Asher and his team showed up to my room shortly after my epiphany. The trio took one look at my tear-stained face and huddled around me trying to find out what was wrong.

“You scored big again!” Neeka shouted. “Why aren’t you dancing around the room in your knickers? I know I would be.”

I gave her a small smile. “Probably because I was too worried about getting killed to check the scoreboard.”

“What?” Asher cried out, coming to my side. “What happened? Did someone try to hurt you?”

I shook my head and then explained what happened in the interviews. Their reaction wasn’t to gasp in horror but instead to laugh hysterically. It was my turn to be concerned.

Asher finished laughing and cleared his throat before taking me by the arms. “They might be a lot of things but punishing someone for telling the truth has never been one of them. Many of them probably had no idea what you were talking about and found your outburst amusing. Which would be reason enough for your high score. But I think it’s more than that.”

“What else could it be?” I glanced around me. “I mean, I’m thankful I’m not dead and I’m flattered they would give me such a high score. One that owes a lot of thanks to you and your outfit.” I gestured down at my clothes. “But why else would I get a high score?”

Asher exchanged a look with the trio before he said, “A few reasons. They either see you as a threat. Or they want you desperately.” The trio giggled at the last bit, earning them a glare from me.

The thought of anyone wanting me desperately—or any other way—was a bit strange to me. I was just the overseer’s daughter; no one wanted me. Except maybe the overseer. But he was my father. He had to love me.

“So, what’s the outfit look like tonight?” I asked, ready to get the conversation off me and my outrageous score.

The trio and Asher exchanged a pleased look before they pulled out three suitcases. Frowning at the bags, I glanced back at my team. “What’s all this?”

“Well,” Neeka started grinning like a fiend.

“It’s your outfits.” Willow smirked and then Rosel added, “For the balls.”

My mouth dropped open and then I stuttered, “Balls? Like plural?”

The trio nodded enthusiastically.

“Wait, just a second.” I waved my hands in front of me. “I was told of one party. One.” I held up a single finger, shoving it in their faces.

“And that had been the plan,” Asher explained, his hands tucked in his pockets. “Until they realized how many guests there were this year...that it would be ridiculously hard to pick without weeding out the others.”

“So...” I drew out, pointing to the bags. “I’m assuming there are three balls?”

“Yes!” the trio cried out and then started to unveil their goods.

“Hold on.” Asher stopped them. He pressed his finger against his lips as he glanced over them before he pointed to the one in Willow’s hands. “That one. Only show her that one.”

“Why?” I asked turning to him. “What does it matter if I see them all? I’m going to have to wear them after all.”

Asher smiled and held his hands out. “Humor me.”

Growling, I dragged a hand through my hair. “Fine. Let’s get this over with. I’ve got a ball to get to.”

Neeka and Rosel slumped slightly, their excitement deflated by Asher’s commands. Willow, on the other hand, started to unwrap her goods, her eyes full of eagerness.

“This one is my favorite,” Willow told me as she uncloaked a mint-green gown. Full-skirted with small butterflies decorating the gauze material, the dress was strapless and came with long matching elbow length gloves.

“Wow.” I gaped. “It’s like right out of a fairytale.”

“I thought you didn’t read?” Asher asked making me eyeball him.

“How do you know about that?” He hadn’t been in the interview process.

Ashe crossed his arms over his chest with a mysterious grin. “People talk. Even the members of the fold.”

Not really believing him, I dropped the subject and turned to the trio. “Alright, let’s get this over with. I’ve got a party to get to.”

The three women crowded around me with equally creepy grins. I realized then that what they had done to me before had been child’s play and the real challenge would be tonight’s party and the following two. If the fold didn’t pick me for a position they would be sure to remember me for my style.

Three hours later and I was ready. Asher and the trio had outdone themselves this time and I had a feeling it was just the beginning. I stared longingly at the other two covered outfits wondering if they were even better than the one on my body now.

“Time to go, princess.” Asher offered me an arm with a grin. “Can’t leave your audience waiting.”

