Several foul words played through my mind as I ran through my options. Damn it anyway. Of course, of course the Pumas were here. It was definitely my luck to be landed in a situation like this. No wonder the waiting staff were late. Or were they in on it from the beginning? Were they bought off? All questions for later. It took physical effort to keep my face calm as I formed a tentative plan in my mind.

I turned on my heel and walked back up the stairs to the men’s parlor. My drink was still on the end table where I left it. The others were fully engrossed in their billiards game, but Dash looked at me as I entered the masculine room.

“Ah, Lady Rowena, joining us again?” he asked. Forcing a sly smile, I walked to him, taking out a cue and applying chalk. Dash sank into a chair to await his next turn as Lucien lined up his shot. I leaned toward him and laid my hand on his forearm.

“The Pumas are here,” I said in a whisper, maintaining my smile. Dash’s head snapped to attention, looking my way with a small bit of confusion.

"They're a gang of murderers," I breathed into his ear, seeing Dash's jaw tighten as he began to look around at each passing person.

“Be casual. They’re disguised as the waiting staff,” I said even more quietly. Dash looked serious for a moment, before chuckling as if I’d said something funny. He sat up straighter and patted my forearm. Just then a waiter entered the room with a tray of hors d'oeuvres. I didn't miss how his eyes scanned everyone, but thankfully his gaze didn't linger on us. Dash swirled his glass, still acting natural as he kept his voice low.

“Bollocks, that’s bad. Who else knows?” he whispered through a broad smile. Apart from the words, he was the picture of a man enjoying himself. I chuckled in reply, and leaned on the cue. I canted my head toward him as if consulting his advice for a shot, considering the spread of the balls. They looked like blurs of color as Lucien cracked another ball in, and immediately swore as he scratched.

"Myself and one of the maids are all that know so far. I’m going to handle this but,” I met his eyes, “When all hells break loose, get my brother out of here.”

His gaze turned calculating, his posture stiff. I saw the logic and chivalry fighting in his eyes as he watched me. Finally, he shook his head.

“No, I shall assist you-”

“No," I said firmly, digging my fingers into the muscles of his arm. A flicker of annoyance crossed Dash's features before he gestured a to a random ball on the table and leaned closer to me as if explaining a complex shot.

“That is utterly ridiculous. Nobody could handle this alone. Allow me to help,” Dash said in a tone that broached no argument.

“I appreciate it, but trust me,” I pulled the slit in me dress aside, revealing the handle of my pistol only to Dash's eyes, “You want to let me handle this. Just get my brother out. Put those muscles to use.”

Dash surprised me by grabbing my hand and pulling it to his lips in a gentleman's kiss. I tried to pull away, but his iron grip guided my hand to his coat, where I felt the unmistakable shape of another pistol.

"A true gentleman never leaves home without his weapon. Besides, what type of friend would I be if I didn't give the McAlister's my patronage?" he said, winking. I hesitated, flecking my eyes at the people below. There was at least twenty hired staff tonight, all at various parts of the house. Even now, I saw their eyes darting from person to person, as if selecting the best targets.

They must be waiting for some sort of signal. We didn't have a lot of time.

Finally, I sighed through my nose, sending Dash another smile. A woman enjoying a man's company.

"Alright. Get my brother out first, and then come back to help me. Fair enough?" I asked and Dash pressed another kiss to the back of my hand.

"A fair compromise, my lady," he said, standing and straightening his coat. I handed him the cue and chalk, leaning close one more time.

"Make sure he's in my guest room as soon as possible. He'll need to check on his bride to be," I said in a breath. Dash just smiled at me as he adjusted his cravat and reached to his own glass, draining it in one gulp.

"I suppose Levi was right. You do have a way of making any dull affair exciting. Now go," he said as he strode across the room to the others, the much-abused seams of his coat seeming to tighten with the muscles of his back.

As if preparing for battle.

*******

I picked up my drink, looking mournfully at the excellent vintage. Dipping my finger into the glass, I smeared an ample amount onto my pulse points as if it were a perfume.

Such a waste.

