My heart began to beat wildly and my magic was barely under control. Kiran’s touch brought an electrical storm through my blood and I felt it begin to boil just below the surface of my skin. I saw Kiran smirk once again before leaning his lips close to my neck, breathing softly on my neck.

“You look beautiful tonight, Eden,” Kiran whispered delicately in my ear, his breath tickling my throat gently. I felt dizzy from with him so close. “Will you save a dance for me?” I was flooded with overwhelming magic, making me forget how angry I was. I would have said yes to anything he asked, until….

“Driver, to Ms. Van Curen’s, please,” Talbott instructed the driver with authority. I suddenly remembered why this night was so preposterous and snapped out of my hypnosis.

“I don’t think so,” I said, half standing up as quickly as I could, moving across the limo and onto the seat next to Talbott. I folded my arms stubbornly and stared out the window, vowing to ignore Kiran Kendrick completely. He was not taking both Seraphina and me on a date; clearly he needed to be reminded.

To my irritation however, he only laughed, as if my rejection of him were somehow entertaining. I fumed silently; the blood that was boiling from desire now boiled from fury. I could feel the magic radiating off me as if putting up a guard that no man could cross.

Any and all hints I tried to throw Kiran’s direction apparently flew right over his head because he purposefully scooted over in his seat and sat directly across from me. He casually slid his feet next to mine, our ankles touching in the smallest of ways. I tried to maneuver my feet away from his, but the space in the limo was too confined and anywhere I moved my feet, he simply stretched his longer legs to accommodate. I saw the smile on his lips and realized this was just another one of his games. Talbott sat next to me, head in hands, afraid to watch.

The driver came to a stop in front of an elaborate mansion on the northwest side of Omaha. The house was gigantic, with immaculate detailing. The walk up to the house itself was a good 50 yards. The entry way, surrounded by tall white columns, was large enough to accommodate an elephant.

Kiran stepped out of the car and walked the long way alone. I breathed a sigh of relief and stretched my legs from out of their cramped position. Only a few minutes went by before Kiran returned with Seraphina, whom he opened the door for and helped into the seat across from Talbott. I expect her to scoot down and across from me so that Kiran could also climb in the car, but to my disappointment he walked around to the other side of the car and took his place, legs stretched out before him and all, across from me.

“You look nice,” Seraphina said sarcastically, after only seconds of entering the vehicle. Her eyes appraised me in a much less flattering way than Kiran did, and I once again felt self-conscious.

“So do you Seraphina,” I tried to return it sarcastically, but I knew the sincerity shined through, because she genuinely looked stunning. She only rolled her eyes and slipped her arm through Kiran’s as if marking her merchandise.

Kiran glanced at her approvingly before giving her a small peck on the cheek. I couldn’t blame him, although I wished I could, but she looked like a goddess tonight. Her long blonde hair was wrapped into an intricately woven side ponytail, her golden locks hanging curled and shining. She was dripping in diamonds from her earrings to her necklace to her bracelets. They complimented her floor length, bodice hugging, silver gown, and gave her the illusion that she was sparkling. Her silver gown accentuated every one of her curves and was low cut in the front, but maintained the class and sophistication my dress did not. The entire bodice was beaded and embellished and had almost a 1920’s look to it.

I understood now, why the pink gown was more appropriate. I once again was walking into an unknown situation looking like a tramp. I rolled my eyes and continued looking out the window, internally cringing. This dance felt less and less like a high school extra-curricular activity and more and more like a witch trial; unfortunately for me, it turned out I actually was the Witch.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

The limousine pulled up to the driveway of Kingsley behind numerous other stretch, luxury vehicles. I was full of anxiety and beyond irritated. Thankfully, I didn’t think Talbott was going to expect too much dancing out of me.

I watched the other students exit their cars, all of the boys in tuxedos and all of the girl’s in elegant gowns, most of them dripping in jewels. My perception of this dance was apparently dead wrong. I expected this type of style and flare at prom, but wasn’t this just the fall dance? I tugged at my short skirt, trying to cover my bare legs unsuccessfully. If I didn’t want to stand out, a miniskirt was the wrong way to go.

I glanced up and noticed Kiran watching my failed attempts at last minute modesty and laugh. I gave him a wry look before rolling my eyes and turning my attention back to the students entering the gymnasium. At least the dance was still on school grounds and not some exclusive country club, or likewise ridiculous venue.

Eventually it was our turn to exit the vehicle. The driver came around to my door and opened it so we could exit properly. I felt like I was playing make-believe, this all seemed like some massive pretend production instead of reality.

Kiran and Seraphina exited first and she was immediately on his arm. They walked regally into the gym as if they were king and queen of Kingsley. I supposed one day they would be. Yuck.

Talbott nodded that it was my turn to exit the car, but I hesitated for a moment longer, afraid to leave the confined, but private space. He cleared his throat and looked after Kiran like a worried puppy. Fine, I thought, let’s get on with it.

