one shots series ૮ ･ ﻌ･ა

the facade del luna

As night fell the cerulean haze of day lifted to reveal the stars. Neon signs and street lamps reflected on the glistening water mirrors on the urban streets as the light percussive sound of the rain blended with the rumbling of cars. Cecilia's foot tapped the ground irritably as she waited outside the opera house in a dress which screamed of antique royalty and had the pompous silkiness to complement the imitation. Her gown adorned with an iridescent morganite brooch. White feathers accentuates her dark brown hair which was done up as a side bun.

"Does she want me to wait like a fool?" she muttered to herself.

The custom gun she had made for her sat on her delicate hands. As she fidgeted with the ivory revolver, the sleek, lustrous door to the opera house swung open, wafting a floral scent of tea mixed with the delicate, sweet fragrance of pastries. Cecilia's head gravitated to the light which washed down the marble steps she stood at. To her surprise, it was her client which opened the door.

"Why did you not tell me you were inside already, you huge buffoon?" she scowled as her lips curled.

Her client hesitated for a second and stifled an apology. She welcomed her inside as she gestured her hands toward the dining area. As she made her way in, her dainty white heels trailed the pearly marble stairs, in a soft staccato beat.

The ceiling was adorned with magnificent paintings of angels and gods which sat among the clouds. Priceless, golden pillars surrounded the vermilion seats below which faced the enormous stage, masked by velvety drapes. The captivating ornaments which embellished the walls and pillars were tied together with the grand chandelier which shone brilliantly with it's clear crystals.The grand nature of the opera house was fit for the deities which further bridges Cecilia's mortal nature.

As she entered the venue, the rhythmic tapping of her heels faded. Cecilia stole a glance at her client and gave a brief nod. As they sat at their venues, the lights dimmed with the final one which fixed to the stage, glimmering like a radiant star. Cecilia discreetly slipped the delicate gun and clutched onto the wad of money from the client's hand. The client gave her thanks and departed quietly so as to not disturb the peace.

As her broody, wine-coloured eyes shifted their attention to the pristine stage, the carmine curtains drew back, revealing the cast. Though all performers were dressed head to toe with intricate attires, one stood out, catching her eye. His mellow, golden eyes and charming voice captivated the audience. His melancholic tone rippled with warmth and confidence which struck a chord in her heartstrings. When the dazzling beam of the spotlight poured into his eyes, they melted into a golden aurora, circling an eclipse, turning into a sunset of their own. As his eyes met hers, it felt as if she was a deer caught in the headlights, her heart drummed adrenaline through her veins while anxiety bubbled and brewed in the pits of her stomach.

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The scarlet drapes dropped back down as the audience erupted with applause. As people began to make their way out the venues, an ear-splitting gunshot echoed through the opera house. Cecilia's whole body numbed with unease. That sound, she's heard it somewhere before... Familiarity became fact as it resembled the revolver of her own. Her teeth clenched as she headed toward the bang. The audience scurried away like frenzied animals, trampling each other as panic engulfed them.

"She just had to fire it here, of all places..." she furiously mumbled half to herself.

As she walked, the click-clacking of her dainty heels echoed through the venues until she stepped on a soft patch on the carpet.

Ugh, food here of all places? In her vexed state, she trudged her way around it. "Clients like her make me want to qui-" she huffed out before she got cut off.

Someone's hand clasped tightly onto her slender arm. Cecilia's eyes faltered as they scanned the dimly lit stage.

In her exasperated state, she managed to stifle "W-Who's that?"

Deafening silence trailed as the person dragged Cecilia backstage. Her petite build could barely pull herself away from the firm grip. As she struggled, panic from the apprehension flooded her senses, her shaky hands fumbled on her own revolver. As they drifted further into the heart of the stage, the dim spotlight washed onto the two of them, revealing the person's face.

"Y-You're the actor from before..." Cecilia stuttered, her jaw trembling.

"Sorry if I had frightened you there. Are you alright?" the young gentleman inquired.

Cecilia nodded, dazed.

"We should alert the police and head somewhere safer" he whispered tenderly.

As they crept out, light began to submerge the venues. Cecilia was washed over with relief but the feeling of comfort was short lived when pools of blood seeped onto the carpet next to her. Her body paralysed with fear as her trembling eyes followed the crimson trail.

It was her client. The stiff body of a captivating, young lady lied lifelessly on the floor. Her delicate, fair skin drenched in her own blood. Her pretty forehead embellished with a deep gunshot wound, revealing her disfigured skull and mutilated brain. Cecilia's stomach churned as she stood there, overwhelmed with unease. Her eyes trailed down at her heels only to realise now that they were stained ruby. That was when Cecilia realised what she once thought was food may be a little more anthropomorphic...

As she stumbled back, she felt the cold touch of death press against her skull which would send the last ever shiver down her spine. A faint click of the trigger followed "It's a shame you had to find out this way".