The Gangleader Paction

Chapter 30: ➢ It Can't Get Any Worse, Can it?

Earlier...

My bare feet hit the floor in hard repeated thuds as I sprinted down the corridor of Argents antique-clad mansion. My dress was dirty and bunched up in my hands and I looked like Cinderella trying to make it back to her pumpkin carriage at 11:59 pm.

Except my carriage was called Xavier and he was bout to turn into a corpse rather than a pumpkin.

I didn't even know where I was going! I just kept running, half hoping for something useful to pop up in my way or at least a sign as to where I was supposed to even begin to look for Xavier. 

Ducks are supposed to be good with finding their way around during migration! But here I was directionally challenged as usual. Great going Skyler. 

Now Xavier is going to be jerk sushi before you even get to see him one last time.

I couldn't even scream, hoping someone would find me like a lighthouse or something because then the guards would know where I am and I'd get folded before the Silver Ravens. Ugh, this is hopeless! 

Think Skyler! Think! 

I concentrated hard in the silence, trying to force my remaining iQ to come up with another plan. My eyes snapped open at the noise that broke me out of my train of thought. 

The sound of music caught my attention, making my head snap up in the direction. Of course! Argent was holding a party! If I could find where all the guests are, I could find the main entrance and finally get out of here before I get caught. 

Grabbing a fistful of my dress to keep from face planting, I made a beeline towards the sound of the music. The melody of violins getting louder and louder as I ran towards it. Bright glimmering lights flashed in my face as I skidded to the stop at the sight that stood before me. 

I was situated on the top floor of Argent's mansion, behind a mahogany railing balcony that overlooked the large ballroom-like living room. Guests of all riches had flocked in the space, wearing expensive-looking dresses and suits as they spoke and danced.

White suit-clad waiters wearing masquerade masks were carrying around exquisite trays of appetizers, offering them to guests and topping up their wine.

My stomach grumbled at the sight of the food table. Oh my gosh is that a charcuterie board?! NOT NOW SKYLER! 

From where I was standing, the guests couldn't see me, but I could see them. As well as the entrance where the guests had come in from, or better yet, my exit! Now if I could just sneak down there without being noticed, I could make an easy getaway without looking like the Swiss cheese on the board.

This was going to be harder than I thought since there Argent's men were swarming the dance floor. They looked harmless to any of the guests down on that ballroom floor, but I knew all too well of the loaded guns in their suits.

I scanned the floor frantically for some sort of opening until my eyes secured in on the groups of people coming and down the stairs and the plethora of groups that crowded the floor. If I could just hide behind them until I could make it out of here!

Trying not to cause a scene, I quickly descended the curved staircase, trying to blend in with the one or two guests going up the staircase, but considering my bare feet and almost torn-off dress, it was getting really difficult to avoid the disgruntled looks being shot my way. Aw man, I like being the center of attention, but not like this!