Gloom in Gold: The Awakening

Chapter Fifteen

Marionette.

Lilith's foul feeling about meeting this other clan did not leave her after the night passed. She sat on Wrem's couch, eyes stuck on the ground while the other woman searched through her huge wardrobe.

"I do see you in red as well, but unfortunately that's my colour," Wrem mumbled as she skipped the majority of her clothes.

"I see myself in bed while you enjoy yourselfes," she sighed.

"Cease this crabbing, girlfriend," Wrem turned, hands on her hips, "is this still about your worry of doing us wrong?"

"I just... yes. I just feel something's gonna go wrong."

"If you're feeling anxious a little drink might help."

"I don't think that's it. I... shit, I really don't know where this comes from."

Wrem looked at her with a touch of fondness in her eyes. "Don't you worry. This evening will be spectacular once we got the hounds off your scent." Lilith forced a small smile to her lips. She let her hands be taken and allowed Wrem to pull her to her feet. "Why don't we pick out your outfit now?"

"I appreciate you trying to cheer me up, but why can I not just go in jeans and a sweater?"

"Little dummy," Wrem laughed somewhat bitterly, "this will be a party. Everyone will dress up."

"Everyone?"

"In their own senses, yes. Therefore you will be slaying as well."

She imagined the rest of the clan all dressed in fine clothing, she never saw that except for Erros and his beloved suits. She could not stop wondering how Fellon would look in a suit and snickered.

"Okay," Lilith said and their eyes met, "let's get it over with."

About half an hour later Lilith stood in front of the high mirror and felt comfortable, yet foreign as well. She wore a black dress that allowed a deep glance into her cleavage. The fabric covered her back, Maddox advised The soft, slightly glossy fabric ended at her mid thighs on the front and became longer at the sides. The backside was falling onto the ground in silky quillings. Her hand rubbed the entirely unclothed area above her chest with an insecure expression.

"Isn't that a little... much skin?"

"There is nothing like too much skin," Wrem winked and Lilith sighed. The woman noticed her anxiety and stepped up to her, taking one of her hands. With her free one she brushed over a bronze cheek, smiling softly as she pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "You look gorgeous, little Lilith. There is no reason to be insecure about yourself."

"Thank you." Blood gathered in her head and she smiled sheepishly, putting her hands on Wrem's hips as they lost one another in the darkness. "But that's not entirely what I meant." She glanced down at herself critically. "Why do I have to dress this... provocatively if there is already a risk that they'll try to hurt me?"

"We got to leave an impression, girlfriend." Lilith rose a brow and Wrem snorted, before smiling slightly. "If you show up in something that conveys confidence the chance they will treat you respectfully increases."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, honey."

They looked at each other for another moment before Lilith sighed and gave in. If they deemed this necessary she will trust them.

"Good," Wrem smiled and turned, "the only thing left now are your heels."

"Heels? Like, these high shoes?"