“Come in,” I called.
The door opened and Saydra entered the room. Her eyes widened.
“Oh, Lark—you look absolutely stunning. Stand up so I can see.” She clasped her hands together as I did a slow turn. “It’s perfect! Where did you find it?”
I lifted a shoulder. “It was on my chair this morning when I woke up.”
Her lips pursed and she tilted her head. “It was probably Nadia. Her dress came this morning and she must have ordered one for you, too.”
“I’ll have to thank her. It’s beautiful.”
Saydra smiled and came to stand behind me, placing her hands on my shoulders. “Would you like me to style your hair?”
“I’d love that.” I sank down into the chair as she took a brush and gently worked through my hair, talking about memories of her first dance. Suddenly I ached for my mom like I hadn’t allowed myself to since arriving here, but I was grateful to have Saydra with me. Her presence was comforting, soothing away some of the stress that needled me constantly as the time counted down.
“What do you think?”
I turned to see my hair in the mirror and smiled. “Wow.”
She had styled it into a sort of French twist, allowing a few wisps to hang down and frame my face.
“Do you like the stones?”
“They’re gorgeous.” I gave her a grateful smile. She’d placed tiny crystals in my hair. With my skin glowing and my shimmery dress, I felt like a princess.
A knock sounded at the open door. “Lark?”
I turned at the sound of Skye’s voice. She smiled and stepped into the room, looking like a dream in her flowing turquoise gown.
“Everyone’s waiting downstairs. Are you ready?” She looked me over and a hint of jealousy flashed in her crystal eyes before she smiled again. “You look pretty.”
“Thanks. I love your dress.”
She giggled and swished her skirts. “Isn’t it gorgeous?”
I nodded and stood from the dressing table. She was certainly in good spirits. From Gideon’s report, I’d half expected her to stay home tonight. I shook my head. She was probably doing what I was doing and trying to enjoy this night. I swallowed. Isabel would have wanted that.
“Are you alright?” Skye asked.
I blinked. “Yes. I’m ready.” I turned and gave Saydra a hug. “Thank you . . . for everything.”
She squeezed me back and whispered, “Don’t think about yesterday or tomorrow. Just enjoy yourself tonight.” She gave me one final squeeze before letting go.
I smiled at her, only letting it slip slightly as I felt for the calling card in the pocket of my gown. I blew out a breath and followed Skye from the room.
“Nadia and Cypris have already left. They’re going with a group of friends,” Skye explained as we made our way down the winding staircase. “So it will just be you, me, Gideon and Rusty going together.”
I winced. “Okay.” That meant I would get to see Skye throwing herself at Gideon all night. But at least I would be near enough to him to try the Claim.
Skye reached the bottom step and beamed at Gideon and Rusty who were standing by the front door.
“We’re ready!”
Gideon glanced past Skye to me. His eyes flashed before he looked away. My heart skipped at the sight of him. He was lethally attractive in a Lior tux.
When Rusty saw me his face went slack as though he’d been slapped a few times. He shook his head and stepped forward. “Lark, you look—” he shook his head again.
I smiled and took his arm. “Thanks. You’re looking nice yourself.” It was true, he was handsome in his tux, but I had to force my focus from drifting to Gideon.
“Well, let’s get going. You two have a busy night ahead,” Skye said, linking her arm through Gideon’s.
The sight of her holding onto him made my chest tighten. I had a feeling it was going to be a long night if I didn’t keep my attention elsewhere.
I turned to Rusty. “Did you bring the pins?”
He nodded, gesturing to the corner of the room where a large bag sat on the floor. “They’re ready to go.”
I squeezed his arm. “Thank you.” I pulled in a deep breath and looked at the door, avoiding Gideon’s gaze. “Let’s do this.”
Rusty grabbed the pins and the four of us made our way down the long steps of the Norths’ home. Birds sang as the sun set over the trees. I looked up at the outline of the neighboring planet. I’d grown so accustomed to seeing it that I hardly noticed it anymore. I’d been on Lior for less than a week, and already it felt like home.
