Stone Crest: Rise of a Raven

22. Chapter 22

Chapter twenty-two

Raven

“ H ow do I look?” Presley twirls around in a salmon-colored dress that goes over one shoulder and down her arm, all the way to wrap around her wrist.

“Like a flamingo.” I slip on my black knee high boots.

“Flamingos are beautiful creatures. I will take that as a compliment.”

I chuckle and lean up to smooth my hands over my dress. “How do I look?”

“Like Wednesday Adam’s.” She snorts a laugh as she puts in a diamond studded earring.

“Perfect.”

Gemma explained that formal wear was required. The only semi formal thing I owned was this black number. It hit knee length, fitted up to my waist, meeting a deep V in the front. The sleeves were long, and loose, but sheer in fabric. It made me feel sexy, and plain, all at the same time.

Grabbing my camera bag and my phone, which has an unanswered text from Locke and my father, I make one last mirror check.

I refuse to read them. I don’t need anything from either one of them at the moment. It will just put me in a crap mood. All I heard between him and Sasha was “ seven”. I wasn’t sure what it meant, but I can’t deny the pure shot of possessiveness that ran through my veins. I wanted to pluck her eyes out at the way she ogled him. But Locke wasn’t actually mine, was he? He couldn't be, which meant I had no right to act like a clingy girlfriend. It was one thing to be tucked into the safety of his kitchen. A very public gala was another.

“You taking your car?” Presley asks.

“Yeah. I’ll probably cut out after I get my shots.” I shrug.

I was only attending for one reason. I wasn’t there to socialize. It was expected of Presley because of her parents. They ran the scholarship foundation, so she had no choice but to be an active participant.

When I glance up at her, my heart stutters when she clutches the bathroom counter. Her cheeks flare red and her brows scrunch.

“Presley?” I question.

Her chest rises heavily and her mouth parts, attempting to suck in oxygen.

She was trying to breathe. I’d seen her use her inhaler countless times already, so I hurried into her room to grab it from her dresser. When I step back to the bathroom, she’s coughing, a hand plastered to her chest.

“Here.” I hold it out, rubbing my hand along her back.

She snatches it, bringing it up to her lips for a deep inhale before she’s coughing again.

I hate the panic that rose in my throat every-time she had an attack. I’ve only witnessed a couple, but it made me feel helpless. Just like I felt with Bethany. She takes another puff before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.

“There.” I ran my hand through the loose blonde curls at her back. “You good?”

She nods before checking her makeup in the mirror. With a quick swipe of her finger and a more than fake smile she faces me. “All good!”

I eye her curiously as she scurries around me and grabs her clutch. “See you there!”

Thirty minutes later I’ve entered the ballroom. It’s transformed into an elegant dinner complete with multiple crystal chandeliers. I had a brief encounter with Gemma and was instructed on what to capture. Clein, another student in my photography class was in charge of taking close up shots at tables and of the stage, while I volunteered for the action shots. Everything taken from a distance. It's easier to sort through the crowd and determine what interactions would make the best shots. I had found my nook in the corner, nestled against a tall indoor greenery plant. Fidgeting with my settings, I lift my camera to snap a few pictures to get the right clarity. I find the sweet spot, then stuff my bag and purse into the corner so I can change out my zoom attachment when needed. I had just reclaimed my spot when my skin prickles with awareness. The air becomes electrified, and I don’t have to guess why. Locke stands at the entrance in a sharp black suit. His hair is styled to perfection, jaw relaxed, and those smoldering golden eyes are searching the room. It would have made an epic snapshot. Except for the blonde woman in a skimpy red dress hanging off of his arm.