Dark Sonata Page 15

  “Your coloring has changed because you are acquiring your father’s looks, whoever he might be. This is quite interesting; your father’s genes are overpowering Assiel’s. From looking at you now, I’d say obviously that he possessed dark hair and was very strong.” He sighed as he took in her appearance, leaning back in his chair. “It’s a wonder why you were not discovered before this, your mother was so secretive.” Elm then leaned forward, searching her face. “Still, I can’t even fathom who your father might be. It must be one of the Masters, but I can’t narrow anyone down that would overpower Assiel.”

  “This is impossible,” she muttered. “Why am I looking more like my dad now and not from birth?”

  “Liorians are different than humans, do not forget. You would have looked like this sooner if you had had the right substance on Earth. Liorians normally change their coloring when their power is mature. They cannot tap into your power until it is mature; we call this the Inner Lior. Your time on Earth has done damage to your health, but it’s easily rectified. Once you are strong and healthy you can concentrate on how to use your inner Lior. But, that will be down the road, when you are no longer with us. ”

  Victoria nodded, trying her best to understand. “Alright, so what happens tonight?”

  “Ezra has already sent a message to Michael informing him to meet at a certain time later. Michael must comply or Ezra threatened he’d hand you over to Moray.” At her surprised expression he quickly added, “It’s a bluff, Ezra will not do this, but Michael does not know that.”

  Victoria’s eyes widened and nodded. “So what do I do? Hide?” she asked.

  “No, you have to blend in. Michael cannot know which girl is you, understand?” He continued when she nodded, “This is very important. The only way we can numb your power so Michael can’t pick you out of the crowd is to give you a drink. A special drink that you must sip on every ten minutes to be effective. This is a must, for if Michael, Krzan, or Moray find out which one is you they will try and take you by force.”

  Victoria shivered, a nervous flash coursing through her body. “What if I run out of drink?”

  “That won’t happen. Drake, Tiny, and I will have our eye on you with refills ready,” he confirmed.

  Victoria took a deep breath and tried to clear her mind of thoughts of fear. It sounded simple enough; she just wished her nerves would settle down. Drink, and don’t forget to drink. Victoria nervously glanced up to Elm and asked, “What will Ezra be doing?”

  Elm smiled at that. “He will be catering to Cateria and overseeing everything. Don’t worry, he will be there too.”

  She flushed at the knowing look he gave her. It was like she couldn’t even help herself where he was concerned. “Why does he have to attend to her? Does he … not like her? You make it sound like he is forced.”

  Why did she have to sound so obvious all the time?!

  Elm stood and walked to the window. “I don’t know his intentions toward Cateria. All I know is that if he does not pay attention to the woman she could mess things up tonight, and Ezra does not want that,” he said seriously. “Cateria is very determined, and displeasing her would not be wise. She could tell Michael or Krzan which one you are, ruining everything if she was upset.”

  Victoria deeply loathed that woman. Her anger was starting to boil up, hating that she could not keep it in check. Forcing her mind to other, more important topics, she asked, “So after everything goes smoothly, what happens?”

  “You will leave with the Masters. You will most likely no longer see us again,” he said with a half-smile.

  Fear gripped her, her pulse started to pound. “But, if everything goes to plan you all will have your souls back, right? So, why wouldn’t I see you again?”

  Was she panicking?

  Elm gave her a look of misery. “I’m sure Perri has talked to you about aristocracy? Ranks and such? You have this sort of thing in England.”

  “Of course.”

  He leaned in. “Well, us having been demons before we were given a pure soul is as low on the ranks as one could achieve. You will be royalty, and definitely not allowed to converse with us,” he solemnly stated. “They are very serious about this. Yes, we will have a pure soul and will be admitted into Lior but we will never be fully trusted.”

  “That’s horrible.” Victoria looked down, feeling quite emotional. The thought broke her heart, no matter how she convinced herself otherwise. “I see. But you both are powerful so that must mean something? That must place you in high ranking despite everything else,” she said brilliantly, remembering what Perri had told her.

  “You are correct, but it would take years and years to gain trust and respect from the Liorian people.” Elm walked to the door and stopped. “I am sorry but I have to leave. Big preparations have to be made for tonight, as you know. I will send someone other than Barbelo to assist you.”

  “I want Perri.”

  “No, I don’t think that is wise. Ezra has forbidden her to see you again,” Elm said carefully.

  “If you want my help then I want Perri,” she threatened, not wanting to back down on this. She didn’t know why she wanted Perri, but she did.

  Elm exhaled and nodded. “Ezra will definitely not like that.”

  * * * * *

  The lights were dark and seductive.

