31. A Return to the Hall of Choice

CHAPTER 31

A Return to the Hall of Choice

" Y ou look positively stunning," Hallie gushed from her seat in the limo beside Brynleigh.

Davis, Ryker's driver, had picked them up half an hour ago from the Fortune Elf's house. He had successfully navigated the traffic of downtown Golden City while the two women enjoyed a glass of Faerie Wine and chatted.

Brynleigh had been nervous about seeing her friend again, agonizing over asking Hallie if she wanted to ride with her to the Reunion. In the end, she'd messaged her friend, and the Fortune Elf had agreed to get together this afternoon.

Ryker and Therian, Hallie's husband, were busy with last-minute plans for tonight. They would meet their wives at the Reunion. Ryker had called an hour ago, letting Brynleigh know he was taking Marlowe for a run before coming to meet her at the Hall of Choice.

It had been a long but fruitful week. Brynleigh had attended yet another rebel meeting and deceived even more of them into thinking she was on their side. She'd gone with Ryker to deliver the cipher and book she'd stolen to the army's code-breakers. It looked promising, and Ryker seemed confident it would give them enough evidence to arrest and convict several suspected rebels .

She'd even braved Waterborn House and Tertia's wrath yesterday to visit Ryker's father. Tertia had been cold, which was expected, but Brynleigh had enjoyed seeing her father-in-law. He'd opened his eyes, and Ryker had been happy all night, even after Brynleigh beat him twice at chess.

None of that had been as scary as pulling up to Hallie and Therian's house had been earlier today. Their quaint neighborhood looked like it had been lifted from a storybook. Laughing children ran on emerald lawns. Parents sat on porches, watching their offspring play. Even the houses seemed to radiate happiness.

Brynleigh had felt out of place. There was a reason that vampires didn't go in the sun. With hearts as black as ink, they didn't deserve to experience the beauty of daylight.

She'd been so nervous that her friend would hate her, but it turned out Hallie was a far better person than Brynleigh. She'd forgiven her, and they'd hugged and spent the afternoon together.

Now, they were pulling up to the Hall of Choice, where four other limos were lined up in front of the entrance.

Brynleigh ran her fingers down the black shimmering silk of her floor-length gown. "You think so?"

She'd picked up the dress a few evenings ago. It had a high halter neck and long, fitted sleeves that came past her wrists. The back was practically non-existent, giving plenty of room for wings if she set them free. Although most of the other women would probably be wearing heels, Brynleigh had opted for a pair of flats. She wore her necklace and tracking bracelet, both pieces of jewelry hidden by the dress.

"I know so." Hallie took a generous gulp of her wine and swayed in her seat. "Ryker is going to lose his shit when he sees you."

Brynleigh snorted. She had never heard Hallie swear, but apparently, all it took was one glass of wine to loosen the Fortune Elf right up. "Thank you. You look beautiful, too."

Hallie's dress was a pale pink, glittery cloud. It was strapless, with a tight bodice before flaring out at the hips. Layers of tulle formed a full, fluffy skirt. The back was low, allowing room for the elf's wings. Her white hair was styled in loose waves over her shoulder, and diamond earrings studded her lobes.

"Thank you." Hallie swallowed the last of her wine as the car inched forward. There was only one limo in front of them now. "You know, I'm glad the Choosing is ending. It was nice, and obviously, I'm grateful for the experience, but it's been…"

"A lot," Brynleigh finished for her friend. "I couldn't agree more."

The experience has been exhausting, but she got Ryker out of it. Honestly, she couldn't be happier. Like fresh flowers blooming in the spring, the first rays of sunlight after a long, never-ending night, and the first flicker of warmth from a fire. Brynleigh's fae captain had breathed life into her cold, dark heart.

She looked out the window, taking in the crowds lining the steps of the Hall of Choice. Much like the first night of the Choosing, flashing cameras lit up the dark sky as the press tried to get the best shot of each participant.

In a mirror image of the first night, men and women were arriving separately, alone, or in groups like Brynleigh and Hallie. Usually, the couples came together, but there had been a last-minute change this year.

A tall fae with blue-black hair swept into a dazzling updo stepped out of the limo in front of them. Pointed ears were adorned with glittering tear-drop diamond earrings. An ivory handbag hung over one shoulder, and an aura of power surrounded the woman.

Brynleigh inhaled sharply.

Even from behind, she instantly recognized Valentina Rose.

The Chancellor's daughter wore a blood-red gown that was tight from her bosom to her thighs before flaring out. The mermaid-style gown was beautifully made and probably cost thousands.

On anyone else, it would've been stunning. But no amount of money could smooth over the hard, frigid edge of violence surrounding the bitchy fire fae.

Valentina strode up the steps of the Hall of Choice, her gown trailing behind her like a river of blood. Even from here, Brynleigh could make out the sharpened points of Valentina's heels as they clicked on the stairs.

