Prologue

PROLOGUE

CATRIONA

I weave through the jewel-encrusted, costumed crowd, looking for a jester. I walk cautiously, careful not to hit anyone with my feathered wings. The autumn ball is in full swing, with Valette's elite rubbing elbows and enjoying a night of dignified revelry.

I don't belong here. My father is a cobbler, and my mother helps him run his shop. They make humble money.

But ever since I joined GHOST, Lord Cunningham's private guild of monster hunters, I've been foisted into this world. I'm someone now, my position respected even in these circles.

Despite that, these butterflies in my stomach are forbidden, especially when they flutter for the guild president's good-for-nothing son. I think I've lost my fool mind.

I pause when I spot Felix. He was my companion for dinner, but now that the dancing has started, the unwed attendees must socialize. That's the custom in Valette, infuriating though it may be.

I thought I'd find him laughing in a group, perhaps flirting with some doe-eyed young woman, but he leans against the wall. Alone. He's a brooding figure dressed in black and white. As he watches me look for him, a crooked smile spirits over his appealing face. He's handsome—too handsome. It's affecting me tonight, and goodness only knows why.

I can't like this man—he drives me mad.

But I want him to ask me to dance. I want his hand pressed to my waist and his teasing voice in my ear.

It's the dimly lit ballroom, that's all. The music, the lush costumes, the carved pumpkins, and the festive mood. I can't blame it on alcohol—I haven't had a drop.

We're supposed to be working. A client's father disappeared, and now she's being tracked by vampires. I'm watching her tonight.

But work is the last thing on my mind. Let Benjamin protect Elizabeth for ten minutes. He wants to be the pretty heiress's hero anyway.

"Looking for someone, bluebird?" Felix asks when I stop in front of him.

Somehow, he knows what's on my mind. I can tell from the satisfied spark in his deep blue eyes, the tilt of his lips, even the way he casually leans against the wall—arms crossed, one ankle carelessly resting over the other. He's the picture of smug.

He removed his annoying jester's hat earlier, leaving his short, sandy brown hair slightly mussed. But he hasn't washed away the kohl that lines his eyes. I study him, noting that he fully immersed himself in the part he's playing for the evening, taking it far more seriously than his training. He should look ridiculous, but he doesn't.

"Don't tell me your dance card is empty," he says when I don't answer. "I've seen half a dozen men corner you."

"You've been watching me?"

"There's no one else I'd rather watch."

I remind myself he's a cad, a rogue. A pleasant one, certainly, with boyish charm. But the appealing exterior doesn't change his character.

"I'm not here to dance," I remind him. "We're working."

"Your wings are askew." He pushes away from the wall. His body presses against mine as he wraps his arms around my shoulders and gives the wings a tug. He could turn me around to make the task easier, but he doesn't. I could turn myself, but I don't.

I close my eyes, subtly breathing in his crisp, clean scent. Felix wears a light cologne, only noticeable when he's close like he is now. It smells like moonlit woods. I've resisted its allure since we met, but it winds around me tonight—taunting, teasing…daring.

For whatever reason, I'm feeling reckless.

"You wear feathers spectacularly well," he says as he fusses with my costume. "I never imagined I'd find a woman dressed as a bird so appealing."

"Thank you?"

He lowers his hands and meets my eyes. "Was that a question?"

"Forgive my confusion. I mistakenly thought you gave me an actual compliment."

He lowers his gaze, a smile tugging at his lips. A moment later, he looks back up, and his sky-blue eyes capture mine. "Am I not allowed to think you're beautiful?"

My heart stutters, affected even though we both know it shouldn't be.

"I'm your trainer," I say. "This conversation is inappropriate."

"Yet your eyes shone with inappropriate thoughts as you crossed the room."

I swallow, wishing he couldn't read me so well.

My hand hangs at my side. Ever so slowly, he brushes his thumb over my knuckles. "And you're thinking inappropriate thoughts right now."

My stomach clenches with nerves and anticipation. He's right. I can't even deny it. I want to dance with him.

I want him to kiss me.

Right now, I don't care that I'm his guild superior or that we're technically on a job. He's older than I am by a year anyway, and Benjamin is watching Elizabeth.

"Are you going to ask me to dance or not?" I finally demand.

"Dance with me, bluebird," he says, his voice husky. It's a command and not a request. "I've wanted to get you in my arms all night."

I shiver, nodding.

But before we can step onto the dance floor, Benjamin finds us.

The hunter is handsome with his dark hair and dark eyes. Always efficient, there's a no-nonsense look about him, especially tonight, as he's one of the few attendees not wearing a costume.

He's both the guild's executive director and my friend, and right now, he appears to be livid. "Why aren't you with Elizabeth?" he demands.

"You were watching her," I say dumbly, embarrassment washing away thoughts of pleasure.

He rakes a hand through his short brown hair, and I realize fear fuels his anger. "I thought you were with her."

"What's happened?"

"I just spoke with Greg. She left with Julian."

My heart rate spikes. "We must go after her."

"The situation is complicated." He looks like he wants to throw something.

"We'll get her back," I promise, reaching around me and yanking off my wings.

"I need to talk to Arthur."

"While you look for him, we'll let his coachman know he must prepare to leave," Felix says. "We'll meet you out front."

Benjamin nods and walks away. I keep my eyes on him for several seconds, but I can feel Felix watching me.

"What?" I finally snap, hating that he witnessed my failure.

"I don't suppose we can postpone our dance to a later date?"

Unfounded anger wells in my chest, threatening to pool in my eyes. "This was a mistake."

"Nothing happened, Cat."

"I temporarily lost my head, and now Elizabeth is in danger. This won't happen again. Don't even mention it, you understand?"

Felix studies me, looking like he wants to argue. Then he shrugs as if he doesn't care either way. "If that's what you want, bluebird."

"It's what I want." I turn on my heel, carrying my wings. "Let's find Elizabeth."