For another twenty minutes I played the perfect Luna. Then I felt Jareth’s hand slip away from my back.
“I need to use the restroom,” he muttered as his crystal communicator vibrated in his pocket.
I watched him walk away. He did not go toward the restroom. He walked toward the service elevators.
I glanced toward the bar. Luvena was gone.
They could not stop themselves. Even on the most important night of his life, while his grandfather watched, they still needed their secret moment.
They probably believed they were untouchable.
Perfect.
I did not hesitate.
I did not say goodbye to anyone.
I simply turned and walked toward the main exit. I crossed the lobby, passed the guards, and stepped into the cool night where a black car waited.
“To the skyport,” I told the driver. “Please hurry.”
Later I stood at the boarding gate with my ticket in my hand.
My communicator suddenly vibrated. I looked down.
Jareth.
He must have returned to the ballroom and searched for his perfect Luna to stand beside him for the final toast.
But I was gone.
I let the communicator ring. Then it stopped. Then it rang again.
Messages quickly followed.
Jareth: [Shara, where are you?]
Jareth: [People are asking about you. Grandpa wants to see you.]
Jareth: [Stop joking. This is not funny. Come back to the ballroom.]
Jareth: [Shara, answer me.]
I could almost feel his panic.
Instead of answering, I typed a single message.
To: Jareth
[I am tired, so I went home early. Please come back, too. Your anniversary gift is waiting in our room. Happy Mating Anniversary, Jareth.]
I sent the message. Then I blocked his number.
I placed the communicator inside my bag, picked up my luggage, and walked down the boarding bridge.
I never looked back.
