Gray's Domain: Purgatorium Series, Book Two by Eva Pohler Page A

said.
    Daphne lifted her eyebrows. “What?”
    “It’s about to get intense.”
    “Tonight? Here?”
    Stan nodded.
    “But my dad.”
    Stan squeezed and relaxed his grip on her hand, making her realize she was clenching his.
    “This ball took a lot of planning,” Stan said. “Dr. Gray canceled yesterday’s exercises for him, but tonight’s are still on.”
    “Great.” She hoped her father was up to whatever they had in store for them. “What’s the plan?”
    Stan grinned. “You’ll soon find out.”
    “Why can’t you tell me?”
    “I don’t even know all the details.” He twirled her beneath his arm again. “But listen. No matter what happens. Do not break the illusion. That little cut in your leg in the water the other day was nothing, you understand?”
    Daphne’s mouth dropped open. “You can’t be serious. I didn’t sign up for any real pain.”
    “Not you.”
    The song ended, but as they walked from the dance floor, she said, “Not my parents. Not even Brock.”
    “Don’t worry, Daph. It’s going to be great. You’ll see. You’ll be so grateful at the end of it. I promise.”
    They reached Brock and her parents before she could ask more.
    The first thing her mother said was a repeat from lunch earlier that day, “Did take your antibiotic?”
    “Yes,” she lied. She had totally forgotten but didn’t want an earful.
    “Nice costume,” her father said. “What’s the Lady of Shalott?”
    Daphne explained the poem to him.
    “I remember that one from school, now that you mention it,” her mother said.
    “And who’s this Zorro fellow?” her dad asked.
    Daphne re-introduced them. They had already met, but her father hadn’t remembered Stan.
    “Then maybe you know the answer to my question,” her dad said to Stan. “Is that a cash bar?”
    “No sir,” Stan replied. “You already paid for your drinks with Daphne’s tuition.”
    “Oh, they’re included,” Joe said with a smile.
    “Would you like me to get you something?” Stan offered.
    “No, no, that’s okay. Thank you. I’ll get a drink in a minute.”
    “Don’t wait too long,” Stan warned.
    “Oh, they go fast, do they?” Joe asked.
    “Something like that.” Stan winked at Daphne and turned away.
    Daphne watched him stroll over to the food table until she could no longer see him among the others. Her heart rate had picked up at his last comment. Don’t wait too long . Whatever was going to happen was going to happen soon.
    “Guess we’ll head over for a drink,” her father said.
    “What was that all about?” Brock asked her once her parents had headed for the bar.
    Daphne noticed Emma sitting alone in tears at a nearby table.
    “I’ll be right back,” Daphne said. She left before giving Brock a chance to object.
    Emma was dressed as Doctor Who. Her hair was tucked beneath a hat. She wore a brown tweed jacket and dark brown bowtie. She looked adorable, but black mascara streaked down her cheeks, and her brown eyes were red-rimmed.
    Daphne sat down beside her and leaned close. “What’s wrong?”
    “I want off this island, that’s what.” Emma was trembling.
    “Has something happened?”
    “Just the same old crap.”
    “Can you talk about it?”
    Emma glanced around the room, then lowered her voice and said, “Dr. Gray has got everyone in this place brainwashed, if you ask me. Even her son.”
    Daphne bent her brows with concern. She’d already suspected as much, but wasn’t it for a good cause? “What makes you say that?”
    “She’s a controlling witch, that’s what. Greg and I just want to be together, but apparently I’m not good enough for him.” Emma’s voice broke on the last few words as sobs overwhelmed her.
    Daphne patted her back. “Who cares what she thinks?”
    Emma glared at her through her wet lashes. “Are you serious? Who doesn’t?”
    “Do you ?”
    “Not anymore.” Emma’s sobs took over her again. “She’s been like a mother to me. I can’t believe she’s