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 waited for Luca to collect himself just outside the narrow marble lobby . When Adalie realized he was behaving oddly—standing stock-still, his eyes unblinking— She began mimicking Lucas motions, straightening her overskirt as if it was all that needed sorting.
It never ceased to amaze Adalie how circumstances could change so drastically in the matter of a moment. One second, every nerve ending in her body was alive, crackling with unseen energy. The next, everything went silent and motionless, as if she were submerged in a pool of deep water. “Luca?”
Lucas focus had been elsewhere. Lost in the delicious unknown. “Have you heard a word I’ve said?” she asked. She held up her skirts and edged closer to Luca, concern seeping onto her features. “I asked if you still wanted me to stay .” “Of course,” Luca answered without thought. “I’m just . . . uncertain whether it is the wisest choice for you to be here tonight.” Adalie nodded. “But . . . please . . . stay.” “I will.” Something glinted in his gaze. “I promise.” Tentatively, he shifted a hand to the side of her face. “Whats gonna happen tonight?” she whispered. He hesitated, his thumb grazing the edge of her lips. “Don’t lie to me,” she said softly. He inhaled through his nose. “i have to . . .” He searched for the right words. “kill someone,” Adalie finished. Luca considered her for a moment. Then nodded. “who ?” Adalie asked. Luca bent closer, his breath a cool wash across her skin, his lips close enough to touch.
" Wherever you are tonight , I'll find you at midnight ." He said Adalie exhaled slowly, a dark realization settling amid her thoughts. Proper young women certainly wouldn’t feel so enlivened by the very idea of danger .Proof that something was broken inside Adalie.
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"Adalie !” Priscilla called out as Adalie whirled into the crowd, her steps surefooted. Free .Tipsy . “Slow down..”
Adalie halted in her tracks, excitement sparking in her chest. The beat of a distant drum met with the clash of cymbals. Soon thereafter, trumpets pealed into the vibrant night air. A sultry breeze toyed with the ends of the black satin dress . Though she kept still, her heart reached for the music, as if it called to something deep in her bones. It never ceased to amaze her, how she seemed to thrive under cover of darkness. How she fell more in love with the moon every night.
Priscilla linked arms with her . “I just don’t have the same sense of adventure as you.” “I’m not sure about that.” Adalie grinned. “You did take a plane ticket into the unknown.” Priscilla murmered It was the first time in five weeks that Priscilla confronted her with questions concerning her past. Was it possible Priscilla harbored a dark secret as well? It just seemed so unlikely.
“There was nothing left for me in Blackberry ,” Adalie began, as though she could read Priscilla's mind, “except my family’s good name . My father . . . wasted his life and our fortunes on drugs and in the arms of fallen women.” She winced. “It was better that I leave and make my own path.” Priscilla gazed at Adalie as they swayed together “I completely understand about wanting to make your own way,” she said. “There was nothing left for me where I'm from . It was better for me to begin anew elsewhere, too.” Adalie said nothing. For a time she did not look away from Priscilla. Then she nodded, as though she’d made a decision to leave things be. For now.