"Well, she certainly knows how to make an entrance, doesn't she?" Hallie muttered.

"Yes, she certainly does." Brynleigh scowled.

Hallie leaned closer and loudly whispered, "Did I tell you that Therian and I watched her wedding on the livestream? It was so extravagant. They must've spent hundreds of thousands on it."

"Really?"

"Mhmm." The Fortune Elf hiccuped. "Most people are calling it the wedding of the century."

"Fascinating. I'm sure that's exactly what she was hoping for."

Valentina stopped on the last step and turned. A fake smile spread across the fae's face, and she waved to the press.

It was all an act. Of all the women Brynleigh had met during the Choosing, Valentina Rose was the worst.

Brynleigh had never truly been inclined to rip someone's throat out just for being an entitled, cruel bitch until she met the Chancellor's daughter. To be fair, Valentina seemed like she wanted to kill Brynleigh, too, so the hatred went both ways.

What had Ryker ever seen in her?

Hallie leaned close and looked out the window over Brynleigh's shoulder.

"I'm not usually one to judge others, but their wedding seemed like a lot. Too much, if I'm being honest."

Oh, she was definitely being honest. Faerie Wine had that effect on some people—it loosened tongues and made people lose their inhibitions.

"Her veil was purportedly an ancient relic from the Rose Empire, and her shoes were encrusted with diamonds. It was all rather opulent," Hallie continued, eyes wide. "Her flowers and Edward's tie were dusted in gold."

All the while, people were starving in the streets. Because, of course, the Chancellor's daughter would have a luxurious, absurdly elaborate, over-the-top wedding while others suffered.

That fucking tracked.

"That's… interesting."

Eventually, Valentina turned and entered the Hall of Choice.

"Mhmm. Oh, we're moving!" Hallie swayed, bumping into Brynleigh.

Chuckling, Brynleigh steadied her friend as she took in the scene outside.

Four soldiers guarded the entrance. They weren't in uniform, and their black suits were just as crisp as any partygoer's clothes, but no suit and tie could disguise their military strength or the power they oozed.

Even if Brynleigh hadn't known that there would be an increased military presence at the Reunion tonight, she would've known the men were soldiers.

Davis parked, cut the engine, and walked around the vehicle. He opened the door, a smile on his kind, older face.

"Ladies," he said in a baritone voice, extending a hand. "Welcome to the Reunion."

Brynleigh grabbed her black clutch containing her phone, Sarai's picture, and the invitation. Placing her fingers in the driver's, she exited the vehicle, the cold night air brushing against her.

"Thank you." She smiled and stepped aside, making room for Hallie to exit.

Cameras flashed, and Brynleigh glanced at the sky to avoid looking at them.

Then she saw it.

Crimson edged the moon like a splash of blood on an otherwise pristine piece of paper. It was incredibly out of place. A frown tugged at Brynleigh's lips, and her shadows throbbed at the sight .

Now that she'd noticed the odd sight, she couldn't look away. A heavy sense of foreboding filled her, and her stomach twisted.

Red moons were never a good sign. The last time a Blood Moon had appeared, a queen died, two battles took place, and the world was forever changed. Everyone knew about that turning point in the Four Kingdom's history.

So what did this one mean? Were the gods playing with them?

She stared at the moon until a hand landed on her arm.

"Brynleigh, what's wrong?" Hallie asked.

Hopefully, it didn't mean anything. But she couldn't shake the sick feeling. Shaking her head, she ripped her gaze away from the bloody moon.

"Oh, nothing."

It had to be nothing, right?

Tonight would be fine. Ryker and his team had spent days preparing for this. Everything was in position. They would ambush the rebels, stop them before anyone got hurt, and end the Black Night's madness once and for all.

And yet, that uneasy feeling remained.

Gods, she hoped Ryker would arrive soon. His presence grounded her like nothing else in this world.

Entering the Hall of Choice was a blur.

Arm in arm, Brynleigh and Hallie climbed the steps and posed for the press. They smiled and answered a few questions, but Brynleigh barely paid them any attention.

She kept looking back at the red moon.

No matter how often she told herself it didn't mean anything, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

Crimson crystals hung from a dozen glistening chandeliers in the ballroom, casting shades of red over the massive space. Ruby tapestries embedded with hundreds of tiny gems hung on the walls, glittering like bloody skies. A red carpet lined the stage where the Reunion would take place, and all the couches were the same color.

Hallie had stepped away to use the restroom, leaving Brynleigh alone for a few minutes. She didn't mind. It gave her time to assess the gathered crowd.

The ballroom was already teeming with people. Crew members wearing black ran across the stage, talking into headsets. Audience members filled the nearly three dozen rows of seats, many wearing crimson to match the theme. Most were smiling and chatting with their neighbors, but several sat stoically, their gazes moving methodically through the space.

