159

Isabella

I was armed. Armed with the love of a monster and the knowledge of the future. I could sense betrayal hanging near, though it was too vague for me to tell who it would be. But one thing was certain: Cassandra would do something suspicious, and Frederick would try to engage me in conversation.

My steps wanted to falter, but I whispered to myself : “my father did not raise a coward.” The words became my mantra as I began to whisper it in line with the beat my shoes made as the heels clacked against the polished marble.

Voices came from the parlor after I entered the main foyer of the mansion. Taking a sharp left turn, I was flanked by Julio and Frank. Laughter and a loud, screeching sound reminiscent of ravens emanated from the room. Waste no time, I stepped in.

The heels I wore not only added height but also mirrored the red on Damon's mask, making me feel connected to its power. Cassandra paused mid-sentence, her eyes scanning me from head to toe. She raised her chin defi