I closed my eyes just for a few seconds to gather myself as best I could, panic still remaining beneath my skin, as permanent as the very marrow of my bone. Sage Winsor mingled among the guests, followed closely by Troy and a few of their other henchmen. I worried for Shavi, wondering if she'd even realized they were here. Problems upon problems presented themselves to me one after another, and I wasn't sure my stomach could handle much more. I exited onto a balcony, pushing open the french doors, allowing the crisp night air to cool me. I hadn't realized how I'd worked myself up in only a matter of seconds. I wasn't cut out for these kinds of events. I could see the lake from here, the darkness of the treeline, and even the garden that had begun wilting as quickly as the frosts had come.
