[ No one would have been able to tell by how Hilda takes to the room with an enthusiastic brilliance that she had very nearly been turned into a thrall last season. In fact, she commands the room with all of the skills and social graces that someone might expect of a Red court hopeful.

Whether or not she is genuinely hopeful versus it simply being an attempt at self preservation remains to be seen, but no one will know that so long as she keeps her cards close to her chest. And there's nothing worse than talk of self-preservation or being stuck between a thrall and the fate as an immortal is definitely something she'd slot under topics that kill the mood of a party faster than a vampire could drain a human. Better to leave that sort of thing at the door and make the most of a party.

It's hard not to notice the darling blue-haired flower standing off in the corner of the room. When she does, Hilda's darkening pink eyes shine. Excusing herself from the conversation she's found herself in she weaves through the crowd, swooping up beside Marianne, her patented smile on her face. ]

Marianne, I'm so glad that you're here! You don't have to act so formal though, you know. We're friends after all! Are you enjoying the festivities?