Bloodline Secrecy: A Young Adult Urban Fantasy Academy Novel (Bloodline Academy Book 2), Lan Chan [readict TXT] 📗

“Tell me about it. How in the hell is housework more gruelling than our Weaponry and Combat class?”

“I think it’s the added social interaction.”

“You might be right about that.”

We knew where we stood at school. We had our friends and knew what to expect from them. Some of the people who had turned up today were most certainly not friendly. One of them was a vamp who sat stone-faced while he asked questions about where Nora stood on the blood agreement between the humans and vampires. I was in favour of kicking him out. That was why I shouldn’t be in politics.

Basil stayed in the closet while Sophie and I slipped into our dresses. She helped me with the halter collar of mine. Touching the crystals, Sophie sighed.

“It’s so beautiful,” she said. She trailed her fingers over the soft chiffon material, fluffing it in the process.

When I put my shoes on, a strappy pair of silver heels, my legs actually looked longer. I rubbed my knee. “Are you sure it’s not too short?” I asked.

She grinned. The dark material of her dress flattered her skin. The peach highlights of the poppies warmed her complexion. “It’s perfect,” she said. “You look so pretty.”

My face twitched. I’d never given that much thought to my appearance. It wasn’t really a priority where I used to live.

“I think you should have your hair up,” Sophie said. “To show off the neckline.”

I touched the bare skin on my collar. I already felt so exposed. Sophie grabbed my hand. “Breathe, Lex.”

I tried to do so. It helped a little. “I just realised how out of place I’m going to look. What was I thinking? I’ve been to Seraphina. Why did I think I could go rogue with my outfit?”

“Shhh,” she said. “Everything will be fine. If all else fails, just punch someone. That’ll take the attention off your dress.”

I had to laugh at her ridiculousness. In the end I let her gather my hair into a high ponytail. She braided the tail to give it some character. The end hung down to my shoulder blades. I wasn’t used to make-up so Sophie only put a light dusting of concealer on me followed by some eyeliner and mascara. I went for gloss instead of lipstick. No way was I going to reapply after everything I ate.

Nora and Mani did a double-take when they saw us. Nora beamed but something in Mani’s tight-lipped smile made me step back out of the light. He saw the movement and softened.

“Don’t mind me,” he said. “I’m just making a mental note to lock my girls up from now on so that I don’t have to deal with the headache of fighting off hormonal teenage boys.”

“Dad…”

He wrapped an arm around Sophie and kissed the top of her head. She’d gone the opposite route from me and let her hair loose. It sat in tight ringlets to her shoulders. She looked amazing.

I grew stiff when Mani grabbed me with his other arm. He pressed me to his side. “If that Nephilim tries anything tonight,” he said, “I’ll clip his wings.”

“Emmanuelle!” Nora said. “Stop being ridiculous.” She pointed a finger at Basil. “Make sure you don’t leave the apartment. Jacqueline was very clear about the terms of your movement.”

“Will do,” Basil said.

The portal opened up at exactly seven-thirty. I gulped. Sophie grabbed my hand and we stepped through together.

33

If the ballroom we stepped into was anything to go by, I didn’t think I could handle the realm of the seraphim. The floor was polished so brightly I could see my reflection in it. I was wide-eyed and shaking a little. Logically, I knew this night was about Nora and Mani. Irrationally, I felt like the whole room was looking at me.

There was a Master of Ceremonies at the door announcing people as they arrived. Habit had me seeking out the exits and watching for the rotation of the guards. I’d never seen this many of them before. They stood on either side of every point of entry or exit. While the Nephilim who were attending the gala were in suits and evening gowns, the ones on guard duty were in their full gold battle armour. There was never any doubt that this was a peaceful bubble inside a ravaging war.

We were asked to move aside and wait to enter while other guests were still arriving. Sophie and I were huddled in the alcove to the left of the ballroom when she bristled. I followed the trail of her focus. My chest grew tight when I saw the sweep of indigo blue of Brigid’s gown. It was made of intricate lace and looked like it had been poured onto her body. In the back, slits had been cut out so that her wings could be freed. She had them out now, showing off her lineage. As if anyone could forget.

Her hair hung in soft waves across one side of her shoulders. She was clinging to her father’s arm. Orin didn’t seem as though he noticed his daughter was even there. When they approached, Brigid was looking in the mirror on the wall beside where we stood. She was so enamoured with her own reflection that she didn’t see us until the last minute. Her expression turned cold.

Sophie and I stood straighter as her gaze swept over us. It lingered on my dress. I could almost feel her hackles rising. I might not be a supernatural thoroughbred, but I had no doubts about Celine’s ability to craft a stunning dress.

“Councillor Orin Harcourt and his daughter, Brigid Harcourt,” the Master of Ceremonies announced.

They disappeared into the room.

We waited another ten minutes before Victoria Amos appeared out of the blue. She looked like she was wearing the same dress I’d seen her in during my interrogation. Her eyes narrowed when she looked at me. I gave her my brightest smile.

“We meet again, Alessia,” she said.

I settled for a