The Dark Arts of Blood by Freda Warrington

Author:Freda Warrington
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Titan

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

LIKE A SILVER SHADOW

Stefan knew how to throw a party, not least in ensuring that everyone enjoyed themselves without the police being called. As Charlotte and Karl emerged from the Crystal Ring and walked down the footpath from the road, they saw the chalet transformed. Strings of coloured lanterns adorned every balcony and shone in the trees like clouds of fireflies. Even the lake shore beyond was lit up to guide the less sober away from the water’s edge. The place looked like a fairytale palace. The front doors were wide open and hired waiters stood ready to take coats and serve champagne as the guests arrived.

Charlotte’s heart lifted. For an instant, she felt like a child at Christmas.

“He’s made a beautiful display,” she said. “I think I might enjoy myself. Is that allowed?”

“It’s not why we’re here, but I won’t try to stop you,” Karl said drily. He glanced across at some vehicles parked on the grass to one side. “It looks as if Herr Reiniger and his crew are here already. Your plan worked.”

The party was officially Violette’s. Persuaded by Charlotte, though reluctant, she had issued the invitations, and no one would refuse the chance to meet her. Not even the haughty Godric Reiniger.

A queue of guests jostled to enter the chalet, all in fashionable finery. Charlotte suspected half of them didn’t have invitations. Word of mouth drew them here.

However, Violette had invited no one from the ballet. Instead she’d scheduled a compulsory evening rehearsal.

Her purpose was to keep Emil away from Fadiya.

Heads turned as Charlotte and Karl stepped into the entrance hall. Charlotte loved the feel of her luxurious new dress against her skin, the floaty layers of silk voile in the sunset shades that she loved. Karl had gazed at her for at least five minutes in mute wonder. She’d basked in his appreciation, admiring him in return. In his formal black evening suit he looked utterly breathtaking; now they both stole the breath of the other party-goers. Charlotte found the sensation self-indulgent but very pleasing.

Some might notice the looks they exchanged, the light touches that set off rippling hot waves of magnetism between them. No one would guess the reason for their agonising self-restraint. Exquisite pain.

She could not even feel the corpse-cold presence of the lamia. Had it gone at last? Would it really matter if they gave in to desire later? Karl had been so understanding, so restrained… both pretending that this was not half-killing them.

“My dear friends.” Stefan rushed to greet them, Niklas at his shoulder. “Welcome. What did I say about that dress? Charlotte, you look exquisite. Divine.”

As they exchanged kisses, she whispered, “Who is here?”

“Herr Reiniger and friends – although I’ve seen no one resembling your Fadiya.”

“She’s not my Fadiya. Violette?”

Stefan rolled his eyes. “Of course not. The guest of honour must be suitably late and make a grand entrance, mustn’t she?”

“Naturally. She’s making her own way here, so who knows when she’ll turn up.”

“Well, go in, circulate, enjoy the potential buffet.

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