Prologue: Eye for an Eye

Adeline Killingsworth stepped out of the black armored SUV and started covering the few yards between her and the entrance. Laughing, the clinking of silverware, and the heavy bass of the song playing filled the stuffy night air.

No one gave her a second glance—just another pretty face with curled hair and carefully applied makeup in a sea of perfect plastic people.

Click, click, click. The steady rhythm of her heels rang in her ears as she walked up the wide stone path that led inside. There was little room to walk, but Adeline pushed her way through, uncaring of the remarks aimed her way.

Serena stood by the massive ice stallion, hair pulled into an elaborate updo, soft curls framing her perfect face. Blue eyes contrasted with black hair that sometimes appeared a dark purple and pale skin.And the blue dress she wore now complimented this and showed her slender figure. As usual, a host of adoring fans and suck-ups surrounded her, who she would feed off of until nothing of value to her remained.

Typical of your type.

“Hey, cutie,” a guy said, reaching for her arm and giving a grin that made her skin crawl.

She kept walking, clenching her jaw to keep from retorting or doing something much more drastic.

“Isn’t that the youngest Killingsworth?” someone asked.

A murmur spread through the crowd like a ripple. After the well-known Killingsworth tragedies, the powerful family had faded from the public eye, keeping to themselves. What was one of them doing here now?

Surprise flashed across Serena’s face just for a second before smugness took its place. But that second had been enough for Adeline.

“Oh hello, Adeline!” She smiled too brightly and waved.

“Just come to let Rhys know how happy I am for his success,” Adeline said, forcing her face to mimic Serena’s.

“You’re so sweet!”

“Thank you. It’s been a while—I missed you.” A lie.

The people who had been so interested just moments before gradually drifted away, attention on someone else more relevant and important.

Adeline drew closer to Serena, who stared coldly at her.

“Why are you really here? We both know you’re lying.”

“Rhys was really good in that movie.” Adeline shrugged, but then leaned in, struggling to keep her voice low and even. “Your family took everything. And now it’s time to return the favor.”

She turned on her heel and shoved her way straight for the exit.

Tonight marked the beginning of the downfall of the Craybons.