A/N: Make sure you read chapter 39 first! We got double update today because of new years :P Also sorry for the long chapter. I cut so much but it still ended up way over the word limit lol.

***

Jace didn't seem to notice, or care, about the tension radiating from Bianca and George. His hold on my hand was firm, his touch grounding me as he led us effortlessly through the crowd toward the bar.

The murmurs and stares from the other students were affecting me more than normal, like an endless hum crawling under my skin.

At the counter, Jace leaned in close as he ordered our drinks over the blasting music. Something simple for him, and a pink, glittering concoction for me.

I glanced around as the bartender worked, taking in the Halloween decorations. Cobwebs and skulls, pumpkins and smoke machines. Most of the students on this floor were younger, first and second years like me. Upstairs was reserved for older students as they served alcohol there.

When our drinks arrived, Jace handed me mine.

"Here you go, my sweet bride."

The glass sparkled in the dim light. I took a cautious sip from the fancy straw and moaned in delight at the sweet strawberry taste.

Jace watched me, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips.

"Don't worry if people are staring," he said. "They're just curious."

"Curious about what?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.

"Us," he said simply as he took a sip of his soda.

Before I could respond, a voice cut through the crowd.

"Well, this is... unexpected."

I turned, my stomach flipping as I met Bianca's gaze.

She stood a few feet away, her red lips curved into a smile that looked strained. Her nurse costume clung to her like a second skin, revealing a bit more than a normal dress would. Though she was still stunning.

"Bianca," I smiled. "You look amazing."

"Lucy," she replied. Her eyes flicked to Jace, lingering there. "I didn't expect to see you two together. Especially after everything you told me about not wanting to date him."

My heart dropped, but Jace didn't flinch.

"Lucy's kind enough to indulge me tonight," Jace said smoothly, his smile unwavering.

"Yeah, she does keep up that sweet image," Bianca replied, her gaze locked on him now. Her lips curled into a pretty smile. "I love your costume, by the way. You look so... dangerous."

Jace chuckled.

"Maybe I am."

Bianca giggled, twirling a strand of her blonde-and-purple hair. I looked away, my eyes catching on George. He still hadn't moved, his hard gaze fixed on us like assessing a threat.

"But what's up with Lucy?" Bianca snorted.

She was staring at me now, her eyes raking over my dress.

"Your outfit is so... extra. Is that a real wedding dress?" she laughed. "Most people keep it simple, but you went all out, huh? It's like you're asking for attention."

I chuckled, smoothing the fabric of my skirt nervously.

"It is a bit much, I guess."

Jace's arm slipped around my waist, the touch possessive.

"I think it's perfect," he said, his voice soft but tinged with something sharper. "So many girls use Halloween as an excuse to dress skimpy." He tilted his head toward Bianca, his smile pointed. "What are you supposed to be, by the way? A nurse? It's cute. Lucy's studying nursing, you know? People might think you're her fan."

Bianca's eyes widened, her confidence faltering for the briefest moment.

"No, I just... It seemed easy."

Jace's smile turned razor-sharp as he gave her a slow once-over.

"Yeah, easy does come to mind."

The color drained from Bianca's face, but Jace didn't give her a chance to recover. His hand slid lower on my back, sending shivers down my spine.

"What do you say, Luce?" His voice was smooth, almost a whisper. "Should we head upstairs? I feel... out of place down here. Too many immature gazes."

"S-sure," I stammered, caught off guard by the subtle menace in his tone.

I turned briefly to Bianca, whose narrowed eyes burned into me, but before guilt could claw its way in, Jace tugged me gently forward. I followed him upstairs, the bouncer stepping aside without a word as soon as he saw Jace.

The upstairs bar was a world apart. The air was thicker, charged with the bass-heavy rhythm of the music, and the costumes were daring — provocative even. Couples swayed together in dark corners, others danced in a blur of movement. By the couches, clusters of people lounged with drinks, their laughter rising over the pounding beat.

It was there, among the chaos, that my gaze landed on a familiar figure.

Wikus reclined against the plush leather, a black Greek robe draped over his frame, the fabric exposing tattoos that snaked across his chest. A silver wreath perched on his head like a crown, but the most striking detail wasn't his attire — it was his company.

At his feet, two women and a man knelt, dressed in corset-like outfits adorned with dog ears and spiked collars. Leashes hung from Wikus's hand, the leather straps coiling over his ringed fingers.