The thought of what was about to happen made it hard to breathe, but I remembered Saydra’s advice and tried not to think about it. My anxiety disappeared when I saw what was waiting for us at the bottom of the stairs.
“Is that a carriage?”
Four aerion were harnessed to the front of a carriage that belonged in a fairytale.
“Oh man. Please say we’re not riding in that thing,” Rusty groaned.
Skye laughed. “What’s wrong? Afraid of heights?”
He grimaced. “It’s not so much the heights as trusting my life to some winged horse-thingies. Can’t we take an Orb?”
“No one takes an Orb to a dance, silly. Where’s the fun in that?” Skye giggled again as Gideon helped her up to the driver’s seat. Once she was settled, he turned and opened the carriage door for us. When I stepped past him his eyes flitted my direction and narrowed.
You shouldn’t have worn that dress.
I raised an eyebrow but pretended not to hear as I climbed in. What was that supposed to mean?
Rusty’s face paled as he hesitated outside the door. “Are you sure those animals are secured to the carriage well enough?”
Gideon smirked. “If you’d rather stay behind, I’m sure my grandma would love to keep you company. Maybe you could have some tea and crumpets?”
Rusty sighed, then squared his shoulders and got in.
I gave him a sympathetic look when he climbed in next to me. “We can take an Orb if you want. I don’t mind.” Actually I did, but I didn’t want Rusty to be miserable.
“He’ll be fine.” Gideon stole another glance at me before shutting the carriage door.
Rusty scrubbed a hand over his face and gave me a sheepish smile. “Sorry. I’ll man-up now.”
I squeezed his knee. “We’ll be okay. I trust Gideon.”
“I don’t.”
I looked at him in surprise and his hazel eyes deepened as he lowered his voice. “I have a feeling he’s going to try to steal my date tonight.”
“Rusty,” I glared and dropped my hand from his knee. “We have enough to worry about tonight without you bringing that up again.”
The carriage lurched forward and Rusty’s eyes bulged as he grabbed the handle near his seat. I laughed and he shook his head.
“I hate this so much.”
“I know.” I tried to look sympathetic but had to cover my mouth with my hand to suppress another giggle. I forced my face to straighten as I gestured to the window. “Look outside—you can’t tell me that’s not a view to die for.”
“That’s exactly what I’m afraid of—plunging to an untimely death.”
When I laughed again he gave a rueful smile, finally braving a glance out the window.
“The only thing that keeps me from panicking is knowing Gideon would never let anything happen to you.”
I sighed. “Seriously. Can we not talk about this?”
He turned to me, his face vulnerable as he reached for my hand. “Let me just say this because I might not get another chance.”
I shook my head, not wanting to hear it, especially before the dance.
Rusty rubbed his thumb over my knuckles, determined. “I know you and Gideon have something going on, so you can stop pretending. I’m not going to say anything to anyone, but I am asking a favor in return.”
I tilted my head
, not sure how to respond.
“Give me a chance when we’re back on Earth. You know that you and Gideon can’t be together, so all I’m asking is that once you’re over the heartbreak, just give me a chance.”
“Rusty—”
He held a finger to my lips. “Please?”
I took his hand and lowered it. “Let’s just get through tonight, okay? We can think about the rest later.”
His face fell, but he managed a smile. “I can live with that for now. But know that when we’re back home and you feel like you’re falling apart, I’ll be there to pick up the pieces.” His hazel eyes softened. “I’ll always be there for you, Lark.”
I met his warm eyes and my heart stung. If only it were that easy. I wasn’t even sure if I would see Earth again. I swallowed and looked away. When I saw the view outside the window, I mouthed a silent, “Oh.”
We were deeper in the city than we’d ever ventured, and a glistening metropolis fanned out beneath us. Tall buildings and streets spanned as far as the eye could see.
“This must be the city,” I said.