One of the audience members locked eyes with Brynleigh, and he dipped his chin. Nikhail wore a black suit and tie, looking just as distinguished as the first time Brynleigh met him.

She wasn't entirely sure what the air fae did for the army, but she knew that Ryker trusted the man, which was good enough for her.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Waterborn?" a pleasant voice came from behind Brynleigh.

It took a moment for Brynleigh to realize they were speaking to her. It would take time to get used to that name, and changing her name legally to Ryker's would be a legal pain, but it would be worth it to shed her Maker's hold on her.

It wasn't normal for vampires to stop using their sire's last names, but she didn't care about social norms when it came to Jelisette.

Brynleigh turned around and smiled. "Yes?"

A shifter with kind eyes, dark skin, and a clipboard in hand stood a few feet behind her.

"I'm supposed to set up your microphone and run over a few things with you. If you'd come with me, please."

"Sure thing."

She followed the man through the crowd. Her dress swished as she moved slowly, the material not conducive to essential activities such as walking. She preferred leggings, but unfortunately, the Reunion had a dress code.

They climbed the stairs, traversed through a door, and went behind the stage.

Here, the audience's excited chatter was nothing more than a murmur, replaced by the hustle and bustle of frantic crew members. They shouted orders at each other, moving like their feet were on fire.

Brynleigh had never considered how many people worked behind the scenes of the Choosing, but it had to be a significant amount. Live streaming an event couldn't be easy, and based on the strained expressions on several faces around her, she guessed that tonight would be more difficult than normal.

"Over here, please." The shifter led her to a table with just over a dozen microphones. He picked one up and gestured for Brynleigh to turn around. "I'm going to attach this to the back of your dress."

"Of course, go ahead."

There was a slight tug behind her as the shifter worked.

Brynleigh studied the thick black curtains hiding the backstage from sight when a muffled curse caught her ear.

She subtly shifted towards the sound.

"… none of them are here yet," said a low, bass voice.

"What the fuck do you mean?" This speaker was much louder than the first. "Where could they be?"

"Fuck if I know! But we'll have to delay if they don't arrive soon."

Something that sounded like a fist banged into a wall.

"Find them! Do you think I want a bunch of fucking Representatives breathing down my neck? This many men don't just disappear…"

The voice dropped, becoming too quiet even for Brynleigh to hear.

A snicker came from her right.

"Well, well, well. It looks like the bloodsucking leech finally showed up." Valentina sauntered up to Brynleigh, a ruby goblet clutched between her manicured fingers.

Her lips twisted into a reptilian sneer, and violence glimmered in her violet eyes. An enormous diamond that probably cost as much as Hallie's house sat on Valentina's ring finger.

Extravagant, indeed.

"Hello, Valentina," Brynleigh said stiffly, forcing a tight smile on her face. "Congratulations on your wedding. I heard it was… glittery."

That was about as nice as she could manage around Valentina.

The fire fae sniffed.

"It was amazing, but I'm not surprised that a commoner such as yourself is incapable of appreciating the effort it takes to throw a lavish, beautiful wedding." Valentina paused, her eyes narrowing. "Yours was… quaint. But I should have expected that since your husband made such an… interesting Choice."

Brynleigh's lips curled, and she clenched her fists. So much for being polite.

"First of all, my wedding was perfect."

She could've married Ryker in a back alley and wouldn't have cared. It wasn't about the clothes, decorations, or the location. It was about the man. Something Valentina clearly didn't understand.

The fire fae snarled, but Brynleigh continued over her, "Second of all, how dare you insult my husband's Choice, you fucking bit?—"

"And that's enough socializing for tonight." Hallie appeared out of nowhere, tugging Brynleigh away. "Valentina, as always, it's… interesting to see you."

The fire fae's gaze turned to Hallie, her sneer deepening. " Y o u . I can't believe you, a Selected , married a dragon shifter. The head of the Carinoc Division, no less. By all the gods. If you think?—"

"Ladies! It's time." A human crew member hurried between the trio and ushered them towards the stage. "Come, come. You need to take your seats. The stream is scheduled to begin in ten minutes. The Chancellor has arrived, and her time is limited."

Several other women were already seated. A massive seventy-inch screen stood to their right, and an empty armchair for their interviewer was in the middle of the semi-circle.

Hallie sat on one of the ruby couches, and Valentina took another, but Brynleigh remained standing.

That unease from earlier returned, worse than ever. Her eyes darted around the stage. More women were filtering out, but…

Where was Ryker? Where were any of the men? They were supposed to be here. The rebels would be showing up halfway through, but…

Wrong, wrong, wrong.

Brynleigh extended her senses, listening for Ryker or any male voice she recognized.

None reached her ears.

And then, the television screen on the side of the stage crackled to life.