DOFAB#3

Chapter Fifteen- Part Two

~ KINLEY ~

Hologram wick candles embellish wrought iron chandeliers dappled with rupals, Nadora's official gemstone. The light fixtures hang from a vaulted ceiling with scalloped edging while soft music of violins and cellos plays in the background. White-gloved ushers' flit about the lower level of this balustrade encased ballroom carrying crystal flutes in silver trays. The same candles that adorned the chandeliers line the steps of the two staircases opposite me, converging into a single pathway that spills onto the dance floor. Red votives and the hologram flames immerse the room in scarlet hues that turns the white floral centerpieces on the tables a similar shade.

"I can't believe we are at a fancy party our first day of school!" Maya gushes, clinging onto Ruby, whose demon pat'na was a no-show.

Where we entered, the staircase splits off into two different directions. Those in my coven waste no time in descending the steps to the party that awaits.

"I can't believe this is first years' initiation. I was expecting a seedy club or dank underground bar. This is...It's a fairy tale," Adalynn says. "With diabolical monsters, of course." She quickly adds when Hawk extends his arm to her when she reaches the last step.

The scent of hors d'oeuvres and fresh polar star roses mixes with an assortment of perfumes and cologne as I grip the balustrade railing of the second-floor balcony. From here, I can see the cherry-blossom trees stationed in front of every column that flanks the multiple archways the second-floor balcony covers, creating alcoves where groups can mingle besides the tables set for a seven-course dinner. The black-ice dance floor in the center remains untouched, except for the glinting of the hologram candles. The moving flames transform the slick floor into a glimmering night sky.

How much did the others see or hear? And how could I have been kissing Tristan Darkos back? Wandering is no excuse.

I retrieve my phone from the silver clutch that clashes with my golden locket, pausing at the moondrops tied around my wrists with ribbon that matches my dress. Tristan left to get me these. I shudder against the visual of Neziri dying in front of me that plagued me the whole car ride here. One more text. She can't ignore me forever.

The slim, pocket-size glass gets plucked from my grasp before I can type a second letter.

"No phones. This evening is all about you and me." Tristan hands my phone and clutch to one of the doormen checking purses and coats.

A single clutch hasn't made it past the landing. All belongings are being confiscated at the entry leading me to believe once the clock strikes twelve, this fairytale gathering will be anything but a charming and enduring experience for us mayru and morru.

"Shall we?" Tristan sticks out his elbow, the blueness of his eyes striking against the ebony armor he's wearing.

He's supposed to be the Slayer of All, the terrifying Deveast of Devil's Reap, yet all he's done since he's met me is shamelessly flirt. Now, he's moved on to soiling me with his devil lips and devil tongue. He's acting as if all this is normal. None of this is normal!

"What is it you plan to do once you find your sword?" I square myself to him. "Stop, stop getting so close to me."

I need to know that what I'm doing is the right decision.

"Is my closeness bothering you?" Tristan presses into my extended arm, lowering his head in a manner that accentuates his divine and deadly features.

"Your existence bothers me." I arch over the railing.

"You want to know what my plans are?" Tristan successfully squelches the boundary I'm trying to establish. "First, I'm going to work myself through the ABCs. You know, the elders of the bloodlines that betrayed me. After which, I'll move on to the celestials, thinning their numbers along with the human population until the world remembers whom they should fear. By that time, maybe your sister will pose an exciting and much-needed challenge. If not, I guess the other gods can watch their creations suffer until they become strong enough to defeat me."