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Chapter Thirty-Two
A Ball Begins
Laughter and music rose from the ballroom below as Keelan left her room. Every window in the house had been opened to enjoy the cooling effects of the light winds. The aroma of roasted meats from the fire pit mingled with the heavy scent of magnolia blossoms. Her aunt’s voice carried up the stairs as she greeted guests.
Normally, the opportunity to attend such a gala made her giddy. However, the somber blanket of reality smothered any excitement or anticipation. Keelan’s mind was bombarded by images of shackles and grey mist.
Melancholy seeped deep into her bones.
The only bright spot of optimism came with the comfort that she didn’t have to worry about Pratt. Even thinking his name made a cold, murky hand clamp her stomach.
Twin Pines had a glori
