I glared at him for another second, then let my arms drop and sighed. At the thought of going to a ball, my entire body wanted to run, get away while I still could. But I would be lying if I said I wasn’t curious. It was the kind of event that I would sometimes dream of. A world so far from my own, I could only look at it from the distance. A world full of luxury and excess, a world of expensive champagne and delicious snacks, where people wore jewelry worth more than everything I owned.
Also, Octavian had stuck with me when things got tough with the vampire demon thingy. Now it was my turn.
“Fine, whatever. But you owe me one,” I eventually agreed.
He smiled at me. This time, it reached his eyes, too. “We’ll just stick to the open bar and snack table, I promise.”
I laughed as I imagined us, dressed up all fancy, raiding the snack table while everyone around us watched in outrage.
Wait, shit. Speaking of dressed up…
“Uhm… I don’t have anything to wear, though. I’m not exactly a ballroom dress kind of girl,” I said nervously.
Octavian looked up and down at me. “You’re like… five foot seven, right?”
I nodded, a frown on my face.
“I’ll have something delivered, don’t worry about it.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but then closed it again. It was not like I had any other options. He looked like he knew what to wear to these events. And I certainly didn’t feel like going shopping for dresses. I sometimes liked to just look at them in the shop windows, imagine myself at some fancy gala, on the arms of my handsome prince. But that was jokingly. I couldn’t actually waltz into a shop where dresses cost more than a month of rent and act like I could afford any of them. Or wear one.
My body was still trying to flee, but my heart was pumping with excitement. This was so far outside my comfort zone, I couldn’t even see where my comfort zone was anymore.
But we had just fought a literal demon and won.
How bad could a ball possibly be?
9
“I just can’t figure it out, okay?” I frowned at her and sighed. “He’s like all nice and fighting together felt…. right, somehow. But then he basically says that he doesn’t trust me. And he probably doesn’t even like me.”
I scoffed and cut up another tomato. I looked over and saw her look at me, her face expressionless yet supporting.
“Alright, alright, I don’t trust him either, so why should he trust me. But still! And then we talk all deep about feelings and shit, and I thought we were bonding or something, but then he thinks I’m not even good enough to accompany him to a ball!”
I scoffed and shook my head. She looked at me with wide eyes.
“I know, me, at a ball,” I chuckled. “But I’m not just going there because of him. My whole life got a lot more interesting since I got pulled into all this, and I just can’t leave that behind. I need to see where this goes.”
With a sigh, I put the tomatoes in the salad bowl. I usually didn’t care much about salads. For tonight, though, it made me feel more lady-like. It was my way of getting into my role for tonight. I still didn’t have my dress, but Octavian said he’d have it delivered, and it was still about two hours until I had to leave. It would be there… right?
I still couldn’t quite believe that I had given him my address, though. I never gave anyone my address. Then again, I also had never gone with anyone to a ball. And if I was completely honest, he had make these last few days a lot more exciting.
“But I just don’t know how I can trust him, I barely even know him!” I exclaimed. “Don’t you just sit there! What should I do?” I looked at her and sighed.
She looked at me for a long second, then barked.
“Ugh, you’re right, Lady. I shouldn’t obsess like that over some guy just because he’s handsome and funny. He’s different, though… I think,” I went on while stirring the salad.
I sighed again, then decided to push these thoughts away for now. My life was unsettled and off-balance. I had been pulled out of my routine, out of my safe and stable rhythm. I liked safe. I liked not having to worry about anything other than ‘how many are there’ and ‘how well are they armed.’ That was my life, and I was good at it.
But this new life… it was exciting and unknown. I loved it, but I hated it.
Then the doorbell rang, and I almost threw my wooden spoon at the door like a throwing knife. Lady ran over to the door and barked, but only once, like I taught her.
My heart was racing from the surprise, even though I was expecting a delivery. I always tracked my food orders so I knew when they would arrive, but anytime I got something delivered I couldn’t track, I was startled to death when they rang.
