A Thousand Year Obsession ✔

30. Trust Only The Ones Who Have Earned It

30. Trust Only The Ones Who Have Earned It

My fingers deftly clipped the curls to the back of my head. I gazed solemnly at the woman in the mirror, a stranger with silky black curls, dark lips, and defined cheekbones. She wore an emerald green gown, flowing out at the elbows and knees, but her irises only held a color of dreary greenish grey. I watched the woman in the mirror, her hand lifting to touch the pendant round her neck just as I had. I smiled at her, but her's appeared so saddened and fake. I merely let out a soft sigh and stood, moving away from the mirror.

The last two days I'd spent in the library, insistent on locating answers. But I hadn't found a single book on anything other than history and fiction. And the endless hours of dull work exhausted me to a dry humorless apathy. But the ball was tonight, and if Derek had been serious about inviting Percy, Sally and Juliette, then maybe things might not turn out so hopeless after all.

I glanced out the window, frowning as my eyes ran across the distant trees shimmering in the light of the setting sun. I did not want to wait here for Derek to come get me, but I honestly had no idea where the ballroom was and I couldn't afford to waste precious time searching for it. And so I sat down on the bed and waited.

I stared down at my hands, closing my fingers into fists. Then my gaze flickered to the pendant and a small smile tipped the corners of my lips. I lifted up my right hand and slowly opened it, dragging it upwards through the air. A slow tug began in my gut as my fingers rose to reveal a silvery white snowflake. I took it in my other hand once it had fully formed, running it through my fingers. The texture resembled cold, sandy glass, just slightly rough, but icy and slippery. I tossed it on the air, holding my hand underneath it, hoping I could keep it in the air. But it just fell back down onto my palm. I sighed and leaned back into the pillows, relaxing myself before trying again. It hit me in the eye as it tumbled back down. I scowled at the snowflake, resolving to try one last time. I tossed it carefully into the air, and just as it reached the peak of its climb, I felt the jolt in my abdomen. And the snowflake didn't fall.

I grinned at my success, pulling myself up into a sitting position. But then the door snapped open and I let the snowflake drop in my surprise. It shattered upon contact with the stone floors.

My lips turned down in a scowl as I glanced over at the doorway. Alexander only smiled and leaned against the wall.

"I hope that wasn't important." He gestured vaguely at the snowflake.

I just stood sharply and turned to the mirror, brushing down my raven curls one last time.

"You look nice." He said, his fingers drumming nervously on his thigh.

I shrugged. "I've looked better."

He watched me intently as I kicked at the remains of the snowflake in annoyance.

"Are you here for a reason?" I asked impatiently.

He pulled himself away form the wall. "I've come to take you to the ball."

I frowned when he didn't move. "Take me to the ball then."

His lips twitched upwards as his eyes slid over my form, but he turned and motioned for me to follow him. I trailed behind him cautiously as he led me through the cold maze of stone.

"Why didn't Derek come get me?" I asked.

He glanced over his shoulder, arching an eyebrow.

"Would you have preferred him?"

"No. I was just wondering."

He turned back around with a slight smile. "He's greeting our guests."