Hauntingly Beautiful | Vox x Reader x Alastor

Chapter Twenty-Four

I'm sitting at one of the many vanities, surrounded by other models. The room is a flurry of activity, with stylists running back and forth, adjusting costumes and hairstyles.

It's a chaotic frenzy back here, but I'm used to it. The fashion industry is like a well-oiled machine, and I've known my way around a runway for years.

The other models nearby chat and gossip amongst themselves. Some are nervous, others excited, while a few seem bored. I can hear snippets of conversation, talk of dates, parties, and the latest hot gossip.

As I fix my hair one last time in the mirror I can't help but giggle slightly at all of the gossip. The pride ring sure does have interesting stories floating around.

One of the other models glances over at me as I giggle at the chatter. She's a petite sinner with pink-tinged skin, dressed in a skimpy costume clearly designed to draw in a crowd.

"You don't seem nervous." She comments, her voice holding a hint of both disbelief and wariness. "Aren't you worried at all?" Sabrina pops her head up from her seat replying to the girl's question for me. "Valerie? She's a natural. She's got nothing to be nervous about Sienna."

The girl named Sienna looks at Sabrina, then back at me, her expression still slightly uncertain. "Really?" She asks, looking me up and down as if she's sizing me up. "You don't look like you'd be a natural."

I snicker at her sad attempt at a jab. As I turn my body to face her I cross my leg over my other, as well as my arms, giving her a menacing smile. "And you don't look like the type to mess with an overlord."

A look of shock and horror immediately appears on Sienna's face as I speak, her eyes widening. She backs away subtly in fear, her breath catching in her throat. The other models in the room have also gone quiet, all of them looking at me with a mixture of surprise and fear.

Sienna quickly regains her composure, her eyes quickly darting away from me. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean any offense." She stammers out. "Uh huh." I reply as I glance her up and down. "You should finish getting ready, don't you think?" Sienna nods quickly, a hint of fear still in her eyes as she scurries away, grabbing her bags and heading into one of the changing rooms.

The other models in the room slowly begin to go back to their conversations, casting curious looks in my direction. Sabrina appears next to me, a small grin on her face. "You scared her shitless."

"I get it from Vel." I joke as I give her a smile in return. Sabrina chuckles, clearly amused by my comment. "That's definitely apparent." She looks around the room, noticing the fearful looks the other models are giving me. "You know, they're all terrified of you." I look around before meeting her gaze again. "And you're not. It's intriguing."

Sabrina shrugs nonchalantly. "I've worked with a lot of rich assholes and entitled pricks. You don't seem as bad as them." She leans forward slightly, examining me. "Besides, I know you've got a soft heart somewhere in there."

"Fair enough." I hum out as a backstage worker hurries in and tells us it's time for places. The nervous energy in the room spikes at the announcement.

The chatter immediately stops as the models begin to move, heading to their assigned places. I can hear the crowd outside, the buzz of excitement palpable even through the walls. Sabrina gives me a reassuring smile. "Ready?"

"You know it." A grin appears on my face as I stand up and dust off my vibrant red dress. I am so ready for this. She gives me a nod of approval before heading off to her own position, leaving me alone for a moment before I'm called to take my place.

The music begins to play, signalling the start of the runway show, and the first model walks out, strutting confidently down the catwalk. The models begin to come out one by one, each one showcasing the latest in fashion and trends.