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I remembered the way I had fled fro, the stunned expression on Grant’s face as I had left without explanation Guilt twisted low in s, and he wouldn’t even want to help me But no—I shook my head Grant wasn’t like that, I was sure of it

I sensed so before the Ball ca in the air, an unsettled quality that made my skin prickle with awareness Then I smelled it: smoke

I began to run

As the Ball caulfed in fla fla smoke

My heart raced, and I felt lightheaded The Prince Char had the venue been on fire, had it started while they were still asleep? “Please, God,” I prayed through nu toward the flames “Let them be okay”

The street was full of firetrucks and ahters ran with purposeful strides around the building, shouting orders as they went I looked around wildly, desperate for a familiar face

Finally, I found one, but not one of the faces I had hoped for

“Ella!” Valentina called, shocked “What are you doing here? I thought you left last night?” Valentina looked haggard, her lipstick bitten off, her once perfect cat eye ed beyond repair

“I—” I didn’t have tiet into all that had happened “Valentina, what happened? How did this start?”

Valentina shook her head, eyes troubled “I was in my office when I smelled the smoke The fire chief seems to suspect arson”

“Arson?” My mind reeled “But ould want to burn down the Ball?”

“That’s what I intend to find out,” Valentina said

I hardly dared to ask: “Valentinathe Prince Charswere they?” I licked my lips, unable to finish the question

Thankfully, I didn’t have to Valentina shook her head “They were lucky They had a spring clean of their equipear and their van are gone; I guess they must have hit the road”

I shook my head That didn’t rateful they were safe to press the issue “Thank God,” I said fervently “When I saw the sht”

Valentina squeezed ly “I’ here?”