Once Bitten (Shadow Guild: The Rebel #1) - Linsey Hall Page 0,30
but now that I saw this place…it looked just like it should. The tower itself was pale brown on a square base and teetered to the left like a drunk. Wooden staircases wrapped around the sides, leading up to a door. The windows were dark and empty, occasionally flashing with light.
And the roof…that was the best bit. Dark and pointed, like a witch’s hat. Pale blue smoke wafted from a chimney, replaced occasionally with sparks of light. Music blared from the place, and I could feel the energy of the party inside. Every now and again, lights exploded right above the lawn—the fireworks that I’d thought I’d seen.
“Each guild tower is built right into the city wall,” Mac said. “And each has a square in front of it.”
I eyed the open space, which was covered in patchy grass. The shops there were mostly derelict, run-down or closed.
“This part of town is shadier,” Mac said. “You can blame the witches. They’re so loud and destructive that shops don’t want to risk it. This lawn catches fire at least twice a year, and spells shoot out the chimney all the time. Frankly, it’s a hazard to be located close to them.”
“The Council of Guilds doesn’t control them?”
“They try. But it’s hard. The witches are part of the council, so they’ve got some say.”
“Sounds like they have a lot of clout.”
“Yeah, that’s what comes with powerful magic in Guild City, and the witches have some seriously powerful magic.”
The moon peeked out from behind a cloud, bright and white. A wolf howled in the distance, and another one streaked across the lawn.
I stepped closer to Mac. “Was that a real werewolf?”
“Yeah. Some of them go nuts near the full moon.”
“Will they…bite?”
“Nah. Not unless you want them to.” She winked at me.
“No, thanks.”
“Good choice.” She laughed. “Let’s go.”
She strode across the lawn, and I followed. The music grew louder as we neared, and the lights flashing in the windows occasionally revealed people dancing.
“Is everyone in town invited?” I asked.
“No. And technically, we’re not, either.” She pulled her sequin mask down over her face. “But that’s part of the fun.”
We were going to gate-crash a masquerade held by witches.
Hell, yeah, that sounded fun.
Way more fun than my normal life.
Who’d have thought that getting accused of murder would be one of the best things to ever happen to me? Assuming I could clear my name and not get tossed in prison.
Mac took the creaky wooden stairs two at a time, and I followed her, pulling my mask down. It concealed the top half of my face, a glittery thing covered with sparkles that was more fabulous than anything I owned back in the real world. I hurried up the stairs in my platform boots. The heels were heavy, and I liked them. They would make a good weapon if I had to kick someone.
When we reached the front door, it swung open without us having to knock. A dour butler stood in the entry, his dark suit immaculately pressed and his white hair perfectly combed. He couldn’t have looked less impressed if he tried, and I found myself loving him.
“Jeeves!” Mac grinned widely. “Long time no see, buddy.”
“You are not invited, Macbeth O’Connell.”
“Pshaw,” Mac scoffed. “Check your list. You’ll find my name.”
Jeeves’s white brows lowered. “I am certain I won’t.”
She touched his arm in a friendly gesture, her smile stretching wider. “I'm sure you wouldn’t want Dorothea knowing about your little…hobby?”
Jeeves flushed scarlet, and I wondered who Dorothea was. My gaze moved to Mac’s hand, where she still clutched at Jeeves. She was using her seer’s gift on him and getting blackmail material, I realized.
Holy crap, that was dark.
And clever.
Jeeves sighed and stepped back. “You may enter. But no tricks.”
“Tricks?” She pointed to herself. “Me? Never!”
He glared at her, and I followed her in, giving him an awkward little wave.
As soon as we entered, a crush of people surrounded us. Everyone was dressed to the nines, all in fabulous crazy outfits. There was a giant chicken who shot sparks out of its tail feathers, a monkey with golden fur, and an eight-legged dog who might have been an actual dog and not a costume.
“This place is wild,” I murmured to Mac.
“No kidding.” She grinned widely. “The witches know how to party.”
“Do you gate-crash often?”
“Every time. It’s part of the fun.” She tugged on my arm. “Now come on, I’ve got something I need to do before we meet the witches. It’ll only take half a second, but