Behind My Shadow - Book Three

42. I'm Asking You This

For tonight's Labor I've been dressed in this formfitting black satin romper with sheer cutouts covered in black lace over my sides and stomach. The sleeves stop just above my elbows and my otherwise backless outfit is covered in more black lace. My hair has again been straightened, my makeup is done to lethal perfection and a pair of mini combat boots complete my overall stunning look.

I don't think I've ever looked so fierce in all my life. It definitely gives my confidence a boost which -considering my next Labor is going to be a duel to the death- I definitely crave.

"Adara?" I hear someone behind me. My heart skips a beat.

"Quill!" I whirl around and throw my arms around his neck. "OMG! I was scared out of my mind when you didn't show up this morning! Where were you? Are you okay?" I demand while still clinging to him.

"I'll...be alright," he sighs, tightening his embrace around me. He sounds so drained, so exhausted, I anxiously pull away to search his face. His dazzling amber eyes look dull with pain. "How were your last four Labors? You must tell me all the details," he manages a faint smile but I'm not convinced he's fine at all.

"Tell me about you," I insist, giving his shoulder a shove. "Have you spoken with your mom since you've been back? What about Cornelius? They've been sick with worry over you!"

He furrows his brow briefly. "I...I'm sorry about that. I didn't want anyone to worry about me, especially not when you are competing in the Labors."

"Quill," I roll my eyes with exasperation. "Stop trying to make this about me. I'm freakin' worried about you!" I desperately search his eyes. "You don't have to pretend to be fine around me. You're one of my best friends," I take his hand to hold between mine. "I love you, I want you to talk to me and tell me what's going on with you these days."

He squeezes my hands but looks away instead of holding my gaze. I can sense his pain as much as his gratitude and love for me. But at the same time, I can also sense he's guilty of something and he's trying to hide it from me. I have no idea what that could be, and I feel like I'm going crazy with curiosity.

"Tell me what's going on!" I anxiously demand.

"Adara," he sighs.

"Quill!" I exclaim shrilly.

"Alright, alright," he hushes me and looks around cagily.

We're in the bejeweled Royal Ballroom which has been elaborately decorated with streamers and banners. Per the usual, this place is teeming with all of my guests and spectators, and this isn't even the first party of the day. The festivities started this morning but once it was obvious Quill wasn't going to show up, my dad and I spent the rest of the day practicing for my duel tonight.

"C'mon," I quickly tug him after me. I take him to one of the balconies perched outside, this one isn't occupied but nevertheless, I still close the glass doors behind us so the music and the chatter from the Ballroom is muffled. "Now tell me what's up." I cross my arms and lean back against the banister. "What have you been up to these past few days?"

"Nothing," he says dismissively. "Honestly, I just...needed some time to clear my head, that's all."

"Uh-huh. Then what was up with the note you left Cornelius? You said you felt like nothing could be done about the Black Hearts without getting caught up in technicalities." He looks away again. "Oh, c'mon, Quill! I know you did something, something you don't want Cornelius or your mom to know about, but you can tell me." I step closer and gently put my hand to his chest. "Whatever it is, I don't care, I just want to make sure you're alright."