I exited the car with as much grace and class as I could muster, hoping to avoid a peepshow on my way out of the car. Talbott was quickly behind me. I heard the door to the car slam shut; there was no turning back. Talbott offered his arm and I looked at it with a mild sense of humor.

“Really, we don’t have to pretend,” I said curtly.

“Please, Eden; just humor me with some manners,” he offered back haughtily. I took his arm a little too forcefully and we walked the rest of the way in silence.

The gymnasium could not be farther from what I pictured had I thought of the wildest scenario. This being my first time in Kingsley’s gym I expected basketball hoops, bleachers and maybe some streamers to decorate the place for the dance.

As soon as we walked through the wide double doors my mouth dropped open and I stood their dumbly not sure how to react. Beautiful, and elaborate black chandeliers hung from the ceiling every ten feet or so. They were adorned with white candles and dripping with colorful floral arrangements. Along the walls in every direction, candelabras in the same fashion sat evenly spaced, lighting up the room and giving the large space a dim glow.

A DJ in the far corner, spun music that reverberated the floor. Tables and chairs took up half of the space, while the remaining space was used as a dance floor. On each table were eight place settings and in the middle were replica center pieces of the chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. Colorful flower arrangements intertwined with the candle lit centerpieces over black silk table clothes.

Talbott pulled me along to our table where Kiran and Seraphina already had found their seats. Most of the tables were full already and waiters began to bring out silver platters covered in food. The food looked as elegant as the decorations. Unfortunately, my dress didn’t leave much room for expansion.

Besides Kiran, Seraphina, Talbott and me, our table was also home to Evangeline and Adelaide and their respective dates. Both of whom looked equally bored and unimpressed as the girls gushed over the dance and each other’s outfits. Not surprisingly, I was completely ignored.

I stood next to the table unsure where to sit or what to say. Talbott released my arm and pulled a chair out for me next to Evangeline. She gave me a side glance and a little snicker before returning to her conversation.

I began to sit down but was interrupted by a subtle cough from Kiran. I looked over and noticed him give a suggestive head nod to Talbott who then stood up straight, pushed in the chair he had just offered and pull out the chair directly next to it, but located side by side with Kiran. If possible I noticed Talbott become even more exasperated and Seraphina scoot her chair ever closer to Kiran. I took my seat feeling much like a criminal or leper or something equally unwanted.

“Is it what you expected?” Kiran turned his body to face me and spoke quietly; his blue eyes simmering and slicked back hair gave him a seductive quality I was having a hard time ignoring. I cleared my throat to focus.

“Not quite,” I said simply, forcing my eyes away from his. I noticed Seraphina take his hand in hers, and although he didn’t turn his body away from mine, he allowed the possessive gesture.

“Seraphina,” I found courage deep within me to pull her into the conversation. I refused to be a bizarre secret date to the spoiled Prince. “How often does Kingsley have these kinds of dances?”

“What do you mean?” she asked snidely, turning her head but not her body to face me. The look on her face made me tremble beneath the surface and I reminded myself to be brave.

“I mean, that this dance seems so extreme, is this like Kingsley’s version of prom?” I cleared my throat again, feeling more insecure than ever before, but praying my plan to involve Seraphina into our conversation worked. I couldn’t stay irritated and angry at Kiran if he continued to stay so damn sexy.

“I don’t know what you mean by extreme; this is the way a Kingsley dance always looks,” she rolled her eyes, but her tone was less derisive than before. “I guess it is nice though,” she turned her body to face us then and pulled Kiran’s arm even closer to her body.

“It’s beautiful,” I said softly, more to myself than anyone else.

“And we have one for every equinox and solstice, plus there’s Christmas and prom too,” she smiled ever so small and I felt encouraged to be braver.

“I didn’t know people celebrated those holidays,” I tried a joke.

“You didn’t know people celebrated Christmas?” she asked dryly, and her attitude was back.

“No, I mean, I know people celebrate Christmas. I didn’t know people celebrated like the fall equinox,” I did my best to clarify, but she just looked at me like I was speaking a different language.

“You’re so weird,” she rolled her eyes again and then turned back to Adelaide to pick up where they left off.

“Trying to make new friends?” Kiran asked smugly under his breath.

“Well, you’re certainly no help,” I turned my body completely away from him and looked out into the tables of students.

“Did it ever occur to you that maybe I want you all to myself?” Kiran’s hot breath tickled the back of my neck when he whispered in my ear. His accent was very alluring, and I shook my head to regain focus.

I stood up frustrated and practically stomped away from the table as quickly as I could. I couldn’t sit next to him anymore; and I couldn’t be party to his sick games. I was going to be the one that got hurt in the end.

I searched for the bathroom or a dark corner or something, but settled with the punch table. I just needed something to occupy my hands. I noticed a familiar figure pouring himself some punch as I approached the table and was suddenly very grateful to see Avalon.