Onyx is a city ruled by the Ophidian Cartel . But to 19 year old Adalie Riva , Onyx is the land of opportunity as she leaves home to become a sultry jazz performer . Adalie is quickly enraptured with the vibrant city from its music , it's food and...
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Adalie had studied at the Lunard school of music most of her life and was an accomplished violinist and vocalist Though no one could deny that Adalie's delicate voice was unmatched, it did her no favors where she grew up . Which was why she left .
Adalie's plan for tonight was twofold to gain connections and demand attention .
She took time to make herself ready. The resulting gown did not fit Adalie well, Its basque of black silk polonaise was hot , its layers of underskirt heavy. Worse still, its smaller size had forced her to tightlace into her stays. Adalie inhaled slowly. The longer she wore this gown, the more she realized how ill it suited her. But she had no time left , a car would be here soon to take her to the Midspring Night’s soirée
Along her cheekbones and around her eyes, she’d stippled flakes of paper-thin gold leaf into the shape of coins, positioning them as if they were falling from the crown of ebony curls at the top of her head. Actual bills had been pinned to her coif, half of which she’d left down, thrown carelessly over one shoulder.
a final touch of powder made from crushed pearls had been dusted across Adalie's face . “You simply must, my dear ” Priscilla had said as if this made sense
The blackfabric across her bust was holding together on little but a prayer. By the end of the night, her breasts were likely to burst free from her gown , a sight that would draw a certain kind of ignominy
_
Adalie fiddled with the low-cut edge of her black gown, trying in vain to tug it higher. “Stop fretting over it,. You’ll only draw more attention to the impressive swath of bare skin there,” Priscilla said from beside Adalie , her long sheath dress falling from her shoulders in a cascade of lavender organza, her hair cocooned in a shimmering net atop her head.
"I don’t mind a swath of bare skin,” Adalie retorted. “I do mind my bare breasts spilling over the top of my dress at a party full of important future clients .” Priscilla laughed, her ivory fan fluttering her loose brunette curls. “If that happens, you’ll have a bunch of clients by the end of the evening.” Breathing deeply through her nose, Celine reached for her friend’s hand and climbed out the Black limousine that was send to get her
“Oh,” Adalie said, realization dawning on her. “Im singing at a soirée hosted by Luca ?.” she was at the same house she left this morning A wash of surprise passed through Adalie. Flames danced in rows of small iron torches, winding around the lane leading up to the home’s entrance. It was a perfect spring evening for outdoor Midspring Night soirée .
“You have got to be Kidding me ,” Priscilla said to Adalie as they made their way up the lane into the mansion’s immense back garden, where several tables were set up with Limoges porcelain and pressed linen, sparkling crystal
Just then, an imposing figure positioned near the tables turned his attention towards them the man shifted from his post, striding towards where Adalie and Priscilla stood. He stopped before them, standing directly in front of Adalie . Her eyes widened as he towered over her, his gaze a tinge un-welcoming. “Miss Riva?” he asked in a lightly accented tone. “I was instructed that you accompany me to the stage area "
" I'll find you later " Adalie said to Priscilla . The edges of Priscillas face crinkled as she gazed upon Adalie , her expression warm. “Before I forget, you look divine in that color. It’s a perfect match for you.” Her words caused Adalie to smile
She would be singing at the Midspring Night’s soirée hosted by the leader of the Ophidian Cartel , Luca Margaux .. & they were tangled in two not so many hours ago . Also Which means all the members will be here tonight Adalie inhaled slowly. Had she made a mistake by coming ?
Coolly and calmly, Adalie made her way onto the stage area where musicians were already stationed and ready . They had requested she sing ' I put a spell on you ' By Nina Simone Was it Luca's request ? , Would he be here to witness her performance ?
Thankfully, it appeared Adalie had yet to spot Luca across the crowded expanse.
Without a second thought, Adalie turned in place, just as the Instruments start to play She begin
" I put a spell on you Because you're mine "
Then the lingering notes turned melancholy. A clash of discordant sounds, the slightest shift to minor key.
" You better stop the things you do "
Her voice was made for enchantment. The sky was filled with winking stars full of promises . A rare blue moon was present too , Adalie was lost in a trance as she swayed her hips . Something about her voice spoke to them . Drew them into a deep, dark well of delicious secrets like a beautiful siren .
She pressed a hand to her sternum, exhaling slowly to catch her breath then opened her eyes
' I tell ya , I ain't lyin I ain't lyin '
She immediately caught sight of a familiar figure across the way. Her heart missed a beat when a pair of Emerald eyes skimmed to where Adalie stood, the smile below them sweet and deliciously dangerous . troubling as the inevitable question that followed. Was Luca pleased to see her ? Adalie's gaze lingered on him as if he's the only one present
' you know I can't stand it You'rerunning' around You know better daddy I can't stand it 'causeyouputmedown Oh no '
His awareness made her feel alive. Which meant it fell somewhere between nothing and everything. a swarm of butterflies take flight in Adalie's stomach, then around her heart, their wings fluttering.
' I put a spell on you '
Whatever attention Adalie sought to garner, she succeeded. Every eye—male and female alike—was locked on her slender form, equal parts tantalized and enchanted .
With a smug smile Adalie finished She bowed deeply " Thank you ."
