Page 7 of Make Me
I can do this on my own.
As I take another step forward, I keep my gaze lowered and shoulders squared, but it’s hard to completely avoid eye contact in a place like this. Penny, a shifter from Spencer’s pack, spots me and offers a warm wave, her crimson gown catching my attention. The fabric clings to her curves with precision and the off-shoulder sleeves slip down her arms in a way that looks effortless yet intentional.
A daring slit cuts high up one thigh, revealing smooth skin that catches every flicker of light as she moves with almost lethal confidence. Basically, she looks deadly and stunning—as always.
I guess I’m not going to ignore everyone tonight.
Plus, Spencer would probably be pissed if I snubbed Penny. With that thought in mind, I drift in her direction to offer something resembling small talk that hopefully won’t turn awkward.
“Can you believe this place?” I say, glancing up at the mansion that feels more like a modern day castle with its looming size.
Penny’s eyes narrow as she tosses her blonde waves over her shoulder. “Three stories, probably over twenty thousand square feet, and surrounded by enchanted fog?I’m more curious how none of us knew this was where that fae was living this whole time.”
Her suspicious chuckle earns one from me. She’s not wrong. Even closer up, the estate is pristine—the stone walls unblemished with darker rock and ivy climbing up the sides. The windows are spotless and spaced with elegant symmetry, but every single one is obscure, as if the glass itself has been blacked out. No hint of life behind them, just smooth, unbroken shadows. That combined with everything else and the only thing this place seems to be missing is a moat and a lurking sea monster.
We walk side by side for a few more steps, both of us slowing as we approach the main door.
Penny’s eyes narrow and she lets out an exaggerated sigh. “Time to get this over with. See you in there.”
“Yeah,” I lie, “I’ll be right behind you.”
Moving out of the way for another group waiting to enter, there’s a slow warmth that seeps into my bones, subtle but unmistakable, as if I’ve crossed an invisible line into comfort.
Maybe Vaelora enchanted the grounds to feel this way. Maybe she wants everyone so at ease that they forget how to leave. Maybe she’s planning to feed off our energy like some kind of fae leech.
The thought makes me snort under my breath. Apparently, I’m adding paranoia to my growing list of charming qualities. Vaelora may be annoying and obnoxiously pretty, but she’s not evil. Hopefully.
I glance behind me, pretending to admire the fountain I hadn’t noticed before. It stands in the center ofthe circular driveway with three tiers of carved obsidian and glowing runes. Colored lights flicker just beneath the surface of the water, casting soft reflections onto the mist. Small streams arc gracefully into the air from the top tier and land with perfect precision into the lower levels, creating a rhythmic, soothing trickle.
More guests arrive, drifting past me like royalty in satin and silk. I keep out of their way but still don’t follow. The laughter and music float from inside the house, teasing and welcoming, but my feet stay rooted to the stone.
With a long exhale, I press a hand to my chest and try to center myself. Gods, I miss me. The old me. The one who lived in the moment like Nona. Who took risks just to feel something. Who didn’t need a reason to say yes. Sometime over the last year, I started shrinking, and I didn’t even notice it happening until now.
How did I let this happen?
I don’t know, but it has to end before I completely lose myself.
Maybe I’ll send a message to Sin, asking her to come here. Hell, I could invite Clara and Raegan too. Get the whole gang back together for a weekend with my girls. Ones that I know are rather good at knocking sense back into people whenever they need it.
I make a mental note to do that tomorrow then straighten my shoulders. No more stalling. It’s time to walk through that door and get this night over with.
The moment I push open the massive double doors, the cool night air vanishes, replaced by a rush of warm, fragrant air laced with magic and perfume. The foyer isstunning—high white ceilings vaulted above me like the inside of a cathedral, a crystal chandelier hanging in the center, scattering fractals of light across the polished black marble beneath my feet. Gold-veined columns frame the hall, and the whole space hums faintly with magic.
Only a few people linger near the entrance. Most guests have already moved into the heart of the mansion.
An older gentleman in a crisp tux stands beside a pedestal, adjusting his bowtie with one hand while holding out the other toward me with a dignified smile. His aura is faint—almost undetectable—which makes me believe he’s human. That alone is enough to throw me off once more.
“Invitation, miss?”
“Right.” I dig the wrinkled parchment from my pocket and hand it over.
His smile widens. “Welcome, Miss Hav?—”
“Kasha is fine,” I interrupt.
“My apologies, Miss Kasha.” He gives a slight bow then gestures toward the wide arched halls ahead. “Please, enjoy all the festivities. We have entertainment back and to the left, food on the right, and the bar just up ahead.”
“I think I’ll start with a drink,” I mutter, already in need of some liquid courage.
