10

10

ANNALISE

The ballroom spun, a dizzying kaleidoscope of swirling skirts and flashing jewels. Duke Rhys and his coven of witches had thrown a bash to celebrate the successful retrieval of a mythical artifact – something about a talking teapot, if memory served. My parents, usually stoic and reserved, were practically waltzing on air. Dad, surprisingly light on his feet, kept twirling Mom around until her laughter echoed through the hall.

Meanwhile, I was stuck with Adrian. Not exactly a punishment, but not the dashing prince I’d envisioned for this grand occasion, either. We’d been partnered together because, as the Duke helpfully pointed out, “we young folk need to stick together.” As if I needed reminding. Adrian, in his usual rumpled suit, stood out like a moth in a butterfly garden. But there was something about his smile – a hint of mischief in his eyes – that made him strangely endearing.

He led me through the steps of a waltz, his hand surprisingly firm on my lower back. We ci