“I'm not interested,” I said coldly.

Regan huffed in annoyance. “You’re being such a bore tonight, Blake.”

“And you’re being a petulant bitch, as always,” I snapped cruelly. “I didn’t invite you here, so don’t look so hurt. Go find someone else to bother.”

I turned away, but not before I saw her face fall. My mood had soured. Suddenly, I didn’t want to be near anyone. I stepped into the crowd and began to prowl the edges of the room.

I couldn’t leave. I was obligated to be here as House Leader.

And as House Leaders, Tanaka and I were also not permitted to attack one another. No matter how much I might long to break that rule, I knew I’d be in a huge pile of shit if I did. Worse than what had nearly happened to Pendragon when she attacked me.

Everywhere I looked, I saw Pendragon and Kage.

As soon as the orchestra began to play, Tanaka led her up to dance.

I had to admit, Tanaka had good taste. It was clear he’d picked out the gown for Pendragon. The neckline was certainly low enough. My colors would have suited her better, but even in black and silver she was absolutely gorgeous. Her fiery red hair gleamed against the dark fabric of the gown. The dress was striking, revealing, clinging to every curve of her body in a way that made my throat go dry.

It killed me to watch Kage lead her around the room.

I’d stalked in a circle and now I’d reached the Drakharrow group again.

Regan was talking too much, laughing too loudly. She touched my arm and tried to pull me back into the group but I yanked away. I knew I was being an asshole, but I hadn’t asked her to the ball tonight and it pissed me off that she was acting as if I had.

I hadn’t asked anyone. I knew Pendragon would have turned me down flat. The idea of that rejection was just too much to stomach.

A slow song started and I watched as Kage put his hands on Pendragon’s waist, guiding her into the steps of the melody.

Every instinct in my body was telling me to march across the floor and rip her away from him.

The idea that Kage might actually believe that this night might end with him in Pendragon’s bed made my blood boil. There was no way I was going to let that happen.

I reminded myself that I was the only man in the room who knew what she looked like beneath all of that silk and silver. I could remember every detail. The perfection of her breasts, the curve of her hips, those long luscious legs.

I stole a glance at the dance floor, stealing a glance at the swell of her breasts as they lifted against the satin edge of the black dress.

I imagined pulling the edge of the gown down and exposing the tip of one straining nipple to the cool night air as my hot mouth landed on it.

Fuck. I had to stop torturing myself or I’d be hard all night.

Kage might think this was all just some game. A move to rile me up by flaunting Pendragon. But I knew her better than that. Didn’t I? She was stubborn, defiant, and there was no way she’d let Kage put her in his little box.

I hoped I was right.

And yet, as Kage spun her around and I watched her face light up in a smile that seemed genuine, my fists clenched at my side. She’d never smiled at me like that. She seemed happy. Like she was really having fun.

I’d known she would laugh in my face if I’d extended an invitation tonight. But now, as I watched her with Kage, I felt a sting of regret for not even trying.

I needed a drink. Something to take the edge off.

I reached the bar and ordered a glass of bloodwine. I needed something strong enough to drown out the image of Kage and Pendragon swaying in each other’s arms on the dance floor.

Just as the bartender handed me the goblet, I heard a familiar voice beside me. I turned to see Kage, ordering two drinks–one for himself and one for Pendragon.

“Bloodwine for myself and spiced wine for the lady,” Kage said smoothly.

I drained my glass and then slammed it down, feeling the stem snap. The bartender took one look at me and quickly swept it away.

I turned to face Kage. “Spiced wine? Really? How do you know what she likes to drink?”

Kage turned slowly to look at me. “It’s the little things, Drakharrow. When you spend enough time with someone, you pick up on them.”

I clenched my jaw, as he smirked. “You think spending a few hours at a dance means you know her? You don't know a damn thing about her.”

Kage wasn’t even in any of our classes. House Avari had their own Advanced Weaponry sessions. When had he spent time with her? Had they been seeing each other without my realizing it?

Kage leaned casually against the bar. “I'm getting to know her. Medra’s full of surprises, isn’t she? There’s so much more to her than meets the eye.”

I took a step towards him. “If you know her so well, then you must know she’s not the type to fall for a few fancy words and some cheap wine.”

Kage raised an eyebrow. “Maybe not. But she seems to be enjoying my company tonight, doesn’t she? After all, you've been watching us closely enough to notice.”

“Enjoy the moment while it lasts,” I snarled. “You’ll never know her the way I do.”

Kage smiled, but his tone turned icy. “The way you do? That's funny. From where I’m standing, it doesn’t look like you know her at all. Or that she wants you to. Are you just afraid to have her realize that someone else might treat her better than you ever would?”

A rush of rage rose in my chest. My hands itched to wrap around Tanaka’s throat and wipe off his smug expression.

I held back. Barely. I wouldn’t give Kage the satisfaction of drawing me into a scene here, in front of everyone.

“She’s not a game, Kage,” I said, my voice tinged with warning.

Kage’s eyes gleamed with amusement. “If she’s not a game, then why are you playing it so badly? No need to be so jealous, Drakharrow. At least try and keep your shit together.”

The urge to hit him was almost unbearable.

“Jealous?” I spat. “I’m not jealous. I just don’t like opportunistic snakes.”

Kage’s smile didn't waver. “Whatever you say. Just remember–you’ve done nothing to make her yours. She’s a gift you’ve never appreciated. So maybe the problem isn’t me, Drakharrow. Maybe it’s you.”

The blood rushed to my ears.

Kage leaned towards me. “And now look at you. You’re just standing on the sidelines,” he murmured. “Watching her slip through your fingers. How does it feel? You had your chance, Drakharrow. And now? She’s with me.”

I wanted to splatter Kage’s blood all over the ballroom floor. But I couldn’t. Not here. Not with everyone watching. Especially as I knew Pendragon would see it as a sign of weakness.

I gestured to the bartender for another bloodwine, trying to swallow down my fury. “You're treading on dangerous ground, Tanaka. Enjoy the night while it lasts.”

I took a deep breath as Kage walked away.

I just had to get through the rest of the night. There was too much at stake for me to fuck this up now.

Somehow I made it to midnight without strangling Kage or throwing him across the room. It was a Frostfire miracle, really.

I watched as the clock ticked towards twelve. When midnight chimed, with it would come the Longest Night Waltz.

I stood near the edge of the dance floor, watching as the orchestra prepared. Archons were supposed to dance with one of their consorts. This dance was reserved exclusively for highbloods. Even though I hadn’t officially asked Pendragon to the ball, there was no way in hell Kage was claiming her for this one.

Spotting her over near the punch bowl, talking to her friend, the quiet dark-haired girl, Florence, I straightened my jacket and marched over.

When I reached her, I didn’t waste time on pleasantries.

“Dance with me,” I said, holding my hand out.

I saw her hesitation. Her brows furrowed. I’d caught her off guard. For a brief moment, I saw the desire to refuse flash across her face.