Half-Blooded | The Dark Child Prophecy Series [✔️]

Chapter 47: Mind Games

Nikolas smirked and touched my arm with his elbow as he passed me to go to the bar. "First coronation for us kids. I'd say we did well in representing you, Mum," he said, his voice enthusiastic. I turned to watch him look through the bar's selections before lifting up what looked like black label whiskey.

Alphonse chuckled as he sat down in an armchair and crossed his ankle onto his knee in one smooth motion. "Careful, Nik. Don't jinx your good fortune before we've yet to even start the second half of the night."

"But you have all done very well in how you carry yourselves," Eris added as she walked over to take the bottle from Nikolas when he was almost finished pouring the round of drinks. She inspected it and raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "I'm surprised. I didn't think Vraal for a man who appreciates a good vintage beyond wine," she said absently before pouring the last two glasses.

Eris picked up the glass she had poured and crossed to hand it to Alphonse before sitting comfortably on the arm of the chair beside him. I had expected it to look odd in her ball gown, but it somehow looked completely natural and picturesque. He took the glass from her fingers without looking, waiting for her to settle before passing it back.

I glanced to watch Nikolas balance two glasses in one hand for Krystal and Gabriel and offering the third to Sarita. "Here, Seren," he said when he caught my gaze, giving me a sheepish smile as he grabbed another and held it up for me. "You probably want a double, though, right?"

I shrugged and joined Krystal on the couch, careful not to pull or bunch my dress so I wouldn't damage the delicate beading or material. I reached my hand out to take the glass as my cousin passed it to me. I leaned forward to carefully pour the blood in with the whiskey without splashing any. "I'm already so nervous about all this exposure, I don't think it would be a good idea to give me much of a drink anyways. I'd be absolutely lush in no time."

My aunt giggled and shook her head at me. "If it makes you feel better, I was in your shoes once upon a time before these two came along," she laughed, pointing at Gabriel and Nikolas as they stood on either side of the fireplace's mantle. "The entire week of my coronation—"

"Was rough," Alphonse cut her off, smirking. "Let's just say I did the drinking for the both of us."

I looked from one to the other, and I noticed so did both of the twins.

"You don't hardly ever drink, Papi," Krystal said what we were all thinking. I had only ever saw him enjoy Caipirinha during Carnivale or an occasional glass of wine with dinner.

"Exactly," he answered her. "But I was extremely nervous for your mother and health had been a bit of an issue that week."

Eris rolled her eyes and grinned at him. "Well, it wasn't mine. You were the one on your deathbed at the beginning of that week. Gods willing, I never want to relive that."

"And you were the one who fought despite my begging to keep you off the field the week before," he shot back.

"Well, it all worked out like I promised it would," she replied sarcastically. Her bright green eyes returned to me. "Serenity, don't let tonight get to you. You should be enjoying this as much as you can. And if Jason decides to be a proper idiot about having a gorgeous woman who cares about him here, then I'll impart my own version of American justice," she added with a wink, her British upbringing showing in her voice.

I laughed after I swallowed a mouthful of blood and whiskey down. "Oh, Aunt Eris, please let me help!" I giggled, leaning forward and ready to scheme with her. It had been one of my favorite things to do as a little girl, to wreak havoc on our relatives with her and Krystal.