“Coming!” I shouted, quickly wiping my hands in a dishtowel.
A delivery guy handed me a huge garment bag, then left without another word. Efficient and simple, no unnecessary pleasantries. I liked him.
My heart kept pounding, but now it was with a mix of excitement and nervousness. I really hoped the dress wasn’t too crazy, like white and flowery. And if he thought I’d wear a pink, flouncy dress, then I would show up in my combat outfit and let him deal with it.
But what I unpacked took my breath. I quickly went into my bedroom with it and held it up to me in front of the mirror.
It was almost entirely black, but flowed into a dark shade of red toward the bottom. Hemline was the word, I corrected myself. I may or may not have read up on dresses all morning.
And the shade of red was also not called ‘like a puddle of blood after it dried for an hour,’ but crimson.
Probably the same color Octavian would wear as a Crimson Fang, I thought. It felt a little embarrassing, but he certainly knew how to pick the right dress for me better than I did.
It had a split, up to around the middle of my thighs, though. I shuddered at the thought of showing so much naked skin, but if it was a closed dress, I couldn’t run in it. And what kind of bodyguard would I be if I couldn’t even run? Still, I would have to shave my legs. And maybe put on pantyhose.
At the top, it had a crisscross halter, a name I remembered because it was one of the few things that were named exactly as I would describe them. I had been afraid the dress would be halter-less, which might look elegant, but would slide down as soon as I had to move wildly. Not the kind of scene I wanted to cause today.
But even with the halter, I felt awfully exposed, and I wasn’t even wearing it yet.
With an excited but nervous giggle, I took off my t-shirt and dug through my drawer for my black lace underwear. Finally, the day had come where I had a chance to wear them!
A few minutes later, I was standing in front of the mirror with the dress on. It looked stunning, even if I didn’t feel like I was supposed to be in it. My arms were naked, my shoulders weren’t covered, and while I liked how the dress and bra pushed my chest up a little, the thought of going out like that sent a shiver down my spine.
I put my arm around my top, covering both my chest and my shoulder, but the feeling didn’t quite go away. With a sigh, I let my arm fall to my sides again.
Then, with a determined frown, I mimicked a pose I remembered from my research. I turned about 45° to the side, put my hand on my mirror-facing hip, and tried to look seductive. On a whim, I put one foot forward, letting the dress play around it, exposing my naked leg.
I laughed, then tried a few other poses. Slowly, I started to feel more confident, and Lady’s happy barking further reassured me.
As I looked in the mirror again, my stature now upright and confident, I noticed that the dress fit me almost perfectly. Even though I felt still embarrassed by it, it hugged my curves, showing off my athletic figure. My arms were the only thing that looked a little out-of-place—when I reached for my hair or touched my face, my flexed biceps showed beneath my skin.
“Well, I might be dressed up like a lady, but I’m still a fighter.” I grinned at myself in the mirror.
I thought
about fitting my sword into that outfit somehow, but quickly discarded the idea. It might be a vampire ball, but it was still a ball. Finally happy with my outfit, I picked up the garment bag and noticed something was still in it.
I reached into it and found two matte-black satin gloves and a note.
“Thanks for having my back. -O”
I smiled as I put the note next to the bag on my bed, then tried on the gloves. A feeling of relief washed over me as I slipped into them. The soft fabric almost reached up to my elbows. My upper arms and shoulders were still naked, but the gloves still made me feel a lot less exposed.
Carefully, I examined the gloves as I stretched my hand out, formed a fist, then played with my fingers. The fabric between my fingers felt a little strange, but it was stretchy enough to hold not only a glass of bubbly, but a sword, knife, or makeshift club if needed.
Hesitantly, I sent out a little blast, barely a breeze of magic through my hand. The garment bag and note were blown across my bed, but the gloves were unaffected.