His eyes lit up when he saw me, his grin wide and unrestrained as he waved enthusiastically.

"Lily!" he called out, his voice carrying over the music.

Jace's sigh was barely audible, but I felt the irritation ripple through him.

"Wonderful," he muttered dryly, his gaze shifting to mine. "Your favorite painter."

Despite his clear disinterest, Jace steered us toward the couches. Wikus rose the moment we approached, his movements fluid as he pulled me into a hug, the leashes still gripped tightly in his hand.

"I love your costume!" Wikus exclaimed, holding me at arm's length as he studied me. "It suits you perfectly. Ah, I can already see it — a painting, bold and haunting. What a vision you are."

His gaze flicked to Jace, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips.

"But I suppose the credit goes to you?"

"It was Luce's idea," Jace said coolly, his voice devoid of enthusiasm. "I merely facilitated."

"Lily makes such a beautiful bride," Wikus said with a laugh. "Ah, I just want to snatch her up for myself."

I forced an awkward smile, unsure how to respond.

"What, uh... what are you dressed as?" I asked, glancing at his leashed companions.

Wikus's smirk widened. "Isn't it obvious? I'm Hades, and my dates..." He gestured grandly. "They're Cerberus."

Cerberus? Like the three-headed dog guarding the underworld?

My gaze flickered back to the trio, their collars glinting under the low lights.

"That's... clever," I said.

"I know, right?" Wikus grinned.

One of the women tugged slightly on her leash, her skeptical eyes locked on me.

"Wikus, who is this?"

"Hmm?" Wikus turned to her as if the answer were obvious. "Lily? She's my muse."

The woman froze, her eyes widening as she stared at me.

Before I could decipher it, Wikus turned back to Jace.

"Jace, can I borrow Lucy for a game? A drinking game. I promise I'll return her intact. I'm far too curious to resist."

Jace's gaze darkened, his jaw tightening as he studied Wikus for a long moment. Then, with an exhale, he relented.

"Fine," he said, his tone clipped. "I need to make some rounds. I trust you'll keep an eye on her. Just an eye."

"Of course – eheheh."

Jace turned to me, his hand cupping my face as he kissed my forehead, the gesture intimate yet so familiar already.

"Be good, Luce," he murmured. "I'll be back soon."

"O-okay," I managed, the warmth of his touch lingering as he pulled away.

I watched as Jace disappeared into the crowd, his confident stride cutting through the chaos. The weight of his absence settled over me, and when I turned back, Wikus was already grinning.

"Let's get proper drinks, yeah?" he said. "If it's alright with you?"

I glanced around, the flickering lights and heavy bass clouding my judgement.

"Uhm, maybe something light."

"Of course," he said.

Wikus released the leashes of his companions, their chains pooling at their feet as he draped an arm around me. His touch was too confident, and yet, I followed him toward the bar. The stares continued, though less pointed than when I was with Jace.

Wikus charmed the bartender with ease, ordering drinks with a wink and a grin. I placed my empty glass on the counter, its sweetness still lingering on my lips. Moments later, he returned with four glasses filled with a fizzy purple drink that shimmered under the strobe lights.

"Have you ever played Confidence?" Wikus asked, his grin widening as we made our way back to the lounges.

I shook my head.

"I haven't played many drinking games."

"Well, you're in for a treat," he said, setting the drinks on a low glass table before sinking into a couch across from me. His dates, obedient as ever, knelt around the table, their eyes flickering between him and me.

He explained the game: you guessed the color of a card and poured into an empty glass based on your confidence. If you guessed wrong, you drank. If you guessed right, the next person added to the glass until someone inevitably lost.

"Red," one of Wikus's dates called, her voice sultry as she poured a sip into the cup.

She flipped the top card — a ten of diamonds. Her smirk was sharp as she gestured to the next player, a thin man who leaned forward.

"Black," he said, pouring more into the glass, now nearly half full.

He flipped his card — a three of spades.

Wikus leaned toward me, his grin widening.

"Your turn, Lily."

I hesitated, my gaze lingering on the nearly full glass. The thought of drinking that much in one go tightened my chest.

"You're all or nothing!"

The sudden voice made me jolt. Before I could react, someone grabbed my drink and poured the remaining liquid into the cup, filling it to the brim.

I turned to see Cindy hopping over the back of the couch, her cinnamon curls bouncing as she settled beside me. She grinned, sharp and wolfish.

