Monster you fear.

“Ah, see, I told you,” he said, grinning triumphantly, “and since we’re telling the truth now, I didn’t like Siona at all.”

Larkin’s eyes were drawn away from Stelon for a moment to peer past the other dancers at a small congregation that had formed at the other end of the ballroom. He squinted to see past their bodies standing side by side, but saw nothing interesting. He didn’t look back at Stelon immediately, and instead let his eyes search for the thin form of Tic. Concern shaded his orange pools of flame when they failed to spot him again, returning to the previously uninteresting group in the corner.

No matter, he thought, if Tic had disappeared he would lay the blame and regret on whoever he had so carelessly left the boy with. But if he managed to get out of the castle, then what? He would immediately go to warn his comrades. Larkin’s smile faded and he frowned at his thoughts that seemed to be playing out before his eyes. It would ruin everything. How could a single boy be so potentially disastrous?

But he was jumping to conclusions, and reassured himself that Tic was in good hands. He remembered the face he had left the boy with. The image was vague, but he was certain it had been Governor Aurora. She wouldn’t let his pet go astray, not her. There was new concern in Larkin’s mind now, but it could wait. Stelon proved more fit for his attention on this occasion. It was obvious that she, at least, appreciated it.

Smiling a most wicked smile, he looked back to Stelon and spoke into her ear, “If you came alone, does that mean you won’t be spending the night in the castle like the rest of my invited guests?”