Viggo nods. “It’s not Arthur.”
“You questioned him?”
“And a little more than that. Then, I questioned Stefania.”
“They’re both good?”
Viggo nods.
I was sure it had to be Arthur. Sure, I’ve known the man for about a hundred years, but how well can you truly know someone? I try to think about the people closest to me. Who could have told Bogdan?
“Want to tell me what’s on your mind?” Viggo asks, interrupting my thoughts.
I snap back to reality, not wanting to mention all of my worries, so instead I tell him what’s really on my mind. “I’m just thinking about letting Allison go.”
Viggo raises a brow. “Go where?”
“Back to her real life. Back to the States.”
Viggo narrows his eyes, obviously not believing me. “She cares about you. You don’t seriously want to rip her away from all of this, do you?”
I’m not happy with my decision, obviously, because I care about her too. More than care, which is why I must do this. “I can’t make her happy.”
Viggo slaps my shoulder. “If anyone could make her happy, it’d be you.”
I stare into Viggo’s brown eyes. “Thanks, brother, but I’m not changing my mind on this. She deserves a life away from this world. Especially with me trying to create a new governing body. I don’t know. It’s just too much.”
“I think she should get to decide for herself, don’t you?”
Viggo’s right. But I know she’d pick me, and it's not what’s best for her. Sometimes you must sacrifice the things you want most for the greater good. Once everything has been handled with Bogdan, then she’ll have nothing to fear and can live her life peacefully.
The guests are arriving, so I tell Viggo we’ll talk about it later and we head toward the outdoor pavilion where the party is being held. I put my mask in place, tying the ribbon at the back of my head.
Viggo opens the French doors and as we step out, I spot Allison near the dance floor.
She’s breathtaking, dressed all in black with a black-feathered mask that adorns her beautiful face. I can’t tear my eyes away from her flowing blonde hair and the crown that sits atop her head. It’s the Blackmoor crown, and seeing it there makes me proud. However, that feeling fades quickly.
“You love her,” Viggo whispers to me.
“Obviously,” I admit. “But sometimes love isn’t enough.” I move through the crowd, shaking hands and saying hello to people as I pass them, not really paying attention as I make my way to the only person who matters in the world.
“Draven, this party is spectacular.” Allison beams, her blue eyes sparkling, and it slays my cold-dead heart.
“You’re spectacular.” I give a chin lift to the crown. “It looks good on you.”
She raises her hand to touch it. “I can’t believe this is my life.”
My heart drops at her words, knowing very well that this shouldn’t be her life. None of this should.
She should be out with her college friends. Studying over her classes late in the library like she loves to do. Having a life that isn’t always bogged down with danger and demons.
“What’s wrong?” she asks, clearly sensing my mood.
I fake a smile, not wanting to ruin her night before it’s even started. “Nothing. Everything is fine. Should we mingle?”
She parks a hand on her hip. “Not until you tell me what’s going on. You’ve got your serious face on.”
I laugh a little. “My what?”