  Intoxicating.

  The music was exotic, penetrating Sydonia’s walls like a heavy drug. The foreign notes floated in and out of the air like smooth cream, coating everything that heard. The gigantic pillars gleamed rivalling the rare diamonds found on Earth with their pale brilliance. Victoria stared out of her bedroom gazing at the masterpiece unfolding before her eyes.

  Sydonia had so many different faces to its beauty, as if someone snapped their fingers and Sydonia changed her skin once again. Before everything seemed like a Greek temple for gods and goddesses. Now, it was a sanctuary for the god Hades.

  The room was so dark and alluring, an erotic appeal one couldn’t describe unless experienced. Victoria bit her lip as she gazed out, knowing the noble people of London would surely faint at this sight. Scarlet and plum pillows were large, being able to fit ten topless women as they swarmed around what she assumed was a high-ranking Demon. Women and men mingled throughout the cavernous room with laughter mixed with vexed tones of the dark Lords barking out orders to slaves.

  It was easy to tell the slaves for they had large golden chains around their necks, being led around like animals, carrying food and drinks trays. They were dressed with their breasts barely covered, and long sheer skirts that were transparent. The Lords and elite women were also easy to pick out for they wore the majority of the jewels and gold. All of their fabrics were airy, shimmering in the low lighting. The slaves followed them about, making sure they needed for nothing.

  Was Ezra down there?

  Just the thought of him made her heart leap. The thought of him so effortlessly disrobing her made her face heat ten shades of red. She was almost naked in front of him, and then in pool …

  Curses.

  The more she was with him the more she was so infatuated. That was a dangerous revelation, for that meant she was moving down the rocky road to heartbreak. Heart shattering. A man like Ezra destroyed hearts beyond repair.

  “Ezra,” she whispered as her eyes locked onto him down below. Her heart twisted. He wore all black and silver, like a pirate king. Victoria squinted to see him better, for she was four storeys up. His shirt was loose and open at the neck with a single chain that disappeared into his shirt. He stood tall and powerful like he was commanding an army. He made the other men look ridiculous for they tried to bow and kiss his feet at every turn. The women flaunting their assets to him every chance they got, trying to rub their bodies on him to gain attention. Victoria tapped down her anger for she could not blame them. She could see the silver gleam of his hooped earrings and the thick metal clamps on his wrists. His hair was tied back, but still had unruly strands that hung loose. Even from he
re she could see his eerie pale gaze as he considered the occupants.

  Victoria eyes landed on his hip where a silver violin hung as if it were his armor. He looked unapproachable, cold, calculating, formidable and breathtaking.

  “Magnificent isn’t he?”

  Victoria turned to see Perri staring out the window next to her. Barely refraining a gasp to be caught staring at Ezra. Yes, magnificent.

  She glanced at Perri’s evening attire and her mouth dropped open. The woman was in a vibrant yellow gown that hung low and exposed her trim belly. The stunning dress was adorned with black shimmering jewels throughout the skirt and also lined the low bust line. The contrast reminding her of a queen bee who would sit at her throne of honeycomb. Only one of her sleeves was long, ending past her wrist while the other exposed her bare shoulder and half her breast. The style reminded her of a Greek goddess of sun, the fabric so flimsy and so soft. Perri’s skin sparkled gold, matching the large plaits in her artful updo. She looked beautiful, and unlike a demon.

  Do I like my outfit?

  Victoria scanned Perri’s clothing and knew that her modest upbringing should lead her to say absolutely not, and then pray for her. But, this place had a way with the innocents, seducing them, corrupting purity.

  Victoria locked eyes with Perri and breathed, “Yes.” She continued, “You’re stunning.”

  “I am here to dress you, much to Ezra’s disapproval,” she walked up to her and studied her face. “My, my, you have changed haven’t you?”

  “It would appear on the outside, but I assure you I am the same on the inside,” she said strongly.

  “Hmm, are you?” She smiled, looking a bit like a cat. “That would be a shame.”

  Victoria frowned. Of course she was the same … wasn’t she? In England, Lady Victoria would be appalled by this place, she supposed. But now she could feel it growing on her, she loved this new exotic world, and most of all, she supposed she didn’t really belong on Earth. “Maybe I am a little different from recent circumstances,” she admitted.

  “I don’t feel bad for what I did,” Perri uttered, changing the subject.

  Victoria shifted, “Feel bad?”

  “Ezra nearly had my head from what I did to you, but he couldn’t touch me though. I am Drake’s sister. You deserved to be restored, no matter what the future holds, it was the right thing to do,” she said forcefully. Perri walked to the bed and sat down on it, her hand smoothing over the silk fabric. “What would you like to wear tonight? You must blend in, I hear Krzan will be here shortly so we have to hurry.” She made a face of disgust. “Krzan has not been here in ages, that man still gives me the shivers.”