Rusty turned to look. “No way.”
We spent several minutes gazing at the buildings and parks amidst forest-like trees. Our carriage glided downward and I noticed several other carriages following our flight pattern. My stomach fluttered as we touched down and passed several archways made of glowing white stone. When we finally rolled to a stop, Gideon opened the door.
“How was the ride?”
Rusty shrugged. “The landing could have used some work, but the company was good so I didn’t mind.”
Gideon stiffened as Rusty took my hand and helped me down from the carriage. I slapped Rusty playfully on the arm and turned to Gideon. “Don’t listen to him, it was a great ride.”
Skye bounced up beside Gideon. I’d secretly been hoping she would look wind-blown, but she was the vision of perfection.
“How do you like City Hall? It’s where we hold all of our dances,” she said.
I gazed at the building again. It was enormous with varying tiers of spires and made of the same glowing white stone as the arches lining the drive. The windows shimmered like prisms.
“It’s unreal,” I said.
“Yes,” Gideon agreed.
When I looked over, he was staring at me. I blushed and turned to Rusty. “Don’t forget the pins.”
He snapped his fingers and ducked inside the carriage. Gideon handed the reins over to a valet waiting at the steps and then Skye took his arm.
“Shall we?” she asked.
Gideon cast a glance at me over his shoulder before they made their way to the entry.
“Shall we?” Rusty mimicked. I smiled as he took my arm and we followed the growing mass of Recruits and Guardians up the steps of the Hall.
As we entered the ballroom my mouth dropped open. A large orchestra was playing music as couples swirled across the dance floor. It was beautiful, like taking a step back in time. A huge contrast to the dance I’d seen my last night on Earth.
A smile stretched across my face as I looked up at the vaulted glass ceiling. Fragrant flowers and sparkling fountains bordered the dance floor. Soft lighting set the tone and the understated hum of attraction was tangible in the room. I’d never seen so many gorgeous people gathered into one place before.
Suddenly the music stopped.
“Here they are, Recruits. Please welcome—your Team Captains!”
I recognized Grace’s voice, but couldn’t see her. A spotlight shone on Rusty and me and the crowd cheered. We exchanged glances before making our descent into the ballroom. Once we were on the floor, the spotlight turned off.
“That was unexpected,” Rusty whispered.
“Yeah. Weird.” I shook my head. “I’m going to miss a lot of things, but I won’t miss standing out like that.”
He cocked an eyebrow and nodded.
Grace’s voice carried over the hall again. “We will continue with the dance for another hour, and then Captains Harris and Taylor will begin the ceremony.”
I turned and saw the stage above the dance floor where she was standing. The music played again, and everyone resumed dancing. I pulled the calling card from my pocket and stole a glance at the timer. My heart pounded as I put it away again, grateful the fabric of my dress was heavy enough to hide the blinking light.
CHAPTER
Thirty-Eight
“I would ask you to dance, but I have no idea how to do that,” Rusty said, gesturing to the twirling couples on the floor.
I nodded, noticing that most of the Recruits were standing around as well. “It’s okay. We can get something to eat instead,” I said with a longing glance at the dance floor. I’d secretly always wanted to be twirled around a ballroom.
Rusty took my elbow. “I saw some refreshment tables over there.” He pointed to the corner of the ballroom where dozens of Recruits were milling around. Before he could guide me over, someone grabbed my other arm. I turned and saw Nadia and Cypris.
“Lark, you look stunning!” Nadia exclaimed.
I smiled and gave her a hug. “Thanks to you. Where did you find this dress? I love it.”
She pulled back and frowned. “What do you mean? I didn’t get it for you.”
Cypris was listening intently. Her perfect brows arched. “You don’t know where your dress came from?”
I blushed. “Well, I thought . . .” I glanced around, my eyes stopping on Gideon who was coming toward us with Skye in tow.
Nadia followed my gaze and changed the subject. “I got the video montage finished. It took all night! But I think your group will like it.”
