Chapter 6

Eleanor Blackwood received me in the drawing room like a queen receiving a disappointing ambassador. Ninety-one. Silver hair in a perfect twist. Black lace. A cane topped with a silver hawk. "So." Her voice was dry as paper. "After five years, you finally deign to join us." Adrian's hand tightened on my back. A warning. I looked the old woman in the eyes. "I would have come every single year, Mrs. Blackwood. If anyone had ever asked me." Something flickered across her face. A frown. Confusion....