I started to totter on my feet and made a show of stumbling into the guest room where my clothes were. A few of the ladies tittered at me, the lonely spinster who couldn't hold her liquor. I paid them no mind as I shut the door. The second I was inside, I set my glass on a table, grabbed my knife, and started to tear the sheets of the bed. Within a few minutes I had them tied together and secured to the bedpost. I pooled the fabric below the window, eyeballing how far the climb would be. I finished by tucking my knife into my thigh holster.

Satisfied, I picked my drink back up and went back to the ballroom.

Myra and Levi were talking to Lord Beaufoutonte when I stumbled toward them. The lord’s brow furrowed as he saw me walk, his lip curling in distaste at my apparent inebriation.

“Miss Rowena, we were just-” but he stopped short as I stumbled into Myra, tumbling the rest of my drink onto her dress.

Myra’s mouth made a perfect “O” for a moment before she sent a furious glare my way. She looked like a cat who had been dipped in ice water, her arms held aloft and some locks of hair pulling free from her coiffeur. Serious as the situation was, I will never forget Myra's face as the whiskey soaked into the fabric of her bodice. Not for the rest of my life.

“Oh no,” I slurred, as I swayed on my feet again. I began to reach toward Myra's front, acting as if I was going to brush the whiskey off her. She pushed my arms away, her face going a shade of red. She seemed to struggled for words.

“Get off me! My…My dress!” she hissed as her father stopped to assess the stain spreading through the cream lace. I stood to my full height then, looking around. Sure enough, one of the maids had taken notice. My stomach clenched as I saw the all-too-familiar mark peeking out from under her uniform.

“You,” I said, addressing her, “Would you be a lamb and help us get cleaned up?” I ordered. For the barest moment, her eyes narrowed, but then she gave a small bow.

Maids curtsy, not bow. Idiot, I thought as she approached. Myra didn’t notice, still looking at her dress.

“Come on,” I said, grasping her wrist in an iron grip, “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

Before she could argue, I began to haul her towards the stairs. I heard Levi chuckle, and I suppressed the urge to hit him, though I felt him and Lord Beaufoutonte watch us as we walked away. I wanted to invite him to come with us, but couldn't do so without raising too much suspicion. My first priority was to get Myra as safe as possible, and then Levi. I felt some relief as I saw Dash approach them, saying some sort of quip to make everyone smile and return to the merrymaking of the party.

Quietly, the maid, Myra ,and I went upstairs. I lead the charge toward my guest room, Myra following me and the fake maid bringing up the rear. I felt Myra’s livid eyes boring into my back the whole time. I knew she was thinking of returning my new coat and hat as we reached the door to my guest room.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

I opened the door and waved them inside. Closing it behind me, I turned to face the pair.

Then I dove.

The fake maid had already pulled out a knife and was trying to stab Myra, who was dabbing a handkerchief on her generous front. The blade missed her exposed back by a hair’s breadth as my arms wrapped around the maid’s mouth and shoulders. The maid grunted in surprise as we toppled to the floor together, though I did my best to soften the noise of the landing.

“Don’t scream,” I murmured to Myra, who already had her mouth open. I shoved my forearm into the maid's mouth as a makeshift gag, feeling her try to yell something. We were a tangle of limbs and fabric as we rolled over the floor, colliding with the footboard of the bed before rolling back toward the wall. Though she wasn't particularly big, she was deceptively strong. She clearly had some experience fighting. Finally, I was able to stay on top, my knees pinning her arms to the floor as I drew my knife. The Puma paused her struggle as she saw the weapon.

“One more move, and you’re done,” I huffed in a low voice.

She went still as a statue, but her eyes burned with hatred.

“That’s better. Now-”

“Why are you wrestling my maid!?” Myra asked emphatically. She went to pull me off the woman, but I shrugged her away.

“She’s not-” I started, but the Puma took advantage of my momentary distraction, trying to buck me off. Rolling my eyes, I freed one of my hands to drive my elbow into woman’s stomach. She coughed to suck in air as I prodded the knife below her chin. Breathing a bit more heavily, I didn't take my eyes off the captive as I replied to Myra.

“She’s not a maid. She’s a God's damned Puma," I grunted. The woman's eyes narrowed with recognition as I settled more of my weight on her chest.

