Page 51 of The Bleak Beginning

This was so not good. “I knew this was going to happen. Okay, maybe not this,this, but you know what I mean…never mind.”

Sutton’s delighted expression quickly morphs into one of concern. “Alfie? Are you alright?” she asks.

I grip Alfie’s arm, trying to keep him upright as he sways dangerously. “He’s fine,” I say, more to convince myself than Sutton.

As if on cue, Alfie’s eyelids flutter, and he mumbles something incoherent. Great. Just great.

“Sutton, help me get him to the couch,” I instruct, trying to keep my voice calm. She nods, wide-eyed, and rushes to Alfie’s other side.

We manage to half-drag, half-carry him past the grand piano on the far end of the room and over to the nearby sofa, where he collapses in an ungraceful heap of limbs. I’d avoided this side of the dining hall after I was told that the small second level mezzanine above this alcove was off limits to me. Ophelia and her friends had made it clear that only Legacies were allowed up there, and I was not one of them.

“What now?”

“I don’t know,” I huff, completely unsure what to do next.

He mumbles something, then his eyes start to open as he inhales a dramatic lungful of air, righting himself from his horizontal position on the sofa.

“Alfie?” I say, relief washing over me as he regains consciousness. “Are you okay?”

He blinks rapidly, his gaze darting between Sutton and me. “What…what happened?” he asks, his voice weak and confused.

“You fainted,” Sutton explains, perching on the edge of the sofa, her brow furrowed with concern. “After you cut your thumb.”

Alfie’s eyes widen in realization, and he quickly lifts his hand to examine the damage. The napkin is still pressed against his thumb, now stained with a small circle of blood.

“Uh,” he says, looking embarrassed. “I…I don’t do well with blood.”

I can’t help but let out a small chuckle, the tension of the moment finally breaking. “You don’t say?”

Sutton shoots me a reproachful look, but I can see the corners of her mouth twitch as well.

“Welp! It appears the rain has mostly cleared up,” he says casually, as if whatever happened to him moments ago was completely normal. “Would either of you ladies like to go out for an night on the town? I have a car.” He waggles his brows at that.

Sutton and I exchange a bewildered glance. Is he serious? The guy just fainted at the sight of his own blood, and now he wants to go gallivanting around town?

“Alfie,” I start, trying to keep my voice even. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Maybe you should just stay in and make sure you’re okay.”

But Alfie is already pushing himself up from the couch, swaying lightly as he stands. “Nonsense! I’m right as rain now. A little fresh air will do me some good.”

Sutton bites her lip, looking torn. “I don’t know. What if you faint again?”

Alfie waves his uninjured hand dismissively. “That? Ancient history. I promise I won’t look at any more blood tonight.” He grins, his charm returning in full force. “Come on,” he coaxes. “It’ll be fun.”

“The only place I plan on going is my bed.” I say sternly. I’ve had more than enough excitement for the night. Besides, the rain had mostly let up by this point, so I was free to escape before we had a glitter fiasco, take two.

“Well, suit yourself,” he says, his enthusiasm undimmed. “What about you, Sutton? Up for a fancy night out with a dashing, only slightly bloodied gentleman?”

“I think I’m going to have to agree with Alex and turn in for the night.” She hesitates, “This has been…interesting.”

“Your loss, ladies.”

A cloud of smoke appears between Sutton and me, and I swat it, coughing.

Not this again.

As the smoke clears, I’m expecting to see Alfie gone. But no, he’s still there, looking just as confused as we are.

“What in the blazes?” he sputters, waving his hand in front of his face right before another cloud of smoke hazes my vision.

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