Chapter 5

• As Xavier and I entered the grand ballroom, all sound and motion seemed to halt abruptly. Dozens of gazes fixed upon us—many curious, some icy with envy or suspicion. My eyes locked onto the most penetrating stare: a striking brunette disentangled herself from a circle of admirers and began to glide in our direction.
• Based on the hush that greeted her approach, this could only be the infamous Celeste. She was undeniably beautiful, with waves of long raven hair spilling over one slender shoulder and large dark brown eyes that appeared depthless. An inscrutable smile curved her full lips as she halted before us.
• "Xavier! How wonderful of you to join us at last." Her dulcet tone turned wintry as her piercing eyes shifted to me. "And with a new friend, I see."