Once Upon a Story [ INCONSISTENT UPDATES ]

Soul Bound AU III

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 1072

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Sybilla fiddled with the golden chains wrapped around her arms. A few diamonds glittered where they linked, forming pseudo-sleeves to her dress.

"Nervous?" Her brother sat beside her, wearing yet another customized suit. It was a mash of modern fashion and Ancient Greek couture. She didn't dislike it, but it showed his indecisiveness.

"I do not need to concern myself with those cowering mutts."

"Ouch. Keep the bullets for when we get there, sis."

When the car pulled over at the venue, Tryfon was the first out. He helped his sister, whistling once he got a clear view of her outfit. "You're going to break a few hearts tonight."

"That'd be too easy. I'm here to crush spirits, dear brother."

"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that."

The venue was lavishly decorated with flowers of all kinds, silver mantles and crystal chandeliers. The halls were lined with renowned art pieces and sculptures from ancient ages. "Daddy's money on full display. Not a penny from her pocket."

Tryfon laughed as he patted her shoulder. "Try not to start another war in my absence."

"I'll keep the damage to an acceptable minimum."

Once alone, she hurried to a private washroom. She looked at her reflection in the mirrors, having a hard time recognizing herself. Even with simple makeup, gold with a little shimmer, Sybilla couldn't believe her eyes. Her dress moved like liquid gold, pooling in a short train behind her. The back dipped low, cupping above her hips, and put her body jewelry on full display.

A dangerous invitation.

The last piece she was missing was the leg garter. Her dress was split up the left side, nearing her pelvis. She slid the chains under her dress and attached them at her waist. They would be hidden, with only a few coming across her thigh. The last item was a charm to attach.

A golden sun.

I can't believe I willingly put all this on, she drawled, exiting the washroom. The sound of laughter and music grew stronger as she approached the dance hall. Lights flashed out into the corridor, and the smell of alcohol and sweat was impossible to miss. She firmly believed a few of the partygoers had already blacked out.

"Lonely, stressed-out college students and alcohol. In whose right mind was this a good idea ?" she murmured. With all the noise and dancing, it was easy to slip by unnoticed. She found a quiet spot at the bar and sat, waiting. Apollo had told her to wait for him before she started causing trouble.

"At least you'll have a shield", he told her. But he knew she couldn't promise him that. She was a trouble magnet. And with the outfit she wore, there was no way she wouldn't go unnoticed.

"Sybilla? Now way!"

She held her tongue from slandering his entire family line and smiled. "Philippos. A pleasure. How can I help you?"

"You're already doing me quite the favour by not running away," he replied. His eyes wandered far and wide, hiding nothing about his thoughts towards her. The slit where her leg came through, smooth under the shimmering garter, had him obsessed. It was like standing before a golden goddess, and he wanted nothing more than to revere every inch of her.

"I thought you'd be with my brother," she said, ignoring his staring.

"We lost each other shortly after he arrived." A simple answer; a simple lie. He had been searching for her since she arrived, desperately hoping she'd come. "I never thought I'd see you here."

"Neither did I."

Sybilla kept herself polite. "Vassia. Happy birthday. You'll have to excuse me. My friend is on his way with your gift."

The girl scoffed, arms crossed. "I don't need anything from you, of all people." She eyed Sybilla's dress, eyes narrowing. Hers was similar with two thigh splits and a low dip in the collar. They wore nearly identical body jewelry except for Vassia's crown. Hers dipped at the centre of her forehead and tied behind her head.

"Great minds think alike, huh?" she said. Sybilla was quick to cut her down.

"Plastic doesn't have a consciousness, V."

Snickers spread through the crowd, with most finding Sybilla's comeback undeniably amusing. It was usually that way. People would laugh as long as they weren't on the receiving end of the insults.

"I'd watch yourself," Vassia spat. "You're in my territory today."

"Daddy's money is your territory now? Cute." Sybilla steadily approached her, imposing authority in every step. Vassia didn't move but was visibly nervous when they brushed shoulders.

"Don't say what you can't back up. Unlike you, I'm not afraid of cutting a few heads."

"W—What?! You freak! Get away from me!"

There was nothing to say in rebuttal. Vassia could only fight to catch a breath with her tightening throat. The air was thick with tension, and no one dared speak to Vassia after what they witnessed. She had made an enemy no one wanted to face with her.

"That was embarrassing."

"Shut up, Philippos, I had it under control." Her eyes went back to where Sybilla had gone. "Pútana. I'll make her pay for embarrassing me like that."

***

"I thought you agreed not to start a war while I was gone."

"I agreed to do damage control. The situation is taken care of." Sybilla sipped from the lemonade she snuck from the kitchen. The last thing she wanted was a free glass of aphrodisiac. She had already caught a sweet scent lingering in the air and raised her guard since.

Tryfon sighed, leaning against the wall by his sister. He'd heard what happened from Philippos and hurried to find his sister. Thankfully, she had retreated from the chaos. Unluckily, he didn't get to her until after she'd begun planning Vassia's fall. Sybilla shared the conversation she had with Apollo and took care to mention the potential backups in case any of the main attacks didn't produce enough damage.

"You're sick."

"I'm calculated. Too much? Perhaps." Checking the time, her eyes lit up with excitement. "Brother, please tell your dearest Philippos I have a surprise for him."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Tell him to meet me in the garden, near the art gallery. Maybe we'll be able to have a dance or two."

"Are you drunk?"

"Far from it, dear brother." With a smirk, she sauntered away. Her eyes glowed a faint blue as she began humming.