Bella smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. She tilted her head as if studying me. “You do, of course,” she said cryptically, sipping from a glass of deep red wine. “You’ve already mastered the art of drawing my brothers’ attention. They both seem quite fascinated by you.”

I blinked, confused. “Sorry, what?”

Bella’s smirk grew slightly, as though she knew something I didn’t. “Oh, don’t worry about it. Perhaps it’ll come back to you.” She turned on her heel, her flowing dress shimmering under the lights as she walked away. “Enjoy yourself, Elizabeth. While it all still lasts.”

My heart thumped oddly at her words. What did she mean? While it still lasts? And why did she say both brothers? Who was she referring to—Damon? Elijah?

I opened my mouth to call out to her, to ask what she meant, but a sudden ache pulsed in my head. I winced, pressing my fingers to my temple.

“Elizabeth? Are you okay?”

Haley’s soft voice broke through the haze, and I turned to see her standing nearby, concern written across her face. She looked amazing tonight—far different from the woman I usually saw with her cardigan and glasses in the library. Her black silk dress clung to her curves perfectly, and her dark hair fell elegantly down her back. The red matte lipstick added a bold edge to her otherwise soft features.

“Haley!” I said, relieved to see her. “You look... wow.”

She smiled shyly, adjusting her glasses. “You clean up pretty nicely yourself.” Her hand rubbed my shoulder lightly. “Are you sure you’re okay? You look a little pale.”

I nodded, trying to shake the strange feeling away. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just... a little overwhelmed, I think.”

“Don’t let the wine get to you,” Haley teased with a wink.

Before I could respond, Nicholas appeared, looking slightly flushed but smiling as he reached for my hand. “There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”

Haley shot me a knowing look before stepping back. “I’ll leave you two to it. Don’t get into too much trouble.”

Nicholas chuckled, taking my hand in his. “Come on. Let’s get some air. You look like you need it.”

The cool night air was a welcome change as we stepped outside onto the stone steps of city hall. The breeze was soft, carrying the faint scent of flowers from the gardens nearby. Nicholas sighed in relief, pulling off his tuxedo jacket and draping it over his arm.

“You okay?” he asked, squeezing my hand gently.

“Yeah, I think the ball just got a little overwhelming,” I admitted, smiling faintly. “It’s magical, but it’s a lot.”

Nicholas grinned. “Magical is one word for it. Or maybe it’s just the tequila you two troublemakers fed me.”

I laughed, nudging him lightly. “I think you’re just a lightweight.”

“Lightweight?” he said, mock-offended. “I’ll have you know, I’m highly trained in the art of drinking responsibly.”

I giggled, shaking my head. “Clearly.”

Nicholas grew more serious, his thumb brushing softly over my hand. “I’m glad you came tonight. I’m glad you gave me a chance.”

His voice was so soft, so genuine, it made my heart flutter. I met his warm brown eyes and smiled. “I’m glad too, Nicholas. I really am. You make me feel... comfortable. Safe.”

His face softened as he leaned closer, his voice a gentle murmur. “That’s all I want, Elizabeth.”

Before I could respond, a sudden, piercing scream shattered the night.

We both froze, the sound slicing through the quiet like a blade.

“What was that?” I whispered, my heart leaping into my throat.

Nicholas turned sharply, already on high alert. “Stay here.”

“No way,” I said immediately. “I’m coming with you.”

Together, we ran toward the sound, the sharp cries growing louder as we neared the back of city hall. My pulse pounded in my ears as we rounded the corner, and what I saw made my breath leave my lungs in one painful exhale.

Haley was on her knees, her black dress pooling around her like ink. She was screaming, cradling someone in her arms.

A boy.

A boy who couldn’t have been more than seventeen.

His skin was a bluish-purple, his eyes wide open, lifeless and glassy. Blood soaked the collar of his shirt, pooling around his neck where something—something—had ripped through his skin.

“Oh my God,” I whispered, stumbling back. Nicholas caught me, steadying me as his expression hardened.

“Haley,” he said, moving forward carefully. “Haley, what happened?”

Haley’s cries were heartbreaking as she clutched the boy’s lifeless body. “Somebody help him! Please! Please! It’s my nephew, my baby—somebody do something!”

People began to gather, their murmurs blending into one panicked hum. No one moved. No one knew what to do. Everyone was too afraid.

Then, the Elvadors appeared.

Damon led the way, his tall figure cutting through the crowd like a blade. Elijah and Adam followed closely, their golden and dark eyes scanning the scene, unreadable. Bella stood slightly behind them, her face a mask of calm.

Damon knelt beside Haley, his presence both comforting and unnervingly powerful. “Come now,” he said softly, helping her to her feet. “We’ll take care of this.”

Haley clung to him, sobbing into his chest. He handed her off to Elijah, who led her away gently, whispering something I couldn’t hear.

My gaze flickered to Damon, and I felt an involuntary shiver run down my spine. The way he stared at the boy’s body—as if he knew exactly what had done this—made my skin crawl. His silver eyes lifted to mine, and for a split second, I thought I saw a flicker of something behind them.

Nicholas’s father, Brad, appeared next, already barking orders and stepping into full work mode. “Get everyone back inside. No one leaves without escort. Nicholas—go call it in.”

Nicholas nodded and hurried off, but my feet remained rooted to the ground.

“It looks like an animal,” Chloe whispered, clutching Vanessa’s arm tightly. “A wild animal.”

Vanessa swallowed hard, nodding. “It’s terrible. What could’ve done this?”

Damon turned to us, his voice calm and cool. “You girls should get home. Someone will escort you to make sure you’re safe. Whatever did this won’t happen again.”

Caroline appeared beside him, her face pale but composed. “Thank you, Damon,” she said quietly, placing a hand on his arm. “Edmond—go inform everyone inside. We’re cutting the night short.”

Damon nodded to us one last time before turning away. As he passed, his arm brushed against Vanessa’s. She gasped softly, her eyes going wide as she froze.

“Vanessa?” Chloe turned to her, concern written on her face. “What’s wrong?”

Vanessa’s expression was blank, almost trance-like as she whispered, “He’s so cold... They’re not supposed to be here.”

Chloe and I exchanged startled looks, but before we could say anything, Vanessa shivered and hugged herself.

“What do you mean?” I asked softly.

Vanessa looked at me, her hazel eyes clouded with something I couldn’t quite name. “I don’t know. I just... I don’t know.”

As the crowd slowly dispersed, the sense of unease lingered in the air like a storm waiting to break. I looked back one last time, my gaze finding Damon Elvador’s. He was watching me, his silver eyes locked on mine.

And for the first time that night, I felt truly afraid.