“Why is a bandit at my engagement party?!” Myra asked, her voice barely restrained in a whisper. Her hands went to her mouth in horror, the stained dress forgotten.

“You know what? That’s a very good question,” I replied, looking the Puma in the eyes, “Why are you here?”

The Puma smirked at me, revealing browning teeth from too much tobacco.

“The Pumas are going to eat you alive” she said, “Blight of Grimwater.”

I felt a muscle feather in my jaw as ice fell into my stomach. Somewhere deeper, the dark current stirred. It flowed farther and faster, roaring through my veins. A beast that licked it's chops.

“Do I know you?” I asked, and the woman’s smile widened, her blood smearing on her teeth.

“No,” she croaked, “but we know you. Done hiding yet?”

I gave her my best sadistic smile.

“Ask your friends. They're currently getting cozy in the jailhouse. I imagine they'll hang sometime soon. Stone doesn't like human traffickers much,” I murmured, "But we're getting off topic. Why. Are. You. Here?"

Her eyes hardened at that, before she leaned closer to me.

“It doesn’t matter. You and your rich friends are dead,” she threatened. I let out an amused snort.

“That’s rich coming from someone I have pinned to the floor,” I replied, pressing my forearm into her neck, “What are you after?”

“You don’t scare me, Bli-” she began, but cut off as I put the tip of my knife under her chin. I felt that darkness rising closer and closer to the surface, and I was having trouble knowing what thoughts were mine, and which ones belonged to the demon.

“That isn’t my name,” I growled.

“Oh, but a little bird told us it is,” she sing-songed until I jabbed her throat. Slowly, I burned a mark, my eyes blazing in that radiant light yet again, but the Puma chuckled through a croak.

“All you Deified are the same,” she said, “You burn your marks and the world is supposed to-”

She gasped in pain as I reached down, and in a small movement broke her trigger finger cleanly. I didn't have time for the this. I needed answers to get a better idea how bad the situation was. Even so, I struggled to hide my own surprise. I had done it before thinking, and I felt no remorse as I gazed at the digit pointing the wrong way. I felt nothing at all. After a moment, I resettled my gaze on the woman.

“I'll take you calling me a bitch. I understand why you'd call me a monster, a demon, or a murderer. Hells, I've earned those names a hundred times over. But if you call me a Deified again,” I said too quietly, "I’ll break them all. Then, we can continue this beautiful conversation and see where the night takes us. Do you understand me?” I said in a voice like water turning to ice.

My forearm still wedged between her teeth, she gave the barest nod. I didn't miss the line of silver in her eyes now. Whether it was from pain or fear, I didn't know. Or care.

“Good. Now what do you have planned? What are you degenerates after” I asked as I removed my arm from her mouth. Infuriatingly, she shook her head.

I was considering what to do next when the woman cocked her head back and spat right into my face.

"Everyone here is going to die. Starting with your pretty little bitch," she said, letting her head fall back as she glanced at Myra, who took a step backward, her eyes darting from the woman to me. The Puma laughed as she saw Myra's fear, then looked back at me.

"So go on and kill me, Blight. I'll watch the slaughter from the Far Shore. There isn't shit you can do about it. We'll kill you all. Just like we killed your other little whore. What was her name? Fayra?"

I went still as she spoke, her words hitting me like bullets. Deep in my soul, that sleeping demon in the obsidian river opened an eye. Something in me snapped. It spread and spread loving it's freedom. I knew I should stop it. I should put it back in it's cage. I knew it would take control again.

But somehow, in this moment, I didn't care. In fact, that blissful numbness and rage sounding like a damn paradise.

For the first time in three years, I stopped fighting and embraced that darkness. The cage I had so carefully crafted tore open, and the lock shattered.

Rowena McAlister closed her eyes, and the demon opened them.

It felt like someone had kicked me in the chest. I gasped as I felt it; that dark current of energy expand. It radiated from my core, and I allowed the slide of something unholy through me. The sensation spread to every inch of my being until we were one and the same.

That icy blackness became more than a metaphor as it spread along my veins, eventually turning the skin along my eyes black.