I made a disbelieving sound in the back of my throat before sliding my arm into his. “The only thing they will be waiting for is me to fall flat on my face.”

Asher rolled his eyes. “You’re wearing flats. The only way you are going to fall is if you get too drunk to walk.”

“That’s not going to happen,” I pointed out as we walked down the hall. Asher had outdone himself. The dress felt light as air so it seemed like I was floating each time I moved. If this outfit didn’t get me the convert position I didn’t know what else would.

“So, what should I expect at this thing?” I asked as we neared the ballroom. After Veena’s information, I’d finally taken the time to look at the map of the palace. The extent of the map had been impressive. They even had a dungeon. At the time, I had shuddered at the thought of what might happen down there. When I’d asked Asher about it he’d simply said it was more of a storage unit than a torture chamber.

“Torture for your nose maybe,” he’d said laughing.

Now, as he walked me to the first of three events, he wasn’t laughing. His eyes faced forward and a sort of seriousness marred his usually teasing expression.

“You will need to be careful,” he started, his grip on my hand tightening. “The fold might want you but that means the others will hate you even more.”

“What can they do though?” I shrugged. “It’s not like they could kill me right there on the dance floor. Wait,” I pulled us to a stop. “There is dancing, right?”

“Of course.”

I chewed on my bottom lip not letting Asher lead me any further. “That might be a problem.”

“Don’t tell me you can’t dance?” He quirked a brow and then laughed as my face heated. “It’s not that hard. If anyone asks, just follow their lead. Let the music guide you through the steps.”

“If you say so,” I muttered, starting down the hall once more. “But if I faceplant then I’m blaming you.”

“You won’t.” Asher chuckled and stopped at a set of closed double doors. Music came through the walls and my heart began to race. This was really happening. Everything would be decided starting tonight.

I stared at the door not really seeing it. My fingers were turning white from how tightly I held onto Asher’s arm. If it bothered my sponsor he didn’t complain.

“You’ll be fine.” He patted my hand and unwound me from his arm. “Just be your usual charming self and everything will be fine.”

Nodding my head, I reached for the door handle. I took a deep breath in and let it out as I pulled on the door. The music increased in volume and I shut the door.

“I can’t do this.” I turned to Asher my eyes wide with panic. “If I go in there that means they are going to be picking the positions and...and I don’t know what I want.”

Asher sighed and grabbed my hands in his. Bringing them up to his mouth, he placed a kiss on the back of them. “Of all the guests I’ve had the pleasure of sponsoring you are by far my favorite. I’ve told you more than I’ve ever told any guest before.” He paused for a moment, something dark passing over his eyes before he said, “I won’t lie to you, there are things at work which the people outside of the core don’t know about. Things that need to change and I knew the moment I saw you in the Inner Circle that you could make that happen.”

I frowned at his words, not quite understanding what he was talking about. And then it hit me. “You put my name on the list, didn’t you?”

He didn’t deny it but kept his eyes on me. “You will be the convert and not just any.” He shook his head. “The convert. At Patrick’s side, you will have access to all kinds of things those from the Glade would never dream of. You’ll be able to make a difference. Not just for you, but for everyone in Alban. But first.” He turned me around to face the double doors once more. “You have to go in.”

I didn’t have a chance to ask him anymore because the doors opened from the inside and Asher took the moment to shove me inside. The whole room stared at me as I stood frozen in place by the doors. A mixture of feelings was directed my way, some of awe—no doubt for the beautiful gown I wore—others disinterest, but several of disdain. Maybe even hate. Zara’s eyes held something malicious.

Swallowing hard, I moved away from the doors and toward the table of food that had been laid out. If I was going to get through this I was going to need a drink.

Picking up a plate, I grabbed random things from the table not really paying much mind. If I looked like I was eating no one would ask me to dance, or at least, I hoped. As I came to the end of the table, I picked up a glass of dark red liquid. Giving it a sniff, the scent of it burned my nose.

Alcohol. Perfect.

