Rite of Blood and Secrets by Laura Greenwood

Author:Laura Greenwood [Greenwood, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Drowlgon Press

Chapter 10

Throughout the room, people are gathered in groups, many of them wearing clothes in matching colours. I try to count the number of different houses I can spot, but I lose track with everyone moving around.

The townspeople are in the centre of the room, several of them looking around and seeming more nervous than before. I see a few faces I recognise, but there are many more I don't. Perhaps some of them have come from towns other than my own. Or my town is bigger than I thought it was.

I suppose it isn't mine any longer, it's just the place I used to live. Not for the first time since arriving back in the ballroom, I find myself wishing that Pip was with me. She's a comfort beyond what I can imagine, and I'm worried about her sitting in my new room. What if one of the Fallmartins decides she's not supposed to be here after all?

I take a deep breath. I need to stay calm. This whole evening has been a lot to take in, and I'm not really sure how to deal with any of it, but I know that the ballroom, surrounded by vampires I don't know, isn't the place for me to let my true emotions show.

A hush falls over the room as a man appears on the balcony at the far end. I can't tell much about him from this distance, but I have to assume he's important. A woman stands on his left side, and another man on his right, though that one is somewhat familiar. It takes me a moment to realise that this must be Marcus, and that it probably means the other two vampires are his parents.

The royal family. Though there's no sign of the brother he mentioned.

"Good evening," the King says in a deep rich voice. "And welcome to the Golden Moon ball."

A cheer goes up around the room and several people raise their goblets.

I tighten my grip around my own.

"Do any of the Noble Houses wish to present new heirs to the court?" the King calls.

Lord Fallmartin steps forward with his head held high. "I wish to present my heir, Bastian Fallmartin," he says, gesturing to my brother.

I want to sink back against the wall so he doesn't draw the same amount of attention as Bastian is getting.

Eliza catches my attention. "Don't worry, he won't call on you, you're just a girl."

I manage a small nod. There's some comfort in that. Marcus' words ring through my mind about Lord Fallmartin leaving most of his dhampirs to die. Would that have been me if not for my brother? Bastian did say that he'd made a deal for us.

"Welcome, Bastian Fallmartin, recognised heir to House Rothorne," the King says, raising his goblet.

Bella scowls at my brother, clearly unimpressed. I'm not sure I understand where much of her animosity is coming from. As far as I can tell, she wouldn't have been the one in Bastian's position if he were not here.

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