“I think if we all just take a minute, we can figure this all out. Ira-” Gladys began.
Brielle tilted her head much like a bird of prey.
“Gladys, I’m quite fond of you, but I need you to tell me where he is at this very moment,” she said.
With a small shrug at Luci and a mouthed “I’m sorry,” she turned to Brielle and said the damning words, “Meeting with the council.”
Brielle’s answering smile was terrifying. “Thank you.”
With that, she took off straight at Luci like a mad woman, and it was all Luci could do to try and fight her off, but the surprise of it all slowed her reflexes, and small, feral Brielle twisted the door handle and flung them both into the wall.
“Midnight, Brielle, that hurt,” Luci said, rubbing at the back of her head.
“I’m so sorry, and I love you, but I’m saving you from yourself!”
Her saving included shoving Luci further behind the door while the heir to the Treveon name took off down the hall, leaving Luci desperate for air and Gladys staring dumb founded after her.
“Am I dreaming?” Gladys asked, blinking several times.
“I wish!” Luci choked out.
Retrieving her shoes, Luci put them on in a half walk, half stumble fashion in the direction Brielle went. Light above, she was fast for someone who died a few days ago.
“Why is she mad about you and Ira? I thought this was all her scheme to put the two of you together?” Gladys said, following behind her.
Great. Apparently, everyone knew now. That would definitely make this all easier.
“She’s mad because I told her I’m not following along with her lunatic plans,” Luci said.
Rounding the corner to the stairs, Brielle was halfway down, servants staring at her with mouths hanging open.
Luci groaned and picked up her pace, running after her.
“Brielle Verecca Treveon, stop right this instant!” she yelled.
“Do you not love Ira?” Gladys asked, breathless as she chased after her.
Oh light above, glass pumpkins, and all the midnights that ever were.
“It’s more than that,” Luci said. “Brielle, stop, you feral beast!”
Brielle made it to the bottom of the steps and turned her head a fraction up to Luci.
“If you won’t help yourself, I’ll do it for you!” she yelled.
“I don’t need your help now, stand still for one cursed second!” Luci called.
Of course, Brielle ignored her. Instead, she took off towards the hall of paintings, right towards the council chambers. Luci picked up her pace and nearly stumbled face-first on the last stair, but Gladys was there and caught the back of her dress.
Luci tried to catch her breath, but patted Gladys's shoulder in thanks since words were hard to formulate. Chest heaving, Gladys nodded.
“How,” she panted. “Does. she. Have. so. much. Energy.”
Luci threw up her arms.
“I don’t know, but we have to stop her.”
Before she could take off again, Gladys grabbed her arm, brow furrowing.