"It's gotta be black again," she said, her voice dripping with confidence. "Trust me."

The now-full glass loomed between us, daring me to take the gamble.

"Don't pour for her," Wikus scolded, his tone darkening for the first time.

Cindy rolled her hazel eyes, lounging beside me like a cat.

"Relax. I'm on her side. I don't have any freaky ideas in mind, unlike you."

It was only then I noticed the costume. A pink cheerleader set with blood all over. She grinned at me, showing off a pair of sharp fangs.

"I'm vampire Cindy tonight," she said.

Wikus scoffed, brushing his hair. My eye caught on one of the tattoos on his exposed chest: a coffin filled with flowers.

"I wouldn't believe a word out of that girl's mouth, Lily."

"Oh, you can trust me," Cindy purred, her fingers trailing lightly along the edge of my skirt. "It's black. Trust me."

Her confidence was infectious.

"Black does seem more likely," came a cool voice from behind me.

I turned to see Heather sinking onto the couch beside Cindy, her arms crossed and expression unreadable. Unlike the others, she didn't wear a costume, her presence as stark as her tone.

"I bet it's red," Wikus said with a sly grin, leaning back lazily.

"If it's black, Lucy has to dance with me," Cindy announced, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"And if it's red, she dances with me," Wikus countered with a smirk.

Cindy pouted, crossing her arms.

"No fair. You already got all the fun last time."

"I'm just better at this," he said with a low chuckle.

They both turned to me, their eyes expectant.

"Well, Lily?" Wikus's voice dripped with challenge, his grin wide and sharp. "What's it going to be?"

I swallowed hard. Their expectant gazes pinned me in place as my eyes darted between the full glass and the card waiting on the table.

"I... guess it's black?" I murmured, my voice barely audible over the pounding bass. Cindy's eager expression made it feel cruel to deny her.

With nervous fingers, I reached for the card and flipped it over.

Red.

Wikus's laugh boomed, dark and triumphant.

"Ahahaha! You see? Never trust honey traps."

Cindy's face fell, her earlier confidence crumbling.

"I really thought it would be black... I'm sorry, Lucy."

"It's alright," I said quickly, offering a smile to soften her guilt.

I reached for the glass at the center.

All eyes were on me as I lifted the concoction to my lips. Its sharp, clashing aroma burned my nose — an unholy mix of liquors from everyone's glasses. My stomach churned at the thought of drinking it, but I steeled myself and tipped it back.

The liquid burned its way down, heavy and bitter, with an acrid aftertaste that made me grimace. I could hear Wikus hum in approval.

"That tasted awful," I muttered, setting the empty glass back on the table.

"Well done!" Wikus clapped. "Took it all in one go. Impressive."

Before I could reply, Cindy sprang up and grabbed my arm, tugging me to my feet.

"Lucy, come with me. These people are boring."

"Hey!" Wikus protested. "I won the bet — she's mine for the next dance!"

Cindy stuck her tongue out at him, her grip on my arm unwavering.

"Too bad! She's coming with me!"

Her laughter rang out as she dragged me toward the bar, her cinnamon curls bouncing with each step.

"Wikus is such a little freak, isn't he?" she giggled. "I have no idea how he gets sooo many people thirsting after him. Personally, I prefer more... masculine types. You know, the kind that can pick you up and fuck you against a wall."

I suddenly coughed as my face instantly heated up.

"What?" she teased, feigning innocence. "Isn't that the dream?"

I scrambled for a response, the memory of Wikus lifting me onto the meat hook flashing unbidden in my mind.

"I mean... Wikus can pick me up."

Her grin turned predatory.

"Oh? Didn't realize you two were that close. Poor Jace must be fuming at the thought of Wikus's kinky paws all over you."

If my face wasn't already burning, it was now.

"No, no, it's not like that!" I stammered. "Wikus and I aren't... doing anything weird!"

Cindy raised an eyebrow, her smirk unrelenting.

"So, you're saying he's never seen you naked?"

I wanted to vanish. My throat went dry, but she burst into laughter before I could reply.

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding! Relax." She slung an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. Her sharp teeth glinted as she smiled, though something about the gesture felt... off. "But seriously, don't break Jacey's heart, okay? He's like my big brother. I'll kill you if you hurt him."

Her tone was light, but the threat lingered.

"You don't have to worry about me," I said, though my voice felt small.

Cindy's grin softened, her fangs still catching the light.

