“I’m just me. Snow White, the girl you’ve known since forever.”
“That’s a relief.” And it was. I heard it in her voice and by the beating of her heart. She peeked over my shoulder. Dorian was outside, near the passenger door of a large black limousine. He bounced up and down and I guessed he was cold. The limo seemed like overkill. Professor Pops’ mansion wasn’t that far away.
“Shall we?” I held out my arm to Cindy.
“You go. I need to put away my book.” I watched her walk carefully over to her bag.
Lifting my dress, I went out onto the porch, leaving the door open. Cindy appeared, grabbing hold of the knob. “Wait, my mask.” She said something I guessed had to do with magic and her mask sailed down the steps, landing gently in her outstretched hand. She was proud of herself and I couldn’t blame her. Her magic was getting better, fast. She closed the door and I started down the steps.
“Hurry up, you two, I’m freezing my butt off out here,” Dorian shouted.
“Keep your teeth in,” I griped, making sure my hem didn’t touch the ground. Cindy made it down the steps and was beside me. “Your magic is awesome.”
“Duh.” She laughed. “Thank you for saying it though. I’ve been practicing.”
The November night was chilly. I breathed in, enjoying the crisp scent of the pine needles and the way the cold air clung to everything in the shape of tiny snowflakes. It occurred to me that I felt happy, momentarily satisfied. The feeling radiated with a glow I could almost taste. In that instant, everything hung right with the world. Gabe loved me. Cindy knew what I was and hadn’t run away. The brothers and Professor Pops cared for me without judgment. There was still my dad and stepmother as well as Sharra and Christopher, but I would allow myself this moment of joy. One night. Tomorrow I could focus on finding the Seal of Gabriel and dealing with Sharra.
Dorian opened the door, waving me inside. “In you go.” He took my hand, assisting me in. At his touch, I felt a jolt of warmth. It almost felt like magic and I checked his face to see if he felt it too. He smiled, an enormous smile. I returned it, thinking he looked totally hot in his tux.
Once I was inside, I sat and waited for Cindy. She moved at a slower rate. The sidewalk was in serious need of repair, and Cindy in her six-inch heels nearly toppled over a few times before Dorian jogged over and came to her rescue.
“What the hell are you wearing? Stilts?” he asked in mock disdain.
“Very funny,” she replied, but clung to his arm.
The two of them looked good together. Him in his black tuxedo with a burgundy and black striped tie, a white shirt, and a burgundy vest, and her in her blue mermaid dress.
Cindy climbed in and Dorian closed the door for us. A man sat in the driver’s seat. Dorian climbed in on the other side of him. “To the ball, Giorgio,” Dorian said, pointing toward the mansion.
“You got it.” His voice was laced with sarcasm and I thought he felt the same way I did about the limo being too much. He checked the rearview mirror and held my gaze. Something about his eyes seemed familiar. I couldn’t think why though. In the next second, he looked away, shifting the limousine into drive.
Cindy leaned close. “Tomorrow, you and I are going to have a big, long chat, and you’re going to tell me everything about Chace and Gabe. Deal?”
“Can’t wait,” I said, and meant it. Now that she knew, I wanted to tell her everything.
Dorian turned his head to look over his shoulder. “What are we agreeing to?”
Cindy and I glanced at each other and laughed. I wasn’t going to tell him. Girl talk was just that. Cindy raised her chin as she slid back in the lush leather seat. “None of your business, Dorian.”
Chapter 19
As we pulled out of the driveway, I noticed a brown rectangle box on the seat next to Cindy.
“What’s that?” I asked.
She shrugged.
“That’s your mask, Snow. Check it out,” Dorian said from the front seat. I scowled, thinking he should’ve sat in back with us.
“It seems small,” Cindy remarked, handing me the box.
I placed it in my lap. It did seem minute compared to Cindy’s mask, which had three large feather plumes in baby blue and gray protruding from the right side. Her mask was baby blue except around the eyes, which had small sequins the same color as the sequins on her dress, lining the openings. Timidly I removed the lid on the box and shifted the white paper inside. The mask nestled within the tissue was simple: red satin, the exact color of my dress, covered in black lace. I immediately loved it.