Taking my treasures with me, I made my way around the room. I hadn’t seen Marsha or the others yet but they were bound to be here somewhere. I sat down at an empty table along the edges of the dance floor and scanning the ballroom. The thirty-six guests were all here but mixed in were the members of the fold. The woman from the interview who had questioned why I was even here, was chatting up Narq. For a moment, I wondered where Patrick could be. Was he out in the crowd somewhere? He wasn’t on the dance floor.

I chugged my drink as I chastised myself for caring. He’s the symbol of everything you hate. The reason your family and friends live in poverty while his little pets fatten themselves up every day.

Even as I tried to convince myself otherwise, I couldn’t help searching for his white head of hair. After minutes of looking, I almost thought he hadn’t shown up, but then I caught a flash of white that disappeared out the balcony doors.

I got to my feet, intent on finding him and getting this whole thing over with, but a figure blocked my way.

“There you are, the girl from the Glade.” A man stood in front of me, of average height with unmemorable features. Except, when he smiled his teeth were sharper than most, making his smile look vicious instead of endearing.

“You found me,” I replied with a forced smile. “What can I do for you?”

The man took my hand in his and brought it up to his mouth, I had a half moment where I thought he might bite me before he skimmed his mouth over the back of my hand. “I just wanted to introduce myself to the high scorer of the Election. I’m Beaford. The treasure and second adviser to our esteemed leader, Patrick Blordril.”

I took my hand back as soon as I was able, the urge to wipe it off overwhelming, even with the glove. “I’d introduce myself but I believe you know all there is to know about me.”

Beaford laughed. “Hardly. I’m sure there are quite a few things I would love to get to know about you.” He inched closer lowering his voice to what would normally be used for a lover.

Swallowing hard, I took a step back, my gaze skating across the room for a distraction. Thankfully Marsha caught my eye. He waved to me and I gave a small wave in return before turning to Beaford. “I apologize. It looks like I’m being flagged down. Maybe we’ll talk again later?”

I didn’t give him the chance to answer before my feet led me away from him to Marsha who stood with Tillie and Violet. We said the usual pleasantries about each other’s outfits before the conversation turned to the elephant in the room.

“Don’t you find it odd?” Violet asked, fiddling with her glass of dark liquid.

“What?” Marsha responded his eyes searching around the room as if to find what she spoke of.

“After all the parading around and the scores, that now we are just hanging out.” She gestured around the room. “Just expected to spend time with them like we’re friends and not ants beside giants.”

I knew there was a reason I liked her. Thinking about her words, I didn’t even look up when someone handed me another glass. It wasn’t until I began to bring it to my lips and Narq’s hand shot out of nowhere did I question it.

“I wouldn’t drink that if I were you.” He took the glass from my hand and dumped it in a nearby plant. The plant began to hiss and smoke rose from it, the leaves turning brown.

“What the hell was that?” Violet cried out, horror in her face. I wanted to know the answer as well but I had a feeling I already knew.

“Losers never play fair,” Tillie said mysteriously from her spot. Her eyes were focused on a group of girls among which I immediately recognized Zara’s dark head.

I lifted my skirt, intent on confronting her but a commotion from the other side of the room stopped me. Another girl—a bit older than me with auburn hair—clutched her throat as her skin began to disintegrate around it. She fell to the floor as people gasped and screamed in terror.

My heart raced as I realized that could have been me. If Narq hadn’t been there to stop me, I’d be the one writhing on the floor, my skin melting off. Suddenly, I wasn’t in the party-going mood.

I turned on my heel—away from the girl who was most certainly dead now—and back toward the doors. Brushing passed Narq, I nodded. “Thank you.”

“Anytime.” He gave me a two-finger salute before his attention turned back to the gathering crowd of fold members. “Too bad, she really had a chance. A seven and a red. I guess that means you and Violet need to watch your back.” He shot me a cocky grin that I didn’t understand.

No longer caring about Asher’s plans, or about finding Patrick, I spun around and searched for the exit. I did not sign up for this. Any of it.