A LAND OF FIRE AND DARKNESS

Chapter 28

I looked at my reflection in the gilded mirrors and admired how far I had come from the girl who had gone completely numb.

My hair looked shinier, my body was filled out, and my posture was stronger. I felt like the same strong-hearted girl Lewis always reminded me I was.

I wore a black dress that I had been staring at since I arrived in this room. It had a desirable tight bodice that stuck to my breast, with gold lace detail covering the front and dipping down the skirt. At my hips, black silk crunched together flared out extenuating my curves. I painted my face to look as terrifying as the dress with shimmering gold lipstick and black smoked eyes.

I felt as powerful as I looked, and could picture myself wearing something like this If I did decide to become Highvarion.

At Midday the festival was beginning and so I strode towards the courtroom. The halls were filled with an array of Elementals. Some strode through the large entryway while others wisped in using their teleportation abilities.

The halls were decorated with white roses brushed with silver creating a perfect symbol on how to describe Dorica. A string quartet greeted people as they strode in, filling the room with the beautiful sound of music.

High tables draped with silver clothes were scattered around the room while the waiters offered guests canapes and sparkling wine. The room looked beautiful.

My eyes glazed over the species I once thought were deformed, bone-like creatures of pure evil thanks to misleading Utohian books. They looked not much different from Utohians, although Elementals did appear stronger, and seemed far more beautiful. They also lived for centuries.

I passed a sign that was painted to wish Lady Dorica a blessed four hundred and twenty Arrivals Day. I shook my head in dismay at how old she was compared to me.

I slowly turned back towards the crowd and saw a recognizable face. Tristan waved from the other side of the room. His deep blue eyes traced over my dress and I heard the whistle that left his mouth as he stepped towards me. He wore a simple white shirt with black pants and black belt suspenders wrapped over his shoulders.

I smiled at him as I remembered that I had agreed to attend this dance with him. But now I could feel my heart begin to race in panic.

"Alinta, you look," He released a heavy breath, "Very pretty."

I withheld the expression and wince my body wanted to let out. That was not the type of compliment I was going for in this outfit, but he looked nervous.

"You look rather handsome too Tristan." I complimented back.

He gestured out with his elbow for me to take it and I laced my arm through his. He strode through the room with me on his arm.

We walked towards the throne where Dorica now sat, not Delcallon. I smiled as I looked at the beautiful silver-haired Oblivion. She wore a chiffon silver gown with a v neck that dipped down to her belly button. Her hair was pinned up out of her face showing off the necklace Brallon had got her, and the earrings, I suspected Delcallon gave her. They were white gold vines with black gems similar to the necklace Brallon got her.

She sat on the throne with a proud smile as we approached her.

"Lady Dorica." Tristan greeted as he bowed his head towards her.

I smirked up at her, "You look exquisite." I stated as I bowed my head at her. That was a compliment, not 'very pretty.

She gave me a gentle smile as her eyes wandered over my dress, "I really like that dress on you Alinta." I looked at her in shock at her gentle tone. "I was there when it was made, and now that I see it on you. I could not picture it on anyone else."