Oh, she was definitely being honest. Faerie Wine had that effect on some people—it loosened tongues and made people lose their inhibitions.
“Her veil was purportedly an ancient relic from the Rose Empire, and her shoes were encrusted with diamonds. It was allrather opulent,” Hallie continued, eyes wide. “Her flowers and Edward’s tie were dusted in gold.”
All the while, people were starving in the streets. Because, of course, the Chancellor’s daughter would have a luxurious, absurdly elaborate, over-the-top wedding while others suffered.
That fucking tracked.
“That’s… interesting.”
Eventually, Valentina turned and entered the Hall of Choice.
“Mhmm. Oh, we’re moving!” Hallie swayed, bumping into Brynleigh.
Chuckling, Brynleigh steadied her friend as she took in the scene outside.
Four soldiers guarded the entrance. They weren’t in uniform, and their black suits were just as crisp as any partygoer’s clothes, but no suit and tie could disguise their military strength or the power they oozed.
Even if Brynleigh hadn’t known that there would be an increased military presence at the Reunion tonight, she would’ve known the men were soldiers.
Davis parked, cut the engine, and walked around the vehicle. He opened the door, a smile on his kind, older face.
“Ladies,” he said in a baritone voice, extending a hand. “Welcome to the Reunion.”
Brynleigh grabbed her black clutch containing her phone, Sarai’s picture, and the invitation. Placing her fingers in the driver’s, she exited the vehicle, the cold night air brushing against her.
“Thank you.” She smiled and stepped aside, making room for Hallie to exit.
Cameras flashed, and Brynleigh glanced at the sky to avoid looking at them.
Then she saw it.
Crimson edged the moon like a splash of blood on an otherwise pristine piece of paper. It was incredibly out of place. A frown tugged at Brynleigh’s lips, and her shadows throbbed at the sight.
Now that she’d noticed the odd sight, she couldn’t look away. A heavy sense of foreboding filled her, and her stomach twisted.
Red moons were never a good sign. The last time a Blood Moon had appeared, a queen died, two battles took place, and the world was forever changed. Everyone knew about that turning point in the Four Kingdom’s history.
So what did this one mean? Were the gods playing with them?
She stared at the moon until a hand landed on her arm.
“Brynleigh, what’s wrong?” Hallie asked.
Hopefully, it didn’t mean anything. But she couldn’t shake the sick feeling. Shaking her head, she ripped her gaze away from the bloody moon.
“Oh, nothing.”
It had to be nothing, right?
Tonight would be fine. Ryker and his team had spent days preparing for this. Everything was in position. They would ambush the rebels, stop them before anyone got hurt, and end the Black Night’s madness once and for all.
And yet, that uneasy feeling remained.
Gods, she hoped Ryker would arrive soon. His presence grounded her like nothing else in this world.
Entering the Hall of Choice was a blur.
Arm in arm, Brynleigh and Hallie climbed the steps and posed for the press. They smiled and answered a few questions, but Brynleigh barely paid them any attention.