The Puma gasped as she beheld my face, her own going deathly white. Much of my hair had pulled free in our scuffle and it framed my face from Myra’s view, but the Puma received the full force of the darkness. The radiant blue light turned to a glowing crimson as the transition took full effect.

Distantly, I knew I should be horrified, but all I could do was bare my teeth in a predatory grin.

I slowly wiped my face clean on the back of my fist, the room an ominous quiet apart from the Puma's ragged breathing. The glow in my eyes became brighter, my heartrate going lightning-fast. My voice sounded like stone on ice as I opened my mouth.

“I dare you to do that again,” I said with an unnatural calm, “Go on. I’ll wait.”

“Oh sugar, I think that was a mistake,” Myra said to the Puma, a slight quiver to her voice. The Puma’s eyes were saucers as I leaned closer to her. She shrank further into the wood floor, and I felt her begin to shake beneath me.

“I thought not,” my roughened voice said. The darkness was in full swing through me now, and I was relishing the feeling. It was like a vice had been taken off my chest.

Powerful.

Cold.

And hungry.

All this had only taken place a few seconds, but it might as well have been a lifetime. I canted my head at the woman, considering my next move.

“Give me your handkerchief, Myra,” I ordered and held out a hand to her. Myra crossed her arms.

“It’s dirty thanks to a certain drunken maid of honor spilling Father’s whiskey all over it,” she said shortly.

“Even better,” I said, not moving my outstretched hand, “Now hand it over.”

After a beat of silence, I felt Myra press the fabric into my palm. I used it to finish wiping my face, before shoving it into the Puma’s mouth. Myra squeaked, but couldn’t stop me as I broke the miserable woman’s collar bones.

First the right, then the left.

She bucked again, but not enough to escape my grasp. It was a movement purely motivated by pain. Her muffled scream strained against the wadded fabric, and went higher as I pressed into one of the broken edges of her collar bone, grinding it into the tissue. I could smell Myra’s vomit as I heard her retch in the corner, but nothing in me cared.

“Congratulations, my lady,” I said mockingly, "You were right. You found the Blight of Grimwater."

I waited patiently for the woman’s screams to quiet. I could have sworn I felt a warm wetness between her legs, sweat now soaking her skin. I kept my gaze on her until she calmed.

“Now, I was going to keep you alive. I was going to try to see your motive. But you know what? There's plenty of you here. I don't think I need you anymore," I said into the quiet. And with that, I drove my knife into the Puma's throat.

Her body spasmed, and her face went paler. The woman continued to cough and chuckle all the way to the moment she went still. As the life left her eyes, I felt a prickle of pain across my back, but ignored it.

I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to think, but that was impossible over all the noise a certain society maiden was making.

“Oh my gods, oh my gods, oh my-” Myra was keening, looking at the body, “You k-killed her! S-she’s d-dead!”

“Myra, quiet!” I said as I shot to my feet. I tried to go to her, but she shrank back from my grip. Realizing my face was still in my demonic form, I took a deep breath and felt my skin and eyes return to normal.

As if on cue, Levi opened the door, Dash close on his heels. They both paused, and Levi opened his mouth, his livid gaze going to me. I held a hand up as he started to speak, cutting him off.

"The Puma's are here to kill everyone," I said in a quick explanation, "We have to get you two out of here."

My back still stinging, I went to the window and grabbed my makeshift rope, giving it another test tug. It held strong. I waved Myra over to me and handed the fabric to her.

“What? We're just going to leave everyone here to die?” Levi asked, hesitating as he held Myra in a firm hug. Dash's eyes met mine, quiet judgement there. Refusing to feel guilty, I pulled my pistols from my thigh holsters and checked my bullets.

“No. I'm going to kill all those miserable bastards. I just need you two safe first,” I said gesturing to the window and rope, "Stay here until the shooting starts. Then use the rope to get out of here and hide."

“What are you going to do?” Levi asked, his eyes wavy as his grip tightened on Myra, who was still shaking in his arms. I turned away from them as I picked my knife up, cleaning it on the dead maid's dress. At the thought of killing the Puma's, I couldn't suppress a small smile on my face.

“Something terrible.”