One Eternal Ember

Chapter 16

I slept for about an hour before Lilith barged back in, she carried croissants, bagels, bread, strawberries, and some chocolate cake. I didn't even know there was chocolate cake in the kitchens, but I ate it like I was starving. We then talked about the Journey we will face after the Solstice, and who we think will go with us. Eventually the time came for Lilith to head to her rooms to prepare for the Founders Ball. Before she left she gave me the most serious expression I've ever seen on her face as she said, "It's a Masquerade, so wear the mask I left for you." Then she was gone.

After she left, a young girl came up and helped me get ready. She applied Kohl on my lashes, blush, and pulled my hair up. I began to complain, but she stated in a flat voice, "Everyone will know who you are. You are being fed to the wolves. They see this mark, and will know you are not a sheep, but a Lioness." With that I let her pull my hair up into a high ponytail. My pitch hair draped down my back, she placed Diamond cluster earrings in my ears, and a diamond necklace with a teardrop in the center around my neck. With that she was gone, and all that was left was to choose my dress.

I opened my wardrobe, and smiled at all the beautiful gowns. Then a thought hit me. All the other ladies will be wearing bright colors, and shades. They'll be so vibrant and dazzling. So instead I chose the one dress I knew no one would dare wear to such a formal event. I slid my feet into my heels, and took one last glance at myself in the mirror. The woman who looked back at me was someone I hadn't seen in a long time. A knock sounded at the door, and I knew it was the escort. I glanced to the mask on the table made of swirls, that arched above my brow in a spiral, and slid it over my eyes, tying the silk behind my hair.

I opened the door, and the escort didn't so much as look my way, which was a blessing. I expected Lilith to be escorted along with me, but we didn't stop at her Chambers. We walked down the staircase to the exact place I came earlier, the music could already be heard outside the doors. The escort stopped outside the doors and opened them, waiting for me to walk in. I lifted my chin, squared my shoulders, and stepped into the den of wolves.

The Founders Ball had more people attending than the last party, and the table had been moved in front of the balcony to the Courtyard. I glanced around to see all colorful dresses of Blues, Purples, Yellows, Oranges, Pinks, Reds, and Greens. I smiled to myself at my dress selection. The dress I chose was black, not only black but the deepest shade of black. The shade of the darkest Obsidian, that sucked the light in, identical to my hair. The straps were thin, and showed my shoulders and collar bone. The Bodice, was a V-Cut with ravens feathers sewn into the silk, the skirts flowed at my hips, and continued to the floor. The back of the gown was open, and cut low to show the entire of my back. The Kingslayer tattoo on the back of my neck in black ink, shown stark against my skin. My heels gave me a solid inch of extra height. But more than anything, I actually felt...Beautiful.

Instead of glancing to the Thrones to see who was there, I kept my eyes on the crowd. Pretending to look for someone. I take long strides across the floor to the table, and pick up a strawberry.

"Oh my gods, Kas." I turn to find Lilith walking to me her mouth ajar, and I give her a diamond smile. I look at her and my own mouth falls open. She's wearing a dress made of pure silver, she looks like she bathed in the blood of the Demi-Gods. Her hair is pulled back from her face, where her mask covers her eyes. The shape matches mine, a necklace of sapphires covers her neck, a matching set of earrings are on her ears.

"Wow Lilith, you look astonishing." I smile at my friend and hand her a chocolate croissant. She grins at me and takes it, shoving it in her mouth. A pricking sensation begins between my shoulder blades, and flows up my neck. My body heats, and a flush appears on my cheeks. I'm being watched. But by who? Lilith finishes her croissant, and smiles at me.

"Thank you Kas. I'm going to go find some courtier to force into a dance. You remember what we talked about though, right?"

I nod, and smile at her. "Don't cause too much trouble out there." She smiles at me, and struts into the crowd. I turn back to the table and grab another Strawberry. The phantom wind flows around my shoulders, the ravens feathers flowing in the slight breeze. I smile, and plop the strawberry into my mouth, plucking off the stem. I toss the stem onto my plate, and set it down. I turn around and look to the Thrones.

As if he was waiting for me, a smile plays on his lips. His moon hair shines brightly, and his Tux sucks the light from the room. Just like my dress. Our eyes lock, and heat sizzles the atmosphere, the flush coming back. His eyes study my dress, my mask, and my hair. I study his Tux, and his plain black mask, covering his eyebrows, and his nose. His pale blue eyes shine brightly in the light, and create a current of heat as they find mine. I give him a look that says, Watch this. Then I spin on my heel, and make my way into the crowd.