The Order of Blood and Ruin: Magiford Supernatural City by K. M. Shea

Author:K. M. Shea [Shea, K. M.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-04-05T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER

TWENTY-ONE

Jade

It took a moment for my eyes to adjust to the higher level of light.

The ballroom was filled with vampires, each dressed in clothes and styles from a wild array of centuries and cultures ranging from Vietnamese Áo dài—a tunic worn with silk pants—to heavily stylized American pioneer dresses made with cotton calico fabrics.

Killian had given in to the vampire love of drama for the night, so while the ballroom was brightly lit, it used lights that imitated the flickering of candles.

The soft lighting made the polished marble floor gleam like a still lake and glowed on the rims of the crystal glasses that were filled with blood and set out on tables manned by suit-clad Drake vampires.

Three steps into the room, and a hush stifled all conversation until the whispers began.

“Considine Maledictus—”

“The feared elder still breathes?”

“Is that his slayer?”

“Don’t look too long—you might displease him!”

Following the intimidation plan, Considine was all darkness for the moment. His smile was edged with danger, just big enough to reveal the tips of his elongated fang teeth, and the deadly way he moved was more like Ruin than the Considine I’d come to know.

I should probably try to match his energy, but it’s not like I can just whip out my dagger. As a slayer, I can’t be intimidating in the same way. But what would vampires find most intimidating from a slayer?

When I glanced at a cluster of vampires watching us with widened eyes, the answer struck me.

I smiled, giving the vampires a lazy but relaxed grin while I copied Considine’s slower pace, moving with a kind of languid elegance I’d seen Binx unconsciously move with.

The more relaxed and casual I was, the more unsettled they grew.

I scanned the crowd slowly and deliberately, meeting the vampires’ eyes, and even going so far as to let go of Considine so I could lift a glass of blood from a tray offered out by a Drake vampire.

“Thirsty, Considine?” I held the crystal glass out to Considine.

He took it with his free hand and sipped from it while reclaiming my hand. “You’re looking after me? I feel cherished. There are refreshments that will suit your tastes, too.” He drifted toward the tables filled with food and lined with bottles of wine and Champagne.

“That’s unnecessary,” I said.

Considine raised an eyebrow. “You’re sure?”

Aware of the role I was playing, I smiled. “Positive.”

I didn’t want anything because I didn’t want to be holding food and my clutch. Holding Considine’s hand was one thing—I could easily pull the dagger from my bust should the need arise. Holding food would require dropping it, which I knew from experience could ruin my footing.

I think our front is firmly established. Time for safety precautions.

I was aware of the vaulted ceilings, elaborate frescoes, and other signs of opulence within the ballroom, but I was most concerned with mentally marking out the best exits. (I’d taken a tour of Drake Hall as soon as I’d arrived today so I could be properly prepared.)

The cloying scent of strong, flowery perfume filled the air.

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