“That’s it?” Cindy started.
I’d told her Professor Pops was having the mask made specifically for the ball. She obviously thought it lacked any flair. It wasn’t pretentious or over the top. It was perfect.
“I like it. The mask won’t take away from Snow’s beauty,” Dorian said.
My cheeks got hot. “Thanks, Dorian. Where’s your mask?”
Cindy sniffed, glancing at hers.
He rolled his eyes. “It’s at the house. We all decided on the same style and color. Black. Except Bart’s. His is gray. He always has to be different.”
We pulled into the circular driveway and Giorgio put the limousine in park. Dorian jumped out, ran around to our door, and held it open. His face shone with anticipation.
“What is it?” I asked.
“You’ll see.” He leaned in so that I got a good whiff of his neck. I had the feeling he did it on purpose. “Love your shoes,” he said, and I shivered. Like Eve with the apple, Dorian was tempting me.
Just a taste, my mind cooed. But I resisted. Now wasn’t the time.
As I waited for him to help Cindy out, I stared up at the mansion. Lit with thousands of white, shimmering lights, it seemed to possess its own glow. “It’s beautiful,” I breathed, feeling like I’d stepped into a fairytale land.
“You ain’t seen nothing yet,” Dorian said. “C’mon.” He stood between Cindy and me and held out his elbows. I took his arm in one hand and my dress in the other. We climbed the steps. The front door opened without any of us knocking, as though they were waiting for us. We went inside. The brothers and Professor Pops stood off to the right, several fidgeting with their tuxes. They all wore their masks. One of the brothers, Sebastian, handed Dorian his. He slid it on, moving next to Heathcliff.
They all looked dashing. Cindy thought so too. I could tell by the tittering noises coming from her throat.
Their tuxes were all black, except Bart’s. His tux was a dark gray, the same as his mask. There were other, subtler differences in the cut and shape of their tuxes, but the big variance was the colors of their ties and vests. Bart’s vest and bow tie were golden brown. Salvatore wore black with black, his sleek black hair in a low ponytail. Sebastian’s vest and tie were navy blue. Daniel’s satin vest and tie were white with white. Heathcliff’s were gray. Professor Pops didn’t have on a vest but a black cummerbund with a black bow tie. My heart fell a bit when I saw Gabe wasn’t among them.
Heathcliff pointed at the railing along the grand staircase. Suspended by a shiny silver rope hung a gigantic banner. Happy Sweet 16, Snow!
“That’s amazing,” I breathed, admiring it.
“Happy birthday!” all the guys shouted.
It felt like my face would break at how big I smiled.
Cindy’s eyes were wide. “Merde,” she cursed.
I laughed, squeezing her hand.
As one, the brothers gushed at how pretty we looked. I nodded, said “thank you,” and hugged everyone, but I worried about Gabe.
“Where’s Gabe?” I asked Salvatore as we embraced.
He stepped back, eyeing Professor Pops.
Professor Pops cleared his throat. “He’s with his father.”
The remaining brothers issued comments about the lack of truth to the statement, but I just nodded. “Is he coming?”
“His father?” Cindy asked.
“Yes, he’ll be here,” Professor
Pops responded, patting my back. “You look so incredibly beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I said, trying to ignore the shadow that crossed Pops’ features. What wasn’t he telling me?
“You’ve got to see the ballroom,” Heathcliff said.
“You’re gonna love it,” Daniel added.
I let them lead the way, hoping Gabe would come soon.
Cindy moved so we were next to each other and we exchanged a look. Hers, confused. Mine, agreeing I would tell her all about it tomorrow.
Chapter 20
From the front door we went left instead of right to the kitchen, from which delicious smells emanated. Cindy’s heels clacked against the floor as we passed the library and the entrance to the indoor pool. The guys pushed, joked, and shoved in front of us, but something definitely weighed on Pops’ mind.
When we arrived at the twelve-foot tall double doors, the guys paused and turned, facing Cindy and me. Her heart beat fast like a hummingbird’s wings, and I knew she was excited. I was too.
