Masquerade

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Pic above: Eve's oufit

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Pic above: Eve's oufit

Chapter 12 – Masquerade

Faeryn

I was just about ready. My hair had been swept up dramatically on the top of my head, with loose tendrils framing my face, and my makeup had been applied much darker, with black kohl eyeliner and deep burgundy lipstick, to embody the fantasy and mystery of the ball.

I wore a black filigree mask, covered in exquisite little crystals. The mask ran along the ridge of my left eyebrow and then angled down to cover my right eye, ending in intricate swirls along my cheek. I had been stunned when Gwion presented it to me. A part of me strongly suspected the little faceted jewels were not crystals at all, but diamonds. But I was too much of a chicken to ask him.

I slipped on a pair of black crystal studded stiletto heels to complete the outfit. I looked over to where Catelyn was checking herself in the mirror yet again, and coaxed her, "You are going to be the most beautiful woman there. Come, we must go."

Catelyn had chosen the first dress she had tried on, the extremely daring black ensemble that wrapped around her curves like a second skin. She looked back at me and snorted, "Not if you plan on showing up."

I shook my head at her with a grin, and tugged her wrist, forcing her in motion toward the door. The event was being held in the main house and we were already late.

As we walked along the perfectly manicured landscape, I wished that Mama had decided to join us. I hated that she was so sad all of the time, and desperately wanted there to be something I could do to give her happiness. But she never let me in, never shared whatever was bothering her. I knew she thought she was protecting me, but it didn't make it any easier to see her struggle alone.

When we entered through the double doors into the grand ballroom, I inhaled sharply. It was stunningly decorated with dramatic blood red roses, stone statues, glass sculptures and candelabras with twinkling lights. The effect was mysterious and alluring.

Catelyn could see just fine compliments of her vampire senses, but I took a minute, letting my eyes adjust to the mood lighting, before proceeding across the room.

Abruptly, Catelyn fingers dug into my arm as she hissed, "He's here!" She didn't have to explain any further. I knew who she meant: Jac. His mask was pulled up to his forehead, so I was easily able to pick him out in the crowd. He stood with a group of friends, all laughing and joking together. I thought I recognized a few of them, but it was difficult to tell with their masks on.

"Don't look at him!" she squealed and literally spun my body the other direction.

I laughed and pointed out, "Typically, boys are not going to realize you are interested if you ignore them."

"I know, I know, I'm just getting up the nerve to approach him," she muttered. "Why can't he be like all of the other guys I've dated, who just try to throw themselves at me?"

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