Innocent Darkness

The Return of Darkness

Alexander pulled away from placing a kiss on my forehead, grabbed my hand and pulled me out of bed. "Now, we need to get you ready for today. Do not forget we have a long list of events planned for the Remembrance Ceremony."

I rolled my eyes as I went over to the closet to pull out a plain, but expensive dress suit that Lady Delilah had sent. I stared at the note pined on the garment bag and cracked a smile.

CUT THIS UP, I WILL CUT OUT YOUR TONGUE!

Alexander caught a glimpse of my smile. "Do I dare ask why Delilah left that note?"

I shook my head as I got dressed into the suit. It was a standard three piece women's suit. I buttoned up the dress shirt leaving the top two buttons undone. I slipped into the fitted black pencil skirt. The fabric of both the skirt and jacket felt like extravagant silk. I looked in the mirror on the closet door as I buttoned up the jacket. The fabric also had a subtle floral pattern on it.

Alexander came from behind me and helped place a necklace on me that had three strands of pearls, each strand longer then the other. There was a pendant in the middle of the top strand that had a familiar crest on it.

"It's the Grand Council's crest." Alexander said as I was examining the pendant in the mirror. The crest looked like a shield with wings on each side. In the center of the shield was the letters F G C in a script style font. I felt Alexander brush his lips against the skin on my neck before feeling his lips at my ear. "We are going to be late, we need to go."

I composed myself as best as I could and pulled away from him. I ran my fingers through my hair as I walked into the bathroom. I noticed another note left on the counter with a pearl barrette. I used it to gather my hair back, just enough to be out of my face.

I grabbed a small purse and a pair of velvet wedges with an ankle buckle and hurried out the door behind Alexander. As we boarded the elevator, Vladimir and Lady Delilah managed to join us before the doors closed. I gave a cheerful smirk toward Vladimir before I was caught off guard with having pieces of papers shoved in my direction.

"-This- is your speech, child." Lady Delilah said coolly and firm. "I will not have you making an embarrassment of not only you but Alexander as well. And it's very much appreciated you left this outfit in one piece."

I gave a smirk with a shrug. "I didn't have time to make any modifications that would make me more comfortable." Lady Delilah was not pleased by my reply as the elevator came to lobby floor and I slipped out before she could have a chance to express her opinion of my reply.

Alexander and I walked side by side through the large lobby, my hand resting in the crook of his elbow. I watched several raggedy looking men make their way through the lobby along with Charles and Brent. I turned my head quickly to avoid any accidental eye contact as we continued to make our way to the other side of the hotel.

"This hotel has really lowered their standards with allowing dogs to roam the lobby so freely." Alexander said causing several of those who could hear him send displeased looks in our direction.

We went down another staircase which brought us to all the main ballrooms for the hotel. There was a very large crowd along with a poster board with Trent's portrait on it and decorated with flowers. The photo looked like a stereotypical government photo of him leaning against the large desk from his office and his hands folded across his chest. He had a slight smirk on his face that showed both pride in his position but also annoyance over the necessity of the photo. If someone who didn't know that it was a massive gathering of vampires came across this photo they'd just assume it's some sort of funeral.

"OH MISS BURNS!" I heard from a familiar and overly excited tone of voice. I turned to come face to face with Naomi Hoover. I manage a smile on my face as her and her usual photographer followed at her heels. "How are you managing through such a most tragic situation? I am sure Mr. Jones loved you quite dearly. You two would of made a beautiful couple for all of eternity." She placed her hand against my arm out of an attempt to comfort me. Her last words struck me odd as I looked at her confused.