Epiphany: Reminiscence

XX. Butterfly Waltz

She stepped so silently as she appeared in the hall outside the ballroom that Alvah almost didn't see her coming. His inhuman senses however caught her presence and knowing that she was coming closer, he stood up from one of the numerous seats meant for couples to take a break outside the ballroom.

"There you were, Lucia. You should have waited for me to pick you up, as we agreed," he said, startling her a little, as she wasn't paying any attention to her surroundings other than the two great doors which seemed to hide the mystery of this unusual ball.

"Then you should have made haste, Al. You do like to keep me waiting," she replied, coming to her senses.

"I'm hurt. How could you say that about me, my witch friend?" He pouted, but he quickly let the façade vanish and gave her his arm, chuckling. She accepted it, giggling in a manner alike his, as if that action itself was a reply.

"Simply, my demon friend."

"Great. Now you're mocking me."

"Don't I always?" She rolled her eyes, truly amused.

"Well, are you ready to see the unseen world, my Lady?" He then asked, the pair having finally arrived in front of the grand doors they sought.

"Please, I am already part of the unseen creation," she proudly declared, fully accepting in front of others what she was, even if her heart was still clouded and tormented by questions about her essence.

Alvah smiled, raising his hand and knocking against the wooden doors three times, as if it was a chant. In consequence, the doors opened, letting bright white light slip through the widening crack.

The two guardsmen fully opened the pair of doors, allowing Alvah and Lucia to came out from the darkness of the hallway into the blinding light of the ballroom. Her eyes lit and sparkled like jewels at the sight of the lavish ballroom.

The room was reminiscent of a palace with its creamy colour tonality. Crystal chandeliers were hanged down, bestowing scattered light in the chamber but if you looked above, to the ceiling, you would see the night sky and the moon also sharing some of its light through the glass ceiling, enhancing this fairy tale scenery.

Tall white pillars reminding one of ancient Greece were placed strategically at the sides of the room, hiding behind them numerous wooden doors. And as if trying to raise to the expectations of the mansion's name—Reina Rose—the ballroom was adorned with all kinds of roses and even the grey marble that made up the floor had beautiful mosaics of roses hidden in its colour. The flower's fragrance filled the room with its sweetness, mixing with the perfume of all other guests present.

"This is amazing..." She found herself murmuring, taking a step forward. Alvah smiled, pleased by her reaction and taking the role of her guardian, he also stepped forward, ready to comply to the selfish princess' whims for tonight.

"My Lady," one of the guardsmen coughed, making her turn her head towards him, slightly confused as she saw a fan being handed to her. "Your dance card, if you will."

"Dance card?" Lucia raised an eyebrow, surprised by seeing such an old tradition in use today. But there was nothing to be surprised about, she thought, taking the fan and unfolding it, revealing multiple names of dances and empty spaces where she was supposed to write down her partners.

"And I suppose you will so much desire a dance or two as well, will you not, Alvah?" She asked with a smile, looking at the demon.

"Only if you would so much allow me to, my fair Lady. Shall we?" He asked, extending his hand towards her, mentioning for her that they should descend the stairs and step into the society.