“Put your mask on, Snow,” Sebastian said, coming over to help.
I placed it over my eyes.
Sebastian tried to help Cindy with hers, but she slapped his hand away. “I’ll do it. I don’t want you ruining her hair.” She carefully slid the stretchy silk-wrapped band over my hair and placed it against the back of my head. Moving to look at me, she sighed and clapped her hands. “Pops was right. You look amazing.”
I grinned, the edges of the mask touching my cheeks. “I’m glad. You look stunning.”
“You’re so sweet.” She adjusted the bodice of her gown and straightened up.
“You ready, birthday girl?” Heathcliff asked.
“Most definitely.” My heart beat in time with Cindy’s.
I’d been in the ballroom several times over the years, mostly when I was younger. I knew the outer and side walls were made entirely of windows. Above, from the center of the ceiling, dangled an enormous chandelier. In large checkered squares, blocks of the ceiling were carved out, and inside hung fans. The wall toward the front of the house held mirrors, making the space look twice as large. As kids, the boys and I would sneak into the enormous room to roller-skate, ride our scooters, or skateboard. Professor Pops would inevitably find us, give us a stern talking to, and then send us on our way.
Daniel pushed open the double doors. He was so theatrical, and I covered a smile with my hand. The guys parted, allowing Cindy and me access to the entrance.
When I stepped through, I felt transported to another time. I noticed the lighting first and looked up. The chandelier emitted a soft red glow. Dozens of thick white panels of cloth extended from the top of the chandelier and draped outward to the point where the ceiling met the walls, giving the appearance of an enormous tent.
Square tables, each seating eight, were covered in white linen and set with large centerpieces filled with a spray of red flowers in different varieties and shades. Along the back wall stood probably thirty waiters, all dressed identically in white old-fashioned tux tails with bright red cummerbunds and bow ties. Their hands were clasped behind their backs and they were lined up with the tallest on the outside and the shortest in the middle.
“Wow,” I breathed, taking it all in.
Current Top-Forty music played softly from speakers discreetly attached to the walls. A DJ set up his equipment next to a decorated table with a sign above it that said: Presents HERE. Scented vanilla candles emitted a pleasant fragrance.
“It’s beyond beautiful,” I said, turning to Professor Pops. “You all really outdid yourselves. Thank you!”
“It was our pleasure.” Professor Pops gave me a gentle squeeze.
The doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it.” Salvatore and Sebastian casually ran to the front door.
Moments later excited chatting could be heard coming down the hall.
“This is gonna be fun,” Cindy said.
I swallowed, for some reason nervous about the party. I wasn’t sure if it was panic that no one would show, horror that everyone would come, anxiety over Pops’ weirdness, the fact that Gabe was with his dad, or the odd gleam in Cindy’s eyes.
Tonight would be one to remember. I had no doubts about that.
Chapter 21
When all the guests arrived, Professor Pops welcomed everyone and asked that we all take our seats. The waiters sprang to life and dinner was served: chicken cordon bleu with steamed baby potatoes and asparagus spears topped with a creamy hollandaise sauce. Everyone commented on how amazing it tasted. Several times, as I popped a tiny bite of potato or asparagus—yeah, I still didn’t eat the meat—into my mouth and forced it down, I longed for the food in Sharra: the food made specifically for vampires, the food that tasted like blood with a hint of whatever fruit or vegetable or meat it was.
Dessert would be my cake, later tonight. It’d been wheeled out on a serving tray and placed next to a table that held a plethora of presents. The cake stood tall; five layers of red velvet covered in red fondant. Black frosting was piped over the top in intricate swirling designs. White flowers, which looked a lot like snowflakes, were placed methodically in groups of three and five. On the top layer stood a girl in a red dress holding a cake with sixteen glowing LED candles. She looked a lot like me. Even her fondant-ruffled dress looked the same as mine. Around the edge, standing like guards protecting the girl, were sixteen real candles.
