12

ROSALINE

I should have had a glass of wine. Wine always helps me endure stressful things. It was a habit I picked up from my mom, I think. I used to see her pour herself a glass of her favorite Italian wine before going to have an argument with my dad. She used to joke that it was like preparing for battle.

At the end, she would come out victorious. And if she didn't, she wouldn't be moved. But not once have I ever seen my mother get drunk. She always lectured us on how unethical it was.

It's not like Blaze or dad listened anyway.

"They're a lot," I said to Alexei as we walked into the large hall. He wrapped a protective arm around my waist, "You'll be fine." "If you don't feel comfortable, let me know," he said to me and I nodded.

"Volkov!"

An aged man approached us. He was dressed in a very expensive suit with gold chains around his neck. I would have complimented his fashion if he hadn't gone overboard with his dressing.

Who wears four heavy chains on their neck to a party?

"Popov,