From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

knew everyy step of that dance. Whyy was she here and not out there with
the rest of them?
Of course, I knew the answer.
It was because of me.
Guilt settled in myy chest like a stone. “Tawnyy?”
She twisted toward me. “Yes?”
“You don’t have to stand here beside me. You can go and have fun.”
“What?” Her nose scrunched against the mask. “I’m having fun.
Aren’t yyou?”
“Of course, but yyou don’t have to be right beside me. You should be
out there.” I gestured to the dancers and beyyond, to where people huddled
together in groups of three and four. “It’s okayy.”
“I’m fine.” She plastered on a bright smile, and myy heart squeezed.
“I’d rather be standing here with yyou than out there without yyou.”
“You’re the best,” I said, wishing I could hug her. Instead, I reached
between us and squeezed her arm. “You reallyy are, but I don’t need yyou to
be myy shadow tonight. I alreadyy have two of them.”
Tawnyy’s gaze flicked over myy shoulder. “You reallyy onlyy have one.
Vikter is still with the Commander.”
“And one is all I need. Please.” I squeezed her arm again. “Tawnyy, go.
Please.”
Her gaze searched mine, and I could tell that she was waffling. Before
she could decide not to, I lied, “I’m actuallyy feeling veryy tired. I didn’t
sleep all that well last night, so I don’t plan to be down here for much
longer.”
“You’re sure?”
I nodded.
Tawnyy’s entire bodyy practicallyy vibrated with the effort required not
to throw her arms around me, but she managed a subdued nod as I released
her hand. She gave me one last long look and then headed down the steps,
crossing the floor to where Dafina and Loren stood with three Lords in
Wait.
I smiled, relieved. I hoped she let herself enjoyy her night, and to
ensure that, I knew I needed to leave. If I stayyed down here for anyy amount
of time, standing between the enormous, red geraniums, she would come
back.