My sister threw red wine across my dress uniform and told me I didn’t belong in that ballroom, my father told security to take me out before I embarrassed his future son-in-law, and I looked at the stain running over my ribbons, checked the countdown on my watch, and said, “You’re right. I don’t,” because in sixty seconds the room was about to learn why I had really come

That is a good choice, I said while glancing briefly at the countdown on my wrist. But you have exactly one minute left to enjoy that smile on your face.

The room fell into a strange kind of silence where the only sounds were the distant clinking of glasses and the steady rhythm of the band. Jessica blinked once in confusion before laughing at what she thought was a hollow threat.

Oh my god, are you actually serious right now, she asked while crossing her arms over her silk dress. What is that supposed to be, some kind of dramatic threat you learned at the academy?

Russell scoffed and told me that this was not a military base where I could act like I was in charge of the situation. He stopped talking not because I interrupted him but because I simply stared at him with an expression that made his confidence waver.

Preston was the only one who seemed to be doing the math as he studied my face for any sign of a bluff. He had seen people break under pressure before but my calm demeanor in this chaotic situation was starting to look like a problem.