With a satisfied nod, I took them off again. Slowly, the panic in me was shrinking into nervousness. I had a badass dress and gloves that I could fight in while still looking almost ladylike. My partner wasn’t going to expect a dance from me, and there would be free appetizers. Sounded like a pretty good deal to me.
As I stepped closer to the mirror, I decided that this dress and occasion warranted a little more makeup than my usual quick brush of mascara and maybe eyeliner if I felt bold.
No, today I was going to try a bit of dark eyeshadow. I thought of the impressive effects I had seen in some of the videos I had watched, but if I attempted those, I would probably end up looking like a depressed clown.
I thought that it would take me a few minutes at most. Instead, I ended up starting over five times until I was happy with the result.
Subtle, but noticeable. Somewhat elegant. It turned out a little too dark, I thought as I inspected it, but that would have to do.
My eyes wandered to my silky black hair, and I tried imagining myself with a braid, like I had seen in the videos. But when I checked the time, a dry laugh escaped me. “A bun it is, then.”
I had tried buns in the past, and quickly enough managed to bring my hair into shape. Just as I inspected it, the doorbell rang again. I jumped, throwing the brush I was still holding at the bathroom door in surprise.
Dammit, Raven, you have to stop throwing things when someone startles you.
I quickly picked up the gloves, then walked to the door. My eyes wandered over the sword laying on the couch for a moment, and I felt the urge to pick it up and bring it. But I forced myself to look away and ignore its silent call.
With a racing heart, I put on the elegant low-heel pumps that I bought. They weren’t ideal, but when I asked the shop assistant if they had high heels that I could still run in, they just laughed at me. So I settled for low heels.
“Wish me luck, Lady!” I shouted before heading out the door.
My heart pounded as I walked down the stairs, or rather stalked down the stairs awkwardly. My regular boots were a lot more comfortable than these.
As I exited the building, I saw Octavian waiting for me next to a small black limo. He was dressed in a stylish black suit, coupled with a crimson tie and pocket square. Suddenly, I felt like a teenager on the way to my prom night. A week ago, I would have shivered at the thought. Now, somehow, it was my life, thanks to some ironic twist of fate.
When I came out the door, Octavian looked at me in surprise, brows furrowed, his mouth half open. “Um… wow,” he stammered awkwardly, chuckling as he looked up and down at me.
“What is it? Do I have the dress on backwards or something?” I yelped, an icy shiver running down my spine.
“No, you… you look stunning,” he replied with a smile, appreciation in his eyes.
I blushed and looked down, but I felt my nervousness ease. Octavian took my hand and kissed it, then opened the limo door and led me toward it.
“After you, my lady,” he chuckled.
“Oh no, don’t even try it,” I laughed. “You can be pompous with the other ladies, but we’re on a mission here.”
“Gladly.” he grinned. “Get your pretty ass in the car, then.”
I laughed again, then got in carefully, watching the dress as I slid into my seat. While it felt strange letting someone talk about my ass like that, I also felt flattered. And it was certainly better than hours of court-like charade and exchanging empty pleasantries.
It took us about thirty minutes to arrive at the location. And whatever else I could say about the vampires of Clan Dulaire, they knew how to throw a ball in style.
We arrived at their old castle in the late evening, bathed in the last rays of sunlight. The path from the big medieval gates to the main door was lit by magical fires burning in cast iron bowls. In the courtyard left and right of the path, vampires were walking around dressed in black tie, serving glasses of champagne to the guests who were gathered outside in small groups.
There were pavilions in bright but elegant colors assembled along the path and lit by paper lanterns with dancing lights in them. It beautifully combined the cold, stone-and-iron style of the vampires with the playful style of witches.
Around a small fountain, there were benches made of entire tree trunks with intricate patterns carved into them. Small decorative statues made of stacked stones acted as natural tables, around which shamans and elementalists gathered.
