Our Forgotten Souls

Chapter Nineteen

I'd like to say I woke up gracefully, but I didn't.

When I came to, I rolled a bit too far to the left and faceplanted the bedroom floor.

I let out a groan and opened my eyes, despite the slight pounding in my head.

I felt absolutely ill.

The sound of footsteps forced me to push myself upright. I leaned my head against the bed post just as the door opened.

"Marion? Get up."

Nice to see you, too.

"The ball starts in an hour."

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I had no time to collect myself.

No time to cope with the fact that I'd been passed out for days. No time to readjust to living.

Because, apparently, June had given me a bit too much in her haste that they'd been afraid I'd be late altogether. Fortunately, I'd woken up just in time.

Unfortunately, I literally had one hour to prepare myself.

I hadn't finished my etiquette or dancing lessons. So, as my makeup was hastily done by a man in his 20's, my buff dance teacher, who preferred to be called "Rob" and not "my dearest professor," ran me through some of the other dances the elites would go through during the night. He also advised me to avoid dancing as much as possible, but if asked, to do my best. It would seem suspicious if I declined to dance with anyone throughout the night. It'd also be extremely impolite, and my goal was to get on the aristocrats' good side.

With fifteen minutes to go, both Rob and my makeup artist hurried out the door to give me privacy. I slid into the green dress, still feeling exhausted...and a little nauseous. As I began shoving my arms into the mesh sleeves, I noticed my wound had been covered in a tan, adhesive to match my skin. I gently touched it and could feel even stitches beneath. I let out a disappointed sigh.

I would deal with that problem later.

I was rushed out the door, June and two bodyguards at my side. It was dark outside, but I could still see clusters of the poor mulling around. June shoved me into the car quickly. We didn't want anyone to see my face or my nice clothes. That would definitely raise an alarm.

To prevent too many issues, the car we took was nondescript. I was transferred to a limo once we'd gotten out of the worst parts of the city.

Even though I hated the rebellion, I was still nervous. After all, if I messed up, my life was forfeit. The government would lock me up and do God-knows-what. Frankly, I'd never heard much about what happened to the worst of the criminals. If they were only wreaking havoc in the poor sectors, Antheia didn't care. And nobody in the rich sectors would bother being reckless and committing crimes – they would never risk their status or lives.

Maybe I'd be tortured to death.

I didn't really want to think about it.

By the time we reached the Mantel, where the ball was taking place, my hands were shaking. There was a crowd of people at the door waiting to be let in. The bodyguard in the passenger seat got out and opened the door for me.

For a second, I felt like I couldn't do it. I couldn't walk out there. There were so many people.

Then, I felt June's hand on my shoulder. "You'll be fine. Seriously. And Hank will be at your side the entire time to make sure you don't do anything stupid."

I took a deep breath and nodded at her. She scooted back into the shadows of the car, as I stepped out into the night.

I'd seen the Mantel plenty of times from afar. I'd even been here a mere week ago for my interview. Still, despite how terrible the people were who worked there, I couldn't help but be stuck in awe at its grandeur. The shadows of the night truly carved it into something more elegant and intimidating. I gently took Hank's proffered hand and got in line with everyone else. Hank showed the guard a ticket, and we were let in without question.