"Good. That's why I like you. You and Jacey would be so perfect together I swear! Ugh, you better invite me to the wedding!" She giggled, eyes sparkling. "Is it tonight?"

I laughed at that one.

"Maybe we can find a priest in here somewhere," I joked.

Cindy burst out laughing.

"OMG, you got a funny side! Ah, we should be sisters. How about it, Lulu? Can I call you Lulu?"

"I would love that," I smiled, my heart feeling full.

We reached the bar where Cindy leaned over to order two vibrant cocktails, their colors swirling hypnotically under the light. She handed me one and held hers aloft.

"Cheers!"

"Cheers," I echoed, raising my glass, but before I could clink it against hers, she pulled away with a sly grin.

"Ah-ah!" she teased. "You have to look a person in the eyes when you clink, or you'll be cursed with seven years of bad sex."

My eyes widened as I met her gaze, forgetting how to blink as our classes finally clinked.

"Oooh, you look so worried now," Cindy teased. "Don't worry. If you got cursed, I bet Jacey would still make it good. He's got that vibe, doesn't he? I've always wanted to know what he's like in the bedroom. Hmmm? Is he as good as he looks?"

Her grin widened, exposing her fangs.

My throat tightened, but I forced a sip of my drink. It was so smooth I could barely taste any alcohol beneath the layers of sugary fruit.

Before I could respond, Cindy clapped her hands and tugged me forward.

"Oh, look — my date's over there! Come on, come on, say hi."

I barely had time to process before she dragged me toward the pool tables, her curls bouncing with each upbeat step.

"You remember Bruce, right?" she said, gesturing to the stocky blond man lining up a shot. "He was at the villa last time."

"Yeah, I remember," I replied. Bruce was a footballer from another university if I remembered correctly. Tonight, he wore bloody football gear with a gruesome wound painted across his neck.

"He's supposed to be my victim," Cindy said with a playful smirk.

Bruce straightened and nodded at me. "Sup."

"Hi," I replied, awkward under the weight of his indifferent stare.

"I like your costume," he said simply.

"Thanks."

Cindy groaned, rolling her eyes.

"Urgh, you're so boring, Bruce. Get some more drinks and loosen up already."

Before I could blink, Cindy's arm looped through mine again, dragging me toward the dance floor.

"In the meantime," she said, her grin lighting up her face, "how about the two of us dance?"

The music pulsed louder as we stepped into the mass of writhing bodies. For a moment, something in my chest lightened, a familiar joy bubbling up, fleeting as a memory. It was like being with Bianca again, before everything that had happened recently.

More than my heart felt light though. A strange, giddy warmth buzzed through me as I finished my drink. My limbs tingled, weightless as air, and my fingers felt foreign, like they belonged to someone else.

Cindy took my empty glass, passing it off to some stranger without a second thought, then turned to face me, her hips moving to the heavy bass. Her laughter was infectious as she twirled, her short skirt flaring dramatically.

"That's it!" she shouted over the music. "Just do what feels good!"

I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in weeks, and started to sway along with her. My head spun, but I couldn't stop smiling. The fabric of my layered dress swirled around my legs, catching the strobe lights, and I felt like another person.

The music picked up, a driving rhythm pulling me deeper into the moment. I spun in circles, Cindy's cheers ringing in my ears. The bodies around me blurred, colors bleeding into one another like a fever dream.

Then I stumbled, dizzy, into a warm, bare chest.

Looking up, I found Wikus grinning down at me.

"Look what a mess Cindy has made of you," he teased darkly. "She's a trap, you know."

I giggled, too lightheaded to form words, and swayed against him.

Wikus's grin deepened as his hands slid to my waist, guiding me into his rhythm. His touch was heavy, grounding, and yet my body felt weightless, like it wasn't my own.

"You're really pretty when you're happy," Wikus murmured, his lips brushing my ear. The heat of his breath sent a shiver across my skin. "I want to paint you so bad right now..."

The words slithered under my skin making me feel stranger than I already did.

"You still owe me another painting, Lily," he whispered, his voice soft. "Would you come home with me tonight? I promise to treat you well."

Wikus turned me around in his arms, his eyes dark as he studied my face. His messy hair fell over his brow, the silver wreath glinting in the flickering lights. His ringed fingers trailed up my bare arm, leaving a tingling path in their wake.

"Hm?" he coaxed, his tone almost tender.

Before I could answer, a familiar voice sliced through the haze.