Even though everyone was dressed elegantly, most still displayed their origin proudly. I saw witches with crystals on earrings and necklaces, some even had them stitched in their dresses. Shamans seemed to stick to earthy tones for their choice of garments, many still with visible tattoos. Elementalists, like always, didn’t really have a coherent style, but many had woven their elements into their outfit, from an icily glowing necklace to a dress in fiery tones that looked almost like real flames when she moved.
I was watching the guests in awe when Octavian offered his arm to me. I looked at him confused for a moment, then I hooked my arm in his and we slowly strutted along the path.
Much to my surprise, Octavian was greeted warmly by many of the guests—witches, shamans, and elementalists alike.
“How do you know so many magicals?” I whispered to him after yet another witch came over to say hello.
“I was often tasked with diplomatic missions while I was in the Guard, and I still am as a Fang,” he quietly explained. “My superiors know that I’m good with other factions. I respect them, and they respect me.”
“Huh.”
“Let’s make our way inside and find the snack table. We should probably stay sober, though,” he added grimly. “While it would make the small talk more bearable, we need to be ready for an attack.”
I looked at him from the corner of my eyes. “Don’t you have, like, a job to do? Patrol the castle or something?”
He chuckled, then glanced over to me. “No, I’m on people duty. Others are patrolling or standing guard throughout the rooms. I’m expected to make a good impression, make sure we all get along well, and that everyone knows that Clan Dulaire only has the city’s best interests at heart.”
I stared him in the eyes inquisitively. “Do they?”
He hesitated, but kept his eyes neutral as they roamed over the guests around us. “Some of us more than others. Let’s leave it at that. And, of course,” he continued in a lighter mood, “I’m mostly here to please Mother, even though I’m never quite good enough. Oh, and if we run into her, she is not someone to banter with. She generally sticks to piercing insults hidden in empty pleasantries, but if she decides she doesn’t like you, you might wake up with a knife in your chest.”
I laughed, but quickly stopped as his face remained stern. “You’re not kidding?”
He looked at me with a deadpan face. “I wish I was.”
Before I could ask another question, we entered the main hall, and it was the grandest thing I had
ever seen.
The roof arched up like a cathedral, so high I could barely see the ceiling. Chandeliers hung down on iron chains, spreading a soft light throughout the hall, amplified by torches high up on the walls and magical lanterns on elegant stands. Thin high tables were placed along the walls, each decorated with various items that had a meaning to one faction or another.
Around the tables, and on the dance floor in the center, dozens of people were gathered in the most magnificent dresses and suits. Just like outside, everyone was wearing something unique and flavorful, yet still elegant. Suddenly, I felt very small and out of place.
There was live music, beautiful soft tones that drifted through the air and made my heart yearn. So pure and delicate, yet wild and passionate. As I watched the small stage, filled with an array of instruments, I could see that there was only a single woman currently playing. With wide eyes, I saw that she was playing both an ornate harp and a classical piano—without touching either.
Her hands wove through the air. Her eyes were closed in concentration, but her brows and mouth twitched and arched with the melody. Her passion shone through her face, the emotions she poured into the music. I felt a great sadness as I realized that such beautiful music, such a talented artist could never present themselves to the world, only to us supernaturals.
“Come on, this way,” Octavian whispered and tugged at my arm. “I’ve found the appetizers.”
I managed to pull myself away from the enchanting music and followed him to the appetizers. I expected a few plates with snacks, but when we arrived, I understood why they had a fancier name for it.
The table was longer than my living room, and on it were countless plates and multi-tiered serving trays filled with all kinds of sweets, savory snacks, and dried fruits. As my eyes wandered over the trays, I noticed that yet again, many of the appetizers were themed. There were cookie-like things covered in red icing, decorated by white sugar teeth. Tiny cupcakes with colorful swirls in the shades of the elements—red, blue, brown, and blue-tinted white. Dried fruits and sweets shaped like crystals and gemstones.
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