I smiled, relieved to see more evidence of the old, happy Nadia. “Thanks. I’m sure it will be perfect.”
Gideon and Skye reached us. Cypris brightened as soon as she saw him. “There you two are.” She sidled up to Gideon, her forest green dress accentuating every curve. “I hope you’ll save a dance for me.”
Skye slid her arm through Gideon’s possessively. “I don’t think he’ll have time.” She gazed up into Gideon’s face. “Are you ready to dance?”
He looked at me helplessly and I brushed at a strand of hair to hide a smile. He glared, a flash of desire smoldering in his sapphire eyes.
Grace called us to attention as another song ended. “It seems our friends from Earth are unfamiliar with our dances on Lior. For the next few songs, I’m requesting that each Guardian ask a Recruit from Earth to dance. That way everyone can be included.”
The music started up and she waved a hand. “Don’t be shy! Let’s be good hosts and teach our guests how it’s done.”
Gideon’s eyes locked on mine. He stepped away from Cypris and Skye and reached for my hand. “May I have this dance?”
My heart stuttered. I ignored the scowls coming at me and nodded, taking his hand.
Rusty touched the small of my back. “Save one for me later, okay?”
I turned and gave him a small nod before allowing Gideon to lead me onto the dance floor.
Is this alright? Is my light hurting you? he asked, still keeping hold of my hand.
“I hardly feel a thing,” I whispered.
He searched my eyes to make sure I was telling the truth and I held his gaze. There was no way I was saying anything about his light again. I didn’t want to ruin this moment.
Other couples surrounded us, but I didn’t notice them. I didn’t notice anything but Gideon. He watched me intently as he stepped back and bowed. I curtsied as I’d seen the other girls do. The corner of his mouth lifted and his eyes never left mine as he stepped forward and took my hand in his, placing his other hand gently at my waist.
You’ll tell me if my light becomes too intense?
I nodded and his eyes relaxed.
“I’m not sure how to do this.” I gave a self-conscious smile.
“Just hold on to me. I’ll take care of the rest,” he said quietly. He moved forwa
rd and suddenly we were gliding across the dance floor. My feet hardly touched the ground as Gideon spun me gracefully around the ballroom. His light filled me until I thought I was going to float away. It was the perfect amount, and I found myself wishing he could recreate that level while we kissed, but I didn’t share my thoughts.
“Do you like your dress?” he asked.
My attention snapped back to him as my eyes widened. “The dress is from you?”
He nodded once, leaning close to my ear. “I knew you needed one, and when I saw it I thought immediately of you.”
I shivered as his breath tickled my ear, his scent intoxicating. The familiar ache for his Mindspeak sprang up inside.
He drew a little closer. “But I shouldn’t have done it. The way you look tonight—it’s pure torture.” His eyes closed for a moment.
Tell me about it, I said. He gave no response and I sighed in frustration.
“The way Harris has been looking at you,” he pulled back slightly, his jaw set. “I’m a fool.”
The song was coming to a close and our steps matched the pace. I looked up at Gideon, desperate for him to keep his arms around me.
“Ask me for the next dance,” I whispered.
He bent his face down. “I want you for every dance.” His face filled with concern. “How are you feeling?”
I met his eyes. “I’ve never felt so good.”
One corner of his mouth lifted. I know what you mean.
Relief flooded through me as he kept his hold on my waist while the next song started.
A noise sounded above and I looked up in surprise to see the roof opening. It slid completely back to reveal the brilliant night sky above. The lights in the ballroom extinguished and excited murmurs rippled through the crowd.
My gown glowed in the dark. In fact . . . all of the dresses in the room were glowing, as well as the ties and cummerbunds the guys wore.
I stared at Gideon. “How . . . ?”
He grinned. “The material of the formal wear. It’s designed to glow in the starlight.” His eyes were dancing as he put his arm around my waist and pulled me close to him. “Hold on.”
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