Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Sylvia.

Her again.

She let out a sharp, cold laugh, her voice low so only Rupert could hear. "If I can't

have her, then no one can. And you don't even think about it."

Right then, a motorcycle roared straight into the ballroom, sending guests scrambling and ducking behind tables and chairs.

The bike screeched to a halt right in front of Bridget. The rider stretched out a hand. “Bridget, come on! Let's get out of here!"

Without hesitating, Bridget grabbed their hand and swung onto the back of the bike. In a split second, they were gone, tearing out of the wedding and leaving chaos behind.

As they sped past, Bridget shot Sylvia a venomous look-a look that promised this wasn't over.

Up on the dais, Rupert's cool voice cut through the stunned silence.

"The bride's taken off-wedding's over. Folks, help yourselves to some food before you go."

Like this had nothing to do with him at all.

The event staff jumped into action, switching the wedding music to some mellow

the evening as if nothing

Sylvia snap back to reality, her phone

a message from

"Come to the lounge."

"Okay," Sylvia texted back.

Rupert and the Garcias

to waste a second, Sylvia hurried toward the

stepped inside when a glass flew right at her face. She

temple. Shards skittered to the floor, and a trickle of blood slid down his face, making him look even colder,

room went dead silent, nobody daring to

even know where we are

at the blood with a handkerchief. "If I don't show people what happens when they try to

no need to make a circus

so much trouble. lately, who knows how many people are waiting to pounce? If we just let this slide, everyone will think we're weak. I've already sent Orson to talk

aside and sat down, pulling out a cigarette, surveying the room like a king

ring on his thumb. "What, you think I

mention of murder,

fists clenched on his knees, eyes narrowed at Rupert. His gaze

you couldn't guess what he was

whipped around to stare

are friends. Did you know about this?

at?"