My thoughts were put to rest because our tea time was over, and no answer would be found today.

I watched Li Na walk away after a short pause. Neither one of us had much else to say. She couldn't help me because Mordecai would pop in behind her again if she attempted to. He was gracious the last time he showed up. But that was only because Li Na and I didn't know better. That grace might never be shown again if I intentionally circumvent his will.

It was worth meeting her today, but I felt drained from the event. Yet again, I walked away with more questions that needed to be solved than answers to my problems.

I sipped my tea and nibbled on my treats, selfishly soaking up the last bit of my free time. I would be sick when I returned to the hotel, so why not linger?

I was also still waiting for my cookie box.

Plus, I suspected that whoever was watching would approach after Li Na's departure.

They did.

But instead of it being Graham or a man who worked for him, it was Clara.

Clara's dark hair was regally pulled up into a classy bun. Her dark violet silk dress carried the luscious scent of her lily perfume. Her deep eyes were emotional as she stared into mine. She sat down in Li Na's spot and shoved aside Li Na's dishes.

"Dolyn, why aren't you hiding your face?" She said.

While I chewed and tried to buy time, the door to our private tea room opened. As if her elegant presence summoned help, the server came back.

She did not have my cookie box to go but instead had Clara's order.

I made a face and poured myself some more tea.

Clara's inquisitive eyes turned up the heat on me after the server left.

"I'm not afraid of Graham," I said. There were several reasons why I didn't need to be. I had my spaces I could run to and Wyatt. The giant oaf was an impressive beast who could take on whatever creature Graham was. "Besides, he has the company. What else does he need?"

Clara squeezed her eyes shut and rubbed the bridge between her brows. "I forget how clueless you are to everything..." She said.

I bristled but settled when her eyes snapped open, and she focused on me again.

"I'm wrong?" I said. Shit, shit, shit. I didn't want to be wrong. It would be so simple if I were right all the time.

"He wants you," Clara said.

I made a face as I shook my head, "But does he?" I said. "I don't think that's the case."

"Dolyn, stop assuming things and take an honest look at the people around you!" Clara's voice lashed out, and I jumped. She sighed and then said, "It doesn't matter. I can hide that you met with Li Na today. But you need to be more careful in the future."

I nibbled on a lemon tart, expecting a basic taste, but froze when the sour treat touched my tongue. This tasted almost exactly like one of Adam's lemon tarts...

"This is for you," Clara said, interrupting my thoughts. She slid an envelope across the table to me, and I studied its ornate gold.

I opened it as she poured her tea. I gasped when I saw what was inside. It was an invitation. In scrawled, big, expressive words, I was told I was invited to a party.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

"This is the exact opposite of what you just told me to do," I said, making a face at her.

She said, "Graham will be out of the country for a month following a lead on you."

I gulped as my emotions fought a battle I didn't want to examine. I opened my mouth to prepare my excuses. Clara's sharp look snapped my mouth shut.

"You dropped out of my life without a word, and I will not accept no for an answer," Clara said as she stirred her tea with a graceful twirl of her spoon.

"I missed you," I said instead of the handful of things that I wanted to say. "I'll be there."

Clara inclined her head as if to say that was the only answer she would accept. "This party is to celebrate my engagement."

I looked at the invite and saw Alec's name there. It wasn't surprising that the two were finally going to be together.

"Alec won't be there. None of our friends will be." Clara said. "At least you'll be able to attend."

"Why aren't they coming?" I said. That was confusing to hear, given how tight everyone was.

"Graham is upset with me." She said. "He's called our friends with him while he leaves the country."

"But your party..." This sounded absolutely insane.

"I've hired the world-famous Chef Anna to cater it. Her specialty is lemon tarts." Clara said before she elegantly sipped her tea. "Arrive early so I can ensure you are properly attired."

And just like when we were kids, I knew there was no point in declining. I wanted to be there to support her. I really missed my friend.

Plus, I would get lemon tarts out of it. It was a win-win. I couldn't bring Darius or Wyatt, but I had options if I needed to flee.

I had a week until the party, which was used to recover from this weak ass body.

Wyatt and I fell back into a pattern that allowed both of us to come and go. Darius continued to grow and, unfortunately, bonded with Wyatt. The little turds were attached to the hips to the point where I felt like an interloper.

I couldn't be upset because Wyatt and I used Darius as a gentle balm to move past what we lost. Both of us had lost children in the last world, and neither of us ever wanted to talk about it. Darius was a joy that warmed those battered parts of our hearts.

Finally, Clara's party arrived.

Lured by the promise of Chef Anna's world-famous lemon tarts, I showed up thirty minutes before the party started.

I slinked around the kitchens, trying to spot the chef. I used my position as Clara's friend to take several platters worth of tarts. I wasn't subtle, either. I loaded those bad boys onto a cart and wheeled them out the door. I know that Clara set some aside for me, but these were going right into my space for world-famous snacking.

When I was done sneakily slipping them into my space, cart, tarts, and all, I left as quickly as I entered. Only to be caught a few minutes later by Clara. Dang, she must have known I'd try to sneak tarts and stay away from the party.

"You didn't even try the tarts, Dolyn." She said.

I made a faulty smile.

"And what are you wearing?" Her horrified voice and pale complexion showed genuine concern. I looked down at my baby blue jumper, which was not only comfy but stained with questionable plant juices.

"That won't do, come with me," Clara said.

Forty minutes later, I emerged in a twinkling emerald ball gown. The corset top was decorated in emeralds that glowed like dying embers. It wasn't bright, and I appreciated it due to my desire not to stand out and socialize. Simple dark brown flats would keep my feet comfy and with no one the wiser to my avoiding annoying heels. My lovely dress would cover up that fact.

My bum-length ginger French braids were coiled up into a bun. I managed to slip in some lemon blossoms to liven it up. Much to Clara's chagrin, I didn't put on an emerald necklace and wore my garden space locket. Of course, I wore my storage ring and the ring Adam gave me.

I attempted to escape as the partygoers started to arrive but never stood a chance. Clara captured me with a firm grasp, so I was forced to spend the next hour joined to Clara's hip as she did her hostess rotations.

My smile cracked like tired old porcelain as I was forced into polite conversations with preening assholes.

It took some time, but I was able to escape. I needed to find a corner where I could study but could say I was still at the party so Clara wouldn't be upset. I adored my friend, but she didn't understand how limited our time for civilization was. I needed to spend this time learning and growing as knowledgeable as possible. On that note, I wasn't going to enlighten her so she could enjoy her party. We had limited time, and this was her garden where she thrived. I needed an actual garden to thrive; we weren't the same. These people were her daisies and tulips in her garden.

These elite fuckers, however, were not the roses or carrots I'd want in my garden.

I ignored the looks I received and sighed with relief when I spotted the stage. It was only used during the start of the party and, assumedly, the ending when it was time to tell everyone to leave. I could hide behind the curtains and eat some tarts while studying. My eyes lit with joy at this plan, and I scurried off to implement it.

My feet stopped, however, when I saw Adam.