The Gifted

Chapter Seventeen: Stranger

I sipped the drink in my hand while I stood towards the back of the crowd and watched the dancing people unhappily. Councilman Witney had broken off from the group of men some time ago and disappeared through the mass of people, Flint following unnoticed behind him. I could no longer see them and could only assume they both had gone into another room.

Wanting to distract myself, I walked around, my eyes scanning the people for one person in particular. Gods, this would be so much easier if it wasn't a masquerade. Finally, I heard a familiar joyous laugh and my eyes landed on a young woman. Her blond hair was up and her blue eyes stood out radiantly behind the dark contrast of her mask.

Seeing her, I felt some of the stress I had been building up leave my body. I smiled at my sister as she laughed with the group of people she was talking to. She was safe and happy, and that's all I could ask for at the moment. I wished I could talk with her, it had been a long time, but I knew that would be unwise. If it was only me here, I might would risk it, but I had Flint and Kane to think about.

Yes, even Kane. Although my mind was conflicted about that manner.

Not wanting to get noticed by familiar eyes, I began walking to the other side of the room, silently telling myself that one day this will all be over and I will be able to speak with Clara again. However, halfway there I stopped. I felt eyes on me. Perhaps it was only my paranoia, but years of living in the castle with people only staring at me rather than approaching me told me otherwise. I looked at the people surrounding me, but they were all talking to their companions. No one looked in my direction. Then, just as quickly as the feeling had arrived, it was gone. Instantly. I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding and continued my way back to my spot by the window.

I was ready to leave. Whatever stress I shed from seeing Clara was now back tenfold. Someone had been watching me and I didn't like it. How long had it been? Both Kane and Flint had been gone for some time. Did it normally take them this long? I huffed in annoyance. If Flint had only allowed me to handle one of the councilmen, I would have had all the information he could possibly tell by now.

I looked out the window, the action of the rain pouring on the glass somehow calming me. Slowly, I felt my body relax slightly, my ears tuned to the pelting of the water hitting the window. Although, the feeling of calmness was quickly washed away when the same feeling from moments before returned.

This time, I noticed a dark figure out the corner of my eye. I felt a spark of anger consume my uneasiness, I didn't care to be toyed with. I quickly turned to face the stranger some distance away. The size told me it was a man but he was in shadow, the light from the chandeliers unable to reach him. This man, realizing I noticed him, dared to stare for a moment longer then calmly turned to go down a hallway, as if inviting me to follow.

Before I could even think things through properly my feet were moving, stopping at the same place he once stood. Peering down the hallway, I noticed it was empty. The only things there were multiple doors lining the walls and a painting or two on the walls. The man was gone.

I bit my lip trying to decide on what to do. Flint said he would come get me when he was done but he hadn't returned yet. I was supposed to keep watch while they were with the councilmen for any threats but I didn't know if this mystery man was a friend or foe. What if I was stalking some innocent resident of the manor? Then again, what if he recognized me and was going to sound the alarm? That would put us all in danger.

This was a bad idea but I didn't see any other options. I looked behind me and, taking note that none of the party guests were paying me any mind, started walking down the hallway. The noise from the guests was slightly muffled from the walls making me realize just how loud my steps were. Being careful not to trip, I stepped out of my heels, my bare feet now silently touching the smooth wooden floor. Picking up my skirts, I continued making my way to the end of the corridor.