76

76

Bethany's POV

Chaos is an interesting thing. It's the one constant in my life these days, but tonight, chaos decided to up the ante.

I was standing by the punch bowl, pretending to listen to Marjorie from accounting talk about her garden—something about zucchinis, I think—when it happened.

At first, it was just a strange sound, low and guttural, coming from the far side of the room. I glanced over and saw Adrian doubled over, his hands gripping the edge of a table like it was the only thing keeping him upright. His breathing was ragged, his shoulders trembling.

Something was wrong.

"Excuse me," I muttered to Marjorie, already moving toward him.

"Bethany, don't," Marjorie warned, her eyes wide and panicking. I ignored her, rushing to where Adrian was. Mason, on the other hand was standing by the fireplace, staring at Adrian like he had been waiting for this exact moment for a long time.