When dinner ended, the tables and chairs were cleared and disassembled in record time. Some were pushed to the side so people could sit and visit. The music was turned up and people danced. Everyone looked amazing and seemed to be having a good time. I hadn’t danced, and I really didn’t want to. Even with my new abilities I probably still had two left dancing feet. Plus, Gabe still hadn’t arrived.
What was he doing? Searching for Pops, I found him talking with Kenmei and a man I didn’t know in a corner.
Heathcliff came over, sitting beside me. “How’s your bloodlust? Feeling in control?”
I smiled. “Yes, I’m fine.” The pulsing blood in the room was mesmerizing, each scent unique. All of them combined to form a decadent bouquet. More than once already I’d held my breath, forcing my sharp fangs back into place.
Cindy danced closely with one of the senior football players from school, a guy named Chad. Before tonight, Chad and I hadn’t said two words to each other. That was the case with most of the people here. Sure, I’d seen their faces many times over the years, but I didn’t really know any of them. I was surprised so many bothered to come. No one would miss this, my inner voice huffed.
Daniel, Sebastian, Dorian, Salvatore, and Bart danced near each other, each with a beautiful girl in his arms. A pang of sadness split my heart.
Gabe, where are you? At the thought, thousands of pinpricks trickled up my spine like an electric current. My gaze shifted from the dance floor to where Kenmei and Professor Pops talked to the unfamiliar man. As one they turned toward the door. Pops and Kenmei appeared angry and the other man sneered arrogantly.
Heathcliff stiffened at my side. “This is not good.”
“What? What’s wrong?” I asked, holding my breath in anticipation of whatever was going to happen. Gabe walked in, looking incredibly handsome in a black tux, bowtie, and cummerbund. The buttons on his white shirt were black as well. His jaw clenched as he searched the room.
Was he looking for me? I hoped, but a part of me was afraid. He didn’t look pleased at all.
“Snow, I need you to come with me.” Heathcliff grabbed my hand and pulled me behind a group of people, toward the other side of the room.
“Why?” I asked. I wanted to find out what was wrong. The tension in the room crackled. Had Gabe brought that with him? It was then I noticed the men and women filtering in behind him. They all wore black but weren’t dressed for the party. They were dressed to hunt.
And I knew they’d come for me.
Heathcliff kept going, but I wouldn’t leave. If they were after a figh
t, I’d give them one. I yanked my hand from his. He glanced at me, surprised. “Please come with me. I know a place where you’ll be safe.”
I shook my head. “I’m staying. I need to find out what’s going on.”
Heathcliff took hold of my shoulders. “Listen to me. Those men out there are chayot. They are here to do what Gabe couldn’t. They intend to kill you. We’ve got to get you out of here. I have a friend standing by who can take you to Wonderland, Arizona. You’ll be safe there.” I heard the undercurrent of fear in Heathcliff’s voice and it meant a lot to me that he was worried but, just as he’d forgotten I was stronger than him a moment ago, he also didn’t realize that I wouldn’t be running from these… creatures and into the hands of a stranger and a place called Wonderland. Not in a million years.
“What are you waiting for?” Dorian hissed, coming up behind Heathcliff.
“She won’t go, and she’s stronger than I am,” Heathcliff hissed.
“If you don’t—” Dorian began, glaring at me.
“Snow White, show your face. Accept your fate and come with us.” A tall, very stunning man stepped in front of Gabe as he spoke. The music stopped, scratched into silence. Those who were still dancing paused to see what was going on, whispering and pointing. The chayot fanned out, systematically searching for me.
“Understand now? You need to leave” Dorian said, crouching. He pulled me down with him.
“Is this part of the party?” I heard someone ask.
“Probably,” someone else answered.
“Cool.”
“I’m going to count to five. If you haven’t come forward, one of these human children will die.” The man’s voice was low but carried like he spoke into a microphone.
The other chayot continued to search, moving silently.
I frantically searched the room for Cindy. Where was she? I’d lost her in the shuffle when the chayot showed.
Fate and Magic: Snow White Reimagined with Vampires and Werewolves (Seven Magics Academy Book 2) Page 7
