Dusk Till Dawn

6

Marco

As I waited downstairs, everyone gathered around, their voices a low murmur mixed with the clink of wine glasses and the occasional puff of smoke. The ambiance was casual yet elegant, a testament to the easy camaraderie that only comes from years of shared experiences and old money sensibilities.

Niccolo leaned back in his chair, swirling his wine with a practiced hand. "So, Marco, tonight's the night we finally meet her."

I nodded, taking a slow drag of my cigar. As I exhaled a thick plume of smoke, I glanced toward the staircase, my thoughts preoccupied with the evening ahead.

Giovanni took a slow sip from his glass, his eyes reflecting genuine interest. "We've only heard bits and pieces about her. I'm curious to see if she matches the impression we've built up from the little we know."

Tessa, perched on the edge of her seat with a bright smile, added, "I've heard wonderful things about the wedding preparations. It must be quite a story. I'm really looking forward to meeting her and seeing what she's like in person."

"She's certainly made an impression," I said, trying to keep my tone neutral. "She's been through a lot, and it shows in how she carries herself."

Dante raised an eyebrow, taking a measured sip from his glass. "I'm sure she'll be impressive. zio Marcus wouldn't have chosen her if she wasn't."

"I'm sure you'll all get a sense of who she is soon enough," I replied, keeping my focus on the staircase. 

Niccolo leaned forward, his curiosity evident but respectful. "I'm looking forward to seeing how she fits into this world. It's always intriguing to meet someone who's new to our circle."

Giovanni nodded in agreement. "Yes, it'll be interesting to see what she's like. I'm sure she's just as fascinating as you say."

Tessa's excitement was almost palpable. "It's always a pleasure to meet new people, especially someone who's become so important to you. I'm eager to see if she lives up to the stories."

I took a drag from my cigarette, glancing at the staircase. "You'll see for yourselves soon enough. Freya's coming down any minute now."

Freya

As I made my way to the grand staircase, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement. The soft hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses filled the air, creating a lively backdrop for the evening's festivities. The staircase, bathed in the warm glow of the chandeliers above, seemed to beckon me forward.

I took a deep breath and began my descent. The fabric of my gown swirled around me with each step, a deep emerald green that contrasted beautifully with the opulence of the ballroom. The light from the chandeliers caught in the sequins of my dress, making it shimmer with every movement.

As I reached the halfway point, the room fell silent, and all eyes turned toward me. The guests, elegantly dressed in their evening best, watched with a mix of admiration and curiosity. The air seemed to hold its breath, and I could feel the weight of their gazes on me.

At the bottom of the stairs, I spotted Marco. His figure was commanding yet composed, dressed in a sharply tailored suit that emphasized his authoritative presence. I had been searching for him instinctively, drawn to his unwavering steadiness. As I met his gaze, his expression remained inscrutable, but there was a subtle softness in his eyes that made my heart skip a beat.

When I reached the final step, Marco extended his hand, a gesture that was both formal and intimate. "Freya," he said, his voice carrying over the now-quiet room. "You look magnificent."