Labyrinth Pt. II

15. Trust Issues

"Your timing couldn't be more inappropriate." I walk farther in to the clearing. I was starting to become familiar with this winter wonderland.

 
My comment was met with silence.
"Nyx? Where are you?" I couldn't see him but I could feel him watching me.
I turned around, thinking he was behind me, and saw a door. It was tall. The door itself was maroon, a gorgeous contrast to the white landscape. There were no other colors on it but the closer I got to it I could see intricate carvings. Lines swirling and crossing, resembling snowflakes. There wasn't a handle, so I pushed it.

 
Loud voices, music, and the smell of food attacked my senses.
"Snowflake! It's about time you came in!" Nyx stands up from the elevated center table. "Come, come."

 
"What's going on Nyx?" I put my hands on my hips and the room goes silent. "Your bringing me here wasn't at the best moment."

 
All eyes were shifting between Nyx and I. He picked up his wine glass before making his way towards me. It was like he was slithering around the tables. His eyes never left mine, and I didn't look away.

 
"Now, snowflake. Don't be rude to your host. Especially when he has a surprise for you." He stands in front of me. His finger runs along my jaw line, forcing me to only look at him. I can't see anyone else in my peripheral.

 
Nyx backs up to take a sip of his deep red liquid.
"Be obedient, now, and come join me." I nod my head and follow his lead.
My heart was pounding with nerves.

 
The music starts up again and people pretend like nothing happened. I took a moment to look around the room. It was decorated in darker hues of blue. A glorious chandelier floated above the center table. It emanated a light that came from no flame or electricity. Guards stood at all the doorways. Everyone was dressed in white. Their faces were harsh and pointed but beautiful. Their ears were all sharp like Nyx's and when they smiled their teeth were just as deadly. The air had a tinge of copper in it. The smiles and laughter surrounding me weren't welcoming or warm.

 
"Please, little one. Sit." Nyx gestured to the empty chair next to the one I assumed was his and handed me a glass of the red liquid. I didn't accept it from his hand.

 
"Drink." He stood behind my chair and reached around me to set the glass in front of me. His tone was firm.

 
"What is it?" I was not about to try this. It looked questionable to me.

 
"It has a name but you wouldn't understand. In your words it's Nectar. We get it from a plant I have grown." He chuckles. "It's poisonous unless you treat it correctly."

 
"How do I know this won't kill me?" I sniffed it and it smelt amazing.

 
"Little snowflake. If I wanted you dead yet, I wouldn't waste resources like that. I'd just kill you." He smiled and laughed at the thought. He leaned close to my ear. "It wouldn't be quick but we'd both enjoy it. It would be just you and I. No poison, no weapons, no tricks. If I were to kill you, I'd want to see the life drain from your eyes while they never leave mine."

 
I shivered when his cool breath touched me. I could feel him smile at my reaction. Nyx leaned even closer and bit my ear.

 
I could feel my cheeks warm up at the intimacy. My ears were very sensitive areas.
It was like I had tunnel vision and couldn't register anything that was happening around me. His deep chuckle resonated in my body causing my brain to short circuit for a heartbeat.
He let me alone and sat next to me. He just watched me with a sardonic grin.

 
When my brain started to work properly, I saw that everyone at our table was giving me a demented smile. They knew something I didn't.

 
"Why-y am I here?" My voice cracked when I spoke. I silently cursed my emotions for showing themselves here.

 
"I told you already. I have a gift for you. In addition to wishing to show you my court." He swirled his drink. "Don't tell me you would rather be back there with that usurped king, instead of in here where it's warm and there's good cheer!"

Everyone raised their glasses in concurrence with Nyx.
"Stay. Please." He whispered softly to me. His face changed to a solemn expression and I️ couldn't place the emotion behind it.

 
"I️- okay." I️ reached for a glass and raised my glass with everyone else. Immediately forgetting why I needed to get back.

What I missed was the undefined emotion quickly leaving Nyx's eyes and a different emotion filling them. Prideful deception. 

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