"That's enough, Wikus."

Wikus's hands lingered on my waist as we both turned.

Jace stood at the edge of the dance floor, without his scythe this time. Strobe lights flickered across his black suit and robe. With the skull mask hiding half his face, it only put more emphasis on his eyes. And as the strobes flicked red, it made his gaze look eerily promising.

"I leave her with you for one moment," Jace said as he walked over, "and look at her now."

Wikus let me go with a chuckle, holding his hands up in mock surrender.

"Hey, don't pin this on me. Cindy's the one you need to blame."

Jace's gaze shifted to where Cindy danced with a stranger, her laughter ringing above the crowd. He exhaled slowly.

"I should've known she'd cause trouble."

"I'm fine!" I insisted, swaying slightly as I stepped toward him, a bright smile plastered across my face. I didn't want him to be mad at Cindy. "I'm having so much fun!"

Jace's expression lost its edge as his eyes locked on mine.

"You are?"

"Yes!" I nodded eagerly. "I feel... light. Happy."

"That's the alcohol talking," he said with a faint chuckle, his hand reaching out to steady me. His fingers brushed mine, sending a shiver up my arm. "No more drinks for you tonight, alright?"

I tilted my head, gazing up at him with a smile.

"Are we... are we going to dance?"

The corners of his eyes softened as something warm flickered in his gaze. He sighed, as if giving in to an unspoken pull.

"How could I say no when you look at me with those eyes?" he murmured, his voice low enough that it felt like a secret.

The dance floor spun around us as he drew me close, his arms wrapping securely around my waist. His presence steadied me, the world narrowing to just the two of us as he began to sway.

I laughed as he spun me out, the movement exhilarating and clumsy all at once. My feet tripped over themselves as I stumbled back into his chest, breathless and giggling.

"You're a terrible dancer, Luce," Jace teased.

"What?" I giggled, my laughter airy and unsteady. "I think I'm pretty good," I insisted, even as my clumsy steps landed on his feet again.

Jace laughed comfortably.

"Alright, let's do it our usual way."

Before I could protest, he lifted me effortlessly, placing my feet on top of his. His strength was unnervingly natural. My arms wrapped around his neck as we moved together, his steps fluid, controlling, guiding me through the chaos of the music.

"I love dancing with you," I whispered. "I feel so... free."

Jace's arms tightened, pulling me closer. His breath brushed against my ear through his mask.

"Agree to date me, Luce, and we can dance like this every day."

A heaviness settled in my heart. My head fell against his chest, the warmth of him seeping into me.

"You don't want my happiness," I murmured softly. "You want my misery."

His response came as a soft whisper against the shell of my ear, sending a hot shiver through me.

"Maybe. But I promise to make you the happiest girl in the world before the time comes."

Before the time comes.

The weight of those words clung to me, chilling and inescapable.

"Stop trying so hard, Luce," he whispered. "Just give in."

I felt the question claw its way to the surface.

Could I trade the rest of my life for the fleeting ecstasy he offered? Would it be worth it?

"If I die," I whispered into the solid warmth of his chest, "my family would be lost. I can't... I can't let them suffer like that."

Jace's laugh was soft, almost pitying, as his hand trailed up my back.

"Your family can't wait for you to die, Luce. I did a little digging." His tone darkened, his words deliberate. "That life insurance policy you've got? It'll pay out eight hundred grand. They're probably counting the days."

My breath caught.

"How do you—"

"But you're right," he continued. "They'll probably burn through that money in less than two years — if I'm being generous. And then they'll be as lost as you fear. They're really pathetic."

"Stop it," I begged, my voice trembling as I shoved against his chest. My head swam, my limbs unsteady. The world felt tilted, wrong. "If you're trying to make me happy, you're doing a terrible job."

Jace rolled his eyes.

"Happiness isn't about avoiding pain. Sometimes, you have to pull the knife out to let the wound heal. Let them go, Luce."

"You don't understand!"

I wrenched myself from his hold, my movements sluggish but determined.

"Luce. Hey, Luce," he called as he walked after me.

The sound of his voice was swallowed by the chaos of the dance floor as a group of girls swarmed him, their laughter and eager hands drawing him away.

I headed toward the hallway where I hoped the bathroom was.

Not noticing the figure who followed me there.

***

Heyyyy happy new year again!

My new year resolution is to win a Watty for the first time in 2025. I'm delulu like that.

~Holly Shmit