I appear from the shadows, looking for all the world like Death. Whispers quickly spread around the room, asking, "Who's that?" and being replied with: "I do not know."
"Many of you are wondering," I announce. "Who I am. And many are wondering when the new Comte de Guerre would attend. You are all in her presence now." I draw in a deep breath and I feel Erik steel my nerves and strengthen my will. My eyes scan the audience before me. They have fallen silent and still. "I am Aria Guirre, Comtess de Guirre."
I make my way over to a side table, for I am suddenly thirsty. I grab a drink and quickly down it. It is almost too crowded in here for me and my ancient soul. Too many people! This was a bad idea—a very bad idea! I can already hear Erik in the back of my mind screaming at me for my foolish choice and telling me to leave now. I gather my cloak around me and head towards the shadows. I want to run, but a part of me says people will stare even more. There should be a trick panel around here, says Erik in the back of my mind. I let him come forward and guide our body. A wall opens before me and I slip inside. The door closes behind me leaving me in darkness, yet I can still see well enough to move around.
I emerge outside in the cool night air. There is a difference in the quality of air at night than in the day, at least in the city. I shall leave for Shadowlocke Estate very soon. I miss, I must admit, Madame Tolet and Shadowlocke's garden….
A black limosine pulls up to the sidewalk and stops. I think to myself, Is someone planning or trying to kidnap me? I raise the hood of my cloak further over my head, draping my face in shadow, and step back into the comforting shadows. As I watch, a solitary figure emerges from the vehicle. He exits from the driver's side, so I assume he is the driver.
The man speaks. "Mademoiselle Guirre? Are you there?" he is obviously very nervous. Is something going on that I don't know about? I wonder. "I have come to take you back to your home. Don't worry, I'm M. Claude Dion, your chauffer for the night."
He doesn't sound like my chauffer, certainly not the one who brought me here…, I think to myself. Although my chauffer's first name is Claude, he is not Claude Dion. It is a trap! I suddenly realize. I have to get away without getting caught—and fast!