54

Finally, I was back in bed. Ray thoughtfully retreated to his own bedroom, leaving me alone and confused.

I had far too much to think about based on tonight's events alone.

One single fact was ever so present in my mind.

What happened the night of my birthday wasn't some spur-of-the-moment coup.

It was calculated, planned, and well thought out.

A message had been sent when the men shattered the windows in the ballroom. The game had begun, and I was now a player.

One, people were after my necklace. They knew the power it held and wanted it for themselves. Knowing they could not rip it from my...