*~Gabrielle's POV~*
I opened my mouth, but he continued. "I came here regarding Lucien. He wants to hold an important event." He looked at me, then at Mother. "Everyone, please step outside."
The guards, my sisters, and Penny immediately left. Only Damien, my mother, and I remained.
He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Lucien intends to hold a ball. A masquerade — to draw Azazel out. That's why I came personally to inform you both."
A bead of sweat rolled down his temple; he looked uneasy, avoiding my gaze.
"Will you excuse us, Gabrielle?" he asked gently. "I promise, I will get to the bottom of this — these pills, all of it. I'll find out whether it's your mother or your husband behind it."
I hesitated.
"I know," he said softly. "It's been hard on you. I know how difficult Lucien can be. He's my brother, after all."
I slipped my hand out of his grasp. "It's not Lucien," I said, glaring at Mother. "It's her. She's the monster."
