---- I truly hoped he obeyed this time.


    I closed the curtain and checked my inner pocket, well hidden, where I kept the little box of pearls I''d acquired at the auction.


    Today, one way or another, I had to see Zareks father.


    I was convinced nowZarek hadnt even been born yet during these ancient times.


    I didnt even know if his parents were engaged.


    Dd have toe up with some excuse to separate myself from my De Croix sisters, who were surely attending the party on their own.


    However, I was wrong, and as soon as I arrived, I ran into a problem.


    What''s going on, Grimm? Why are you stopping for so long? I pushed aside the dark curtain, looking outside.


    Dusk was painting the horizon; we were in line with other carriages waiting to pass through the enormous gate at the base of a hill.


    Miss Electra, they say there must be some mistake.


    The De Croix house wasnt invited to this private celebration, he told me, frowning.


    What? Did you show them the invitation? Yes, mydy.


    Even so, they say were not on the listthat maybe it could be...


    fake, he muttered through gritted teeth.


    1 got out immediately.


    This was a full-blown humiliation, and right now, it wouldnt take much for me to actually be Electra.


    Exin to my face what you just told my servant, I strode ---- arrogantly toward the massive closed gate.


    It was guarded by four witches and two vampires The guest list was held by a hybrid man who looked like a butler or something.


    Miss Electra De Croix, Im so sorry, mydy, he began to bow, abit nervous but firmof course, there was power backing him.


    I dont give a damn about your apologies.


    The d house invited me to this celebration.


    They made mee all the way here, and now you''re using me of lying and forging this invitation? I tooka threatening step forward.


    Mydy, please dont get upset.


    We truly apologize.


    It seems there was a mistake.


    No one is using you of anything, one of the witches stepped forward, the others ready to confront me.


    [￡ the mistake was yours, how is that my fault? Im already here, and Im not leaving.


    So open the fucking gate now, I red at her and let some of the magic I could control from Electras body seep out.


    The atmosphere was sharpit only needed a spark to ignite.


    They were many, but I had to see Alessandre d, no matter what.


    Pm sorry, but we cant open it.


    Leave willingly or by force...


    What kind of manners are these for treating our guests? Suddenly, a cold voice sounded nearby.


    sir, it seems there was a mistake, but we''re already sorting it out, one of the vampires turned to face the neer, who had ---- emerged from the forest inside the mansion grounds.


    I controlled the impulse of my heartit was my great-uncle! Mistake or whatever, Miss De Croix is already here.


    What makes you think shes going to turn back? And besides, youre holding up the line with your idiocy! He growled at them, baring his fangs, his red eyes full of threats.


    Really, all the curious onlookers behind me were whispering, sticking their heads out of their carriage windows.


    Inno time, they opened the gates for me.


    I didnt understand some things, but I went along with it.


    Miss Electra, please, Im deeply embarrassed.


    Allow me to apologize to you personally, he approached me, offering a polite greeting and ncing briefly into the carriage.


    I caught his signal immediately.