Empyreal, Book 1

Chapter 27

Sarah stood before the full-length mirror, admiring the way the black lace clung to her body, accentuating every curve. The gown was far from traditional, its long sleeves and high neckline giving it an elegant yet Gothic allure.

"It's perfect," Sarah breathed as Eden finished pinning back her icy waves. She watched her friend's focused gaze in the reflection, comforted by the familiar presence.

Eden's fingers worked deftly, weaving Sarah's tresses into an intricate updo. As she placed the final pin, her eyes caught on a soft glow emanating from Sarah's skin. Eden paused, squinting at the subtle radiance.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

Sarah whirled around, eyes wide. "Yes, why?"

As she turned, a burst of light shot from her palm, narrowly missing Eden. Sarah gasped, staring at her hand in dismay.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to, I-"

"It's okay," Eden reassured, placing a gentle hand on her friend's shoulder. "You're probably just jittery from the nerves."

Sarah nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. The glow faded from her skin as a shy smile crept onto her face.

Sarah took a deep breath, trying to calm the nervous energy thrumming through her body. She hadn't meant to let her magic slip out like that. Since discovering her powers, she'd learned to keep them carefully contained. But today, on the eve of her wedding, her emotions were running high.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me," she said, turning to face Eden. "I guess I'm more anxious about the ceremony than I realized."

Eden gave her a reassuring smile. "It's your wedding day, of course you're nervous! Don't worry about it." She stepped back, looking Sarah up and down.

Eden cautiously approached Sarah, who was gazing out the tower window at the full moon. "Sarah," she said softly, "I was wondering...how exactly did you meet Malachi?"

Sarah turned, looking at Eden with a puzzled glance. Her brow creased slightly as she searched her memories. "I...I don't know," she said finally, her voice tinged with confusion. She brushed a strand of hair from her face as she turned back to the window, gazing out at the full moon hanging low in the night sky. Its pale light seemed to call to her, enveloping her in its subtle glow.

She closed her eyes, letting the lunar energy flow through her. A whisper seemed to echo in her mind, growing louder. "Come to me," it said, over and over again. Sarah's lips moved silently, repeating the words like an incantation.

Eden watched uneasily as Sarah swayed gently, entranced. This was not the mistress she knew.

"My lady?" Eden said softly, but Sarah gave no indication she heard. Her whispering continued, faster now. Eden reached out a tentative hand to touch her arm.

At the contact, Sarah's eyes flew open, wild and unfocused. Dark energy crackled around her fingers. Eden jumped back with a gasp as Sarah turned on her, pure rage contorting her delicate features.

"Don't ever interrupt me again!" Sarah hissed. Eden shrank back, eyes wide. This was not the Sarah she knew. Her mistress was gone, replaced by...something else. Something dark.

Eden bowed her head submissively. "Yes my queen," she murmured.

Sarah's harsh words hung in the air between them. Eden kept her eyes downcast, her thoughts racing.

What had come over her gentle mistress? She had never seen Sarah like this before. The darkness in her was alarming, but Eden knew she must not show her fear.

"Shall we go downstairs, my queen?" she asked carefully. "Your guests await."

Sarah blinked slowly, as if coming out of a dream. She gazed around the room in confusion before settling her eyes on Eden.

"Yes, of course," she said faintly. The commanding tone was gone. Eden studied Sarah's face and saw uncertainty flicker across it.

Sarah nodded, smoothing out nonexistent wrinkles in her black lace gown. She followed Eden from the room, her footsteps echoing down the long hallway leading to the grand staircase. With each step, Sarah could feel the magic simmering inside her, responding to her quickening pulse.

At the top of the stairs, Sarah paused, seeing the crowd gathered below for the first time. The guests turned, a hush falling over the room as all eyes landed on Sarah. She took a deep breath, clutching her bouquet tightly.

Today she would bind herself to another.. As Sarah descended the stairs, she embraced the glow of magic that set her apart, letting it shine through.

Sarah descended the stone steps, her exquisite gown swishing around her ankles. At the base of the stairs, the murmuring crowd parted for her, their eyes lowered in respect. Sarah kept her gaze fixed ahead, clutching the gold banister for support.

A prickling sense of being watched made Sarah glance sideways. Amidst the sea of familiar faces, one was unknown to her - a man with piercing blue eyes. Their eyes locked, and Sarah's steps faltered. The man's intense gaze seemed to root her to the spot. Strange, dark energy radiated from him, sending a shiver down Sarah's spine.

After what felt like an eternity, Sarah tore her eyes away and continued walking, her heart pounding. She could still feel his stare on the back of her neck until she reached the bottom of the stairs. Only then did the mysterious stranger step smoothly through the crowd towards her, exuding confidence.

"Sarah," he purred, sweeping into an elegant bow. His voice was deep and hypnotic. "I am Dorian Thorne, at your service."

Sarah's cheeks grew warm as Dorian took her hand and brushed his lips lightly over her knuckles. She glanced around nervously, but no one else seemed to notice.

"Hello," Sarah managed to say, hoping the quaver in her voice wasn't obvious. She gently extracted her hand from his grip. "I'm afraid I don't know you."

Dorian's mouth curved into a smile that didn't reach his cold eyes. "Not yet. But I believe we have...much to discuss."

Sarah's blush deepened under Dorian's intense gaze. His words seemed layered with hidden meaning.

"Oh? What did you have in mind?" Sarah asked, trying to sound casual. She wasn't used to this kind of attention from men. Especially mysterious, slightly dangerous-looking men like Dorian.

"I know things about you, Sarah." Dorian leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "Things you have kept secret, even from yourself."

Sarah's breath caught. How could he know? She hadn't told anyone about the strange incidents happening around her, the surges of energy she couldn't control.

Dorian gently brushed a strand of hair from her face, his fingers leaving trails of warmth on her skin. Sarah shivered, her mind fogging. She realized she was leaning towards him.

"I can help you understand your powers," Dorian murmured. "If you'll let me."

Sarah hesitated. She should pull away, not trust this stranger so easily. But something about him drew her in.

"Alright," she breathed.

Dorian's smile widened. "Excellent." He offered his arm. "Shall we take a walk, my lady?"

Entranced, Sarah took it. As they walked away together, she felt the eyes of the crowd on them. But for once, she didn't care what they thought.