The Killingsworth Revenge

Prologue: Eye for an Eye

Adeline Killingsworth stepped out of the armored SUV and started covering the few yards between her and the entrance. Laughing, the clinking of silverware, and the heavy bass of the song playing filled the stuffy night air.

No one gave her a second glance—just another pretty face with curled hair and carefully applied makeup in a sea of perfect plastic people.

Click, click, click. The steady rhythm of her heels rang in her ears as she walked up the wide stone path that led inside. There was little room to walk through the mass of people, but Adeline pushed her way through, uncaring of the remarks and glares aimed her way.

Serena stood by the massive ice stallion, hair pulled into an elaborate updo, soft curls framing her perfect face. Blue eyes contrasted with black hair, almost a dark purple against her pale skin. The azure dress clinging to her slender figure created a delicate but dangerous look that let everyone know she was untouchable.  As usual, a host of adoring fans and suck-ups surrounded her, off whom she would feed until nothing of value to her remained.

Typical of your type.

"Hey, cutie," a guy said, reaching for Adeline's arm and flashing a leering grin that made her skin crawl.

She kept walking, clenching her jaw to keep from retorting or doing something much more drastic.

"Isn't that the youngest Killingsworth?" someone wondered.

A murmur rippled through the crowd, growing into a wave. After the well-known Killingsworth tragedies, the powerful family had kept to themselves, gradually fading from the public eye. What was one of them doing here now?

Surprise flashed across Serena's face a second before smugness took its place. But that second had been enough for Adeline.

"Oh hello, Adeline!" She smiled too brightly and waved.

"Just came to let Rhys know how happy I am for his success," Adeline said, forcing her face to mimic Serena's.

"You're so sweet!" The acid dripping from Serena's words was almost palpable.

"Thank you. It's been a while—I missed you." A lie.

The people so interested just moments before gradually drifted away, drawn to someone else more relevant with more to offer than a has-been.

Adeline drew closer to Serena, who glared icily at her.

"Why are you really here? We both know you're lying."

"Rhys was really good in that movie." Adeline shrugged before leaning in, struggling to keep her voice low and even. "Your family took everything. And now it's time to return the favor."

Serena's eyes widened, delicate eyebrows rising as her glossy lips parted, maybe in surprise or perhaps to respond—Adeline refused to stick around to find out. Turning on her heel, she shoved her way through the wall of people.

"Don't get hurt," Serena called casually, as though Adeline was nothing more than a clumsy child.

Adeline's hands curled into fists. 

Tonight marked the beginning of the Craybon's downfall.