Eyes of the Midari

Part 6

Aria

Aria had spent a good thirty minutes searching every inch of the ballroom, alas, she couldn't find any trace of Silas. She fiddled with the bracelet she gave him on her right hand. She patted the bangle Jess gave her to hide her tattoo as well. All around her, she saw people with Wastri, Dragon, and even a few Sidra. Thankfully, no one with a dragon tattoo has approached her. She did catch a few seekers here and there lurking.

A tap at her shoulder made her flinch, "Relax, it's just me."

She smiled as Levi handed her a glass of champagne, "Sorry, I'm just anxious."

"Don't worry, we'll find Silas."

"I don't even think he is here. I would have found him by now."

Levi clinked glasses with her, "Never say die."

She laughed, "Very American of you."

Someone cleared their throat behind them and both Aria and Levi turned to the stranger. Aria's breath caught in her chest as she beheld the giant of a man that extended his hand to her. The ink of his dragon tattoo shined in the light. His dark brown hair was slick back, revealing the bruises Aria gave him a few nights ago.

His hand remained between them, "Might I ask the lady to dance?"

Aria stared daggers, "Move along, Roman. I don't think you want round two from the other night." She moved the slit of her dress, casually showing off Reaper.

He just smiled down at the gun, "If I recall, I gave you that gun. Come on Nish, one dance. For old times sake. I'll put aside how you beat the living shit out of me."

Aria tapped a hand to Reaper, "When you gave me this gun, we were friends," Her hand curled around Reaper's hilt, "but for what you did I should shoot you right now. Wouldn't be the first death at one of these parties."

"One dance Nish."

Levi stepped up, "She's spoken for. Take a hint and move on."

Roman chuckled, "Oh I know she's spoken for, but I don't see Silas anywhere to be found."

Before Aria could bite back, Roman grabbed her hand and dragged her into the thrall of dancers. His hand came around her waist and she was forced to place hers on his shoulder. Roman wasn't much older than her, maybe early 20s by now. It's true, they were friends when she was first learning the ropes of the sewer tunnels. He was like a big brother to her in all honesty; until he did the unspeakable. The reason for that empty feeling in her chest every time she wakes up and sees Silas's side of the bed empty.

Roman smiled down with his brown eyes, "Awfully quiet. You used to be quite chatty when we were growing up."

"That was before you betrayed me and Silas." She bit back.

He sighed, "Aria, you knew you and him were on borrowed time. I only put into action the inevitable. Trust me, I saved you a lot of hurt with a little pain now."

Her grip on his hand tightened, "You outed us in front of the whole gang! If you hadn't done what you did Silas would...."

"Silas would still be a slave to the Bane and so would you. You would be risking your lives every day and the Bane would have won with having you by his side still."

Aria stared at him with wide eyes, as he stared back, "Listen Aria, I remember the day the Bane brought you in. Your bones barely had enough skin on them to keep you together. Your hair was buzzed to your head, and you were covered in dirt and cuts. I saw a girl who had suffered a lifetime's worth in a matter of years. I watched you continue to suffer under the Bane's infatuation. I know you love Silas and I know he loves you, but both of you were blinded by what that love was doing to you."