The sharp clang of crystal breaking against marble jolted Celeste into action.
Chaos erupted across the grand ballroom. Her uncle's body convulsed on the floor, his limbs twitching unnaturally earlier than going still. Guests screamed and stumbled back. The music died with a screech. Waiters froze mid-step. Masks, once symbols of mystique, were now shields for panic.
Celeste barely registered the panic around her. Her gaze shot toward the balcony.
Damien was gone.
She darted via the group, ignoring the whispers and the startled glances. Her breath stuck whilst she spotted his coat nevertheless at the chair near the balcony—the one he'd worn whilst dancing with her, disguised beneath a black velvet mask.
Her arms trembled as she reached into the coat pocket, praying she wouldn’t find w
