Chapter 5

The dance floor is almost full, though a quick look around confirms that there aren't any of the other townspeople on it. They're probably worried about the same thing I am and embarrassing themselves by not knowing the steps.

I don't know why I've agreed to this. I have no idea what I'm doing and while dancing with someone could be seen as me obeying Bastian's instructions, there is a part of me that's concerned about looking like a fool.

"It's an easy one," Marcus promises, holding out his hand.

I look at it, not knowing what I'm supposed to do.

"Put your left hand on my shoulder, and your right hand in mine," he says, his tone kind and understanding despite my cluelessness.

"Oh." I step closer and do as he asks, tingles spreading through me as he places his free hand on my waist. We're barely touching, but this feels different than the country dances I'm used to.

The music begins to play, the musicians creating a pure tune that is nothing like I've ever heard in the town.

"Step back with your left foot," Marcus says.

I do as he suggests, and he steps forward.

"Now the right. Then repeat, just go where I lead."

I nod and follow his instructions, surprised to find that it causes us to glide around the floor. "How do you know how to do this?" I ask.

"Years of dance lessons," he responds.

A slight flush of embarrassment rises to my cheeks as I realise I've more or less just admitted that I haven't had that kind of upbringing. Which is explicitly something Bastian told me not to do.

"I would have much rather learned how to do useful things," Marcus continues. "I couldn't even sew on a button if I lost one."

"It is quite simple," I respond.

"Maybe. But I've never been taught, I wouldn't know where to start. Are you ready to spin?"

"Spin?" I repeat, my eyes widening.

He nods. "Under my arm. I'll guide you." He lets go of my waist and raises his other hand.

I turn, my dress flaring out as I do. I stumble a little as Marcus steadies me, but I doubt anyone other than him noticed.

He continues to guide us around the dancefloor, but we don't really talk much as I'm too focused on keeping steady on my feet. I know this is the kind of thing my brother is expecting me to do at the ball, but I don't really understand why.

The music comes to an end and Marcus lets go of my hand, stepping back to give me a bow.

I do my best to imitate the other women around me and dip into what I hope is a curtsy. The waist of my dress digs in a little uncomfortably, reminding me that it isn't the right size.

"Would you like another dance?" Marcus asks.

I hesitate for a moment. I don't think I can manage another, but I also don't want to be rude. "I think I'm a little dizzy."

He nods in understanding. "Then perhaps you should allow me to escort you for a drink?"

"That would be good." I slip my arm through his and allow him to lead me towards the refreshments table.

We're about to get there when I freeze at the sound of Pip barking.

I let go of Marcus' arm and spin around, instantly spotting Pip. From her stance, something seems to have spooked her, but I can't tell what from this distance. I hurry over to where Bastian is trying to hand her off to a servant, an agitated expression on his face.

The man reaches out for Pip and she growls before snapping at him.

"Pip!" I call, but she ignores me, not taking her eyes off the servant. There's something about him that she doesn't like, but I don't know enough about what's happening to make a judgement on what it could be.

She growls again and this time the servant reacts, opening his mouth and hissing.

My eyes widen at the sight of two protruding fangs, and my blood runs cold as I realise what it means.

Vampire .

I thought they were the stuff of legends. Scary stories shared with children around campfires, only to be chased away by freshly baked bread smothered in garlic butter. That had been before Da died. Before it was just me and Bastian scraping by and trying to do what we could to survive.

I look around to see if anyone has noticed the exchange. I snatch the rope back from Bastian, and Pip runs to hide behind me, her whole body trembling in response.

The servant's fangs retract. "I must apologise, My Lady," he says with a dip of his head, acting as if he's apologising for something normal. "I don't know what came over me."

I open my mouth to say something before realising I don't know what I possibly can. I have more questions than I know what to do with racing through my mind, including whether what I just saw was all in my imagination, a product of the evening and the wine I've already drunk.

"It's fine," Bastian says for me. "Don't let it happen again."

I blink at my brother, trying to work out what he's thinking.

"Lord Fallmartin sent me to find you and bring you to him," the servant says. "Both of you."

Bastian nods in what appears to be understanding. "Very well, lead the way."

The servant turns on his heels and starts to walk off.

I grab hold of Bastian's arm. "We can't go with him."

He pulls his arm down, breaking my hold on him. "Of course we can. You heard him. Lord Fallmartin has asked to see us."

"I don't know who that is. But that man scared Pip."

"I told you not to bring the dog," my brother responds through gritted teeth. "It's your fault you didn't listen."

"Bastian, that man is..." I trail off, realising I don't want to say it out loud in case I imagined it all.

"Is?" Bastian prompts.

I clear my throat. "He's a vampire."

"Of course he is."

I blink a few times. "You knew?"

"We're going with him, and you're not going to embarrass me," he says, taking hold of my arm and pulling me in the direction the servant has already disappeared. "In fact, I think it's best if you don't say another word."

I open my mouth to protest, but I think better of it when I see the expression on Bastian's face.

Somehow, despite the fact I've just witnessed a vampire for the first time, I feel more like my twin is the most dangerous person in the room.