Page 56

“Let’s do this shit,” Bree says, filling up the shot glasses with the last of the mage liquor. “To friends!”

“Friends!” we all respond as we clink our glasses together.

Despite the ranks dropping yesterday and the dorm shake-up, the walk across the quad is buzzing with excitement. Everyone we see is dressed up and smiling. Music filters out of the three-story brick house that looks closer to a historic private mansion than part of the school. The structure sits on the edge of campus near the history building. I’ve never picked up anything from the home, so I assume it’s normally empty or reserved for special occasions.

Ever leads the way up the smooth stone steps. I follow with Bree and Eli behind me. Paranorms of every type are scattered all around the porch, chatting in small groups. A handful pause to look at us. Some people give me dirty looks, some with glowing eyes can’t take their attention off Ever, and others check out Bree and Eli. I guess the four of us were born to stand out. Maybe that’s part of why we were drawn to each other.

I honestly never thought I’d be the type of girl with a friend group.

But I’m glad to have them as we step inside. The grand foyer is surprisingly empty, all marble floors and rich mahogany furniture. A big vase of goddess lilies sits atop the credenza, the golden and amber petals glowing softly, but now that they’re cut, the luminescence will fade by tomorrow. Pretty as it is, the flower is rumored to be as poisonous as silver when the petals are crushed. Well, I guess it wouldn’t be a Diremount party without the reminder of death.

“I think this house costs more than my entire family would ever be able to afford,” Bree murmurs with a frown.

“I can’t even afford the table,” I tell her. Which is sad but true. I’ve saved up about a thousand dollars with my part-time work, but that table definitely cost at least five grand.

“I dream of owning a house like this,” Eli says with a sigh. “One day, we’ll be rich.”

The four of us share knowing looks. Not many Ferals ever make it to this level of wealth. The best we can hope for is to rise through the ranks and land as a squadron leader. Higher positions in the Paranormal Guard are generally reserved for Foundations.

Ever pulls us out of our dour mood. “Fuck it. We’re here, let’s go get drinks and make the rounds.”

I brace myself as we move inside. The vibrations from music deeper within the house brush over my body, though the farther we travel, the louder the voices of everyone here get. The sound slithers beneath my skin like a living being. Had I not been drinking, I’d already want to leave, and the only way I’ll stay is if I grab another drink.

Ever is clearly thinking the same thing because we all end up in a fancy kitchen with white quartz countertops and two islands covered in food. There’s a matte black U-shaped bar on the far side of the room. Copious bottles sit on the shelves secured to the wall behind it, filled with exotic mage liquors I’ve never even heard of. The bartender is rushing to make drinks, their movements blurring as they mix cocktails or zip to grab the right bottle.

“What can I get you?” the guy—a vampire whose rings are the faintest shade of red—asks once we get to the front of the line.

“We’ll have four mage brews,” Ever says, checking with us all before confirming it with the vamp.

Seconds later, we have our drinks, and we quickly move out of the way.

“There’s a ballroom. We can check out what’s going on there?” Bree suggests.

“As long as you don’t make me dance,” I tell her with a warning squint. Don’t get me wrong, I love music, but I’m not a dancer.

“I promise not to make you have fun,” she says with a dramatic sigh.

Eli chuckles. “I’ll dance with you, B.”

She beams at him and we set off, passing a huge library with built-in shelves that are filled with books. There are a few people lounging in tall wingback chairs in front of a fireplace, having low conversations. The energy is so subdued. This is definitely not what I expect when I hear the word party, but the night is still young.

Finally, we reach the grand ballroom. The ceiling and crown molding are gilded in an obnoxious display of wealth. Does anyone really care if the ceiling has gold? What’s the point, other than lording your social standing over everyone else?

Stop complaining and have fun, I remind myself.

A DJ is set up, and the speakers thump with whatever popular song he’s remixing. Dozens of paranorms are dancing and even more sit or stand at the tables surrounding the dance floor. It’s still a little fancy, but this is more in line with my expectations.

Bree spins, a wicked grin on her face, and downs her drink in one gulp. “You owe me a dance,” she tells Eli, voice breathy as she grabs his arm and drags him toward the writhing bodies.

Eli holds up his cup and rolls his hips, a man who clearly knows what he’s doing. He and Bree claim a spot on the floor, and they move with one mission in mind—making everyone look at them. They dance together the way that old friends do, knowing every dance move the other plans to do next, moving in perfect synchronization. If paranorms had distinct colors for their personalities, theirs would be blending and glowing brighter and brighter. Ever and I exchange smiles and head to an empty high-top table.

Ever glances longingly at our friends, and guilt punches me in the gut.

“Go, go.” I shoo her.

She shakes her head hard. “No way. I’m not leaving you.”

“I’ll be fine on my own.”