Blood For Blood

Chapter Five - August 18th, 64 A.D

I surveyed my lavish gothic-themed room, the black and red decor casting an air of mystery. My closet, a curated collection of dark dresses, awaited my decision for the night's festivities. The task at hand was to find the perfect attire to match the grandeur of the upcoming event. Calliope, a usually welcomed presence in my personal sanctuary, sifted through the trinkets with audacious curiosity. Her fingers danced over gilded details, inspecting nearly everything within my room.

"Find anything interesting, Calliope?" I inquired, my tone betraying a hint of annoyance.

"Where did you get this?" Calliope asked as she held up a silver necklace with a small wolf charm at the end.

"It was a gift from Zion when we were children," I replied bluntly, redirecting my attention to my closet.

While focusing on the array of garments, Calliope emerged in an emerald green satin dress that, like always, suited her. The gown draped elegantly, the golden embroidery on the bodice adding a touch of regality.

"What do you think?" she twirled, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she caught me surveying her dress, "Gorgeous, isn't it!"

A reluctant acknowledgment escaped me, "It suits the occasion. Now, kindly refrain from delaying the inevitable. I have no desire for fashion commentary."

Calliope's laughter echoed in the room as she gracefully walked over to my closet, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes, "No need for hostility, Tara. I'm just here to offer my impeccable taste in fashion."

I shot her a pointed look, silently urging her to keep her hands off my dresses. Ignoring my unspoken protest, she began skimming through the garments with an air of entitlement.

"Let's see what we have here," Calliope mused, pulling out a deep crimson dress adorned with lace details, "Red, my favorite. What do you think?"

"Not for tonight," I replied, my voice laced with restrained irritation, "I have a particular image in mind."

Calliope, undeterred by my disapproval, continued her exploration, seemingly intent on making herself at home in my private domain. "All your dresses are so gloomy. Do you not have anything in a brighter hue?"

"Brightness has its place, Calliope, but I prefer the allure of shadows," I retorted, my tone holding a hint of disdain, "Not everyone feels the need to cloak themselves in vivid colors to make a statement."

Calliope's fingers deftly moved through the garments until she pulled out a tight-fitted, black dress that oozed allure and sophistication. The fabric seemed to cascade through her fingers like liquid midnight, and for a moment, even I couldn't help but be captivated by its elegance.

"Here, what about this one?" Calliope suggested, holding out the dress for my inspection, "It might bring a bit more life to this gloomy atmosphere you seem to adore."

I eyed the dress, acknowledging its undeniable beauty but remaining hesitant, "I appreciate the suggestion, but let's not turn this into a battle of aesthetics."

Calliope smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief, "Consider it as advice from someone who understands the value of a striking entrance."

I sighed, knowing that resisting her persistent fashion interventions was futile. "Fine, I'll entertain your suggestion. But only this once."

Calliope's triumphant grin widened as I reluctantly accepted the black dress. "Trust me, Tara, you won't regret it. This dress will attract many eyes."

I shot her a skeptical look but decided to reserve judgment until I tried it on, "We'll see about that."