Collin rolled his shoulders, taking my hand. “It wasn’t an offer.”
Collin steered me onto the dance floor as a new song began. I recognized it immediately. It was my favorite, the one with the most spins and changing partners.
I looked to my left to see William and Nora dancing as well, and to my right, Lo and Gregory.
My heart raced as I bowed to Collin. He barely moved his head in a bow to me before he grabbed my hand. His other hand found my waist as we began to move. The man who considered a way out wasn’t before me. Cold, calculating power held me.
My brows knitted together as he spun me once before capturing me back in his arms.
“You’re a spy,” Collin stated, an absoluteness to his words as he led.
I tried to talk, but the words never came out. Which spy was he referring to? Was he seeking confirmation on what the rebellion had asked of me, or reminding me of the role he had told everyone in this room?
“It is the reason you are in this position right now,” Collin said under his breath, something too cold to be anger lacing each word. His hold on my hand tightened. “You breathe because of it.”
A movement behind Collin’s shoulder caught my attention, but as Collin spun me, I lost sight of it. My breaths sawed out of my chest.
He pulled me back in tightly, his voice dropping low. “I did tell you it isn’t pleasant what happens to those who don’t follow the Illum?”
“What?” I asked, my covered defect colliding with churning sapphire pools.
His grip tightened on my lower back. The countless crystals dug into my skin as the music swelled. I was spun to the man on my left. Collin tracked me as he danced with Lo.
“You look lovely this evening, Emeline,” I heard William say. “The Illum’s sparkling jewel.”
I mumbled a thanks, unable to look away.
William chuckled. “One more spin, and you will be back with your dear Mate.”
I spun, landing back in Collin’s arms. “Why couldn’t you value your life?” he said at my ear in a deadly whisper.
“Collin, I don’t know what you—”
“The act is up, Emeline.” He spun me again, this time right into my brother’s arms, my fear now a tangible thing, a cold sweat coating me. The voices from the Elite surrounding the dance floor seemed to grow louder.
“Are you okay, little sister?” I looked between Gregory and Collin. My skin too tight—the crystals too heavy. Gregory leaned in. “Talk quickly.”
“I messed up,” spilled from my trembling lips. “I didn’t listen to you. They’re a step ahead of me. They know, brother.” It was the first time I had used the word. The room was moving too quickly, the brightly colored gowns and jewels a blur.
“Find me after this dance.” The words floated with me as I spun back to Collin.
Collin held me firmly, the crystals a million tiny knives on my skin. “The crystals, it hurts,” I breathed, arching my back.
Collin took advantage, leaning in. To any spectators, it looked like a lover’s embrace—two people who needed to be close.
“You do not know pain yet, Emeline.” His lips brushed my jaw. “But you’re about to, and I cannot stop it.”
The music swelled. I knew the series of spins were coming. The final moments of the dance.
The Starlings had said to be on the lookout. To stay alert.
“What about a way out?” I breathed desperately.
Collin shook his head. “There is no way out. It’s what I’ve been telling you this entire time.”
He spun me. My head whipped around. Again. Again. Again. Again. Again. Ag—
Chaos erupted off the dance floor. On my final turn, I landed in Collin’s arms, and we spun toward the commotion. The music had stopped.
