"Wait, Lord Valentine!" Before I can utter the last word, Lord Valentine vaporizes in front of me.
That must not be the real Lord Valentine. This is just a shadow of him made by his magic.
He could have sent another written message like the one a few days ago, but he didn't. He appeared in person, just to apologize. To me. There is nothing he needs to apologize for, yet he asked after my feelings and conditions.
I stand in the balcony, admiring the moon while slowly tasting the candies he left me. I have to treasure them. The moon and the candies are all I have in this lonely night.
Tingling of warmth and sweetness slowly glide down my throat and then my chest, my heart.
The moon looks stunning tonight.
-----------------
I wait till nearly the end of the ball to find Cordelia bursting into the hall and hiding behind a column.
"Hide my track, Ianthe!" Cordelia orders by communicating telepathically to me.