  “You have met Krzan? Is he mean?”

  Moron.

  Of course he’s mean.

  Perri laughed and shook her head. “Ah, you will see.”

  She swallowed, not wanting to see, picturing someone horrifying. Moving over to Perri she shrugged, “I do not know the style of dress that is the custom here, you will have to do the picking for me.” Why did she feel like she just let the cat have the mouse?

  “Perfect.” Perri continued as she appraised her, her eyes narrowed. “Do you want to look good for him?”

  She flushed. “Who?” Again, another ridiculous comment.

  “Do you?” Perri whispered again then tilted her head. “I know exactly what he likes. I know what will get his blood pumping. He won’t be able to catch his breath, and I’ll guarantee it.”

  Victoria shook her head, and nervously laughed. “I don’t think that would be a good idea,” she murmured meekly. But even as she said no, she knew she wanted to say yes. Who wouldn’t? She felt like she had not seen him forever, and when he did finally lay eyes on her she wanted it to count. This could be the last night she’d have a chance to see him. Victoria wanted him to notice her, to look at her like he had in the pool. Yes, she wanted that very much but knew it was a big risk.

  “I see that your mind is made up, what shall it be?” she taunted, her plum eyes glittering. “Cateria is looking stunning tonight, and she has his full attention. You’re hardly the only girl who will dress for him. Trust me. Show a little backbone. Men like that.”

  Victoria squeezed her eyes shut and thought. Sighing she asked, “What does he like? Nothing too scandalous please.”

  Perri laughed at that. She stood and her eyes started to flicker eerily, the tattoo on her forearm seemed to contort and shift. As if constructed from the air itself, a stunning dress appeared in Perri’s outstretched hands. Victoria inhaled and stood slowly, her eyes fastened to the glittering garment. The gown appeared to be the darkest of shades and was made out of pure lace.

  “Try it on and see for yourself how breathtaking this will be on you. I chose black because there is nothing more alluring than to see innocence dressed in darkness,” Perri teased. “Like a black rose.”

  Victoria didn’t know how to respond to that but didn’t argue, too awestruck. With Perri’s help, she put the skintight gown on, the fabric sucked to every curve. It was when she gazed at herself in the mirror that she felt faint. “I c-can’t wear this …”

  “Yes you can! If you want to blend in, you need to dress the part. If not, Krzan will sniff you out within no time,” Perri stood behind her as her grin widened. “You were made for this dress Victoria.”

  The dress was long-sleeved and covered her chest and neck, ending high under her jaw line. It would have been a very modest dress if it were not transparent. The glittering black lace was shockingly see-through; the sides of her breasts, her stomach, arms, and legs were all semi-visible. The gown was tight until it reached her lower hips then flowed out like a waterfall of darkness. The intricate designs of the lace were thicker at her nipples and at her womanhood, barely comforting her for modesty’s sake in the least. Judging by how the dress was designed, she assumed one could not wear undergarments of any sort. A slit in the dress ended high on her thigh, making her feel naked.

  Victoria took a deep breath. “I have to wear something underneath this, this slit is too high not to,” she breathed. If a slight wind were to blow under her dress she would be exposed.

  “What is this?”

  There was simply nothing to it for heaven’s sake. It was in the shape of a triangle in the front with a thin string going up the back. This did not look like undergarments at all, and certainly didn't look comfortable. The fabric covered none of her backside! Victoria rolled her eyes and stepped into it, not feeling pleased. This whole outfit was so alien to her, she wasn’t sure if she could go out like this. But, she smoothed her hands down over her backside and over the delicate fabric and thought that she might be sick. It would be such a shame to vomit on the ground in front of Ezra. That might not be attractive. But, at least Cateria would be happy.

  “Now it’s time for your jewelry.” Perri said as she wrapped a long sapphire necklace around her neck, the color matching her eyes perfectly. The large, crystal clear jewels hung to the middle of her breasts, contrasting with the black lace. Victoria’s hair was styled long and straight, ending at her waist. Half of her hair was pulled back with sapphire gems and black plaits completing the extravagant look. Perri then gave her heeled dress shoes that looked more like ancient sandals, except for the black jewels on them.

  Victoria gazed at her reflection, not recognizing who stared back. With her father’s looks, she now appeared like a dark queen rather than an innocent princess. Her eyebrows were arched making her gaze seem very intense. She looked like a woman of sheer confidence. No one needed to know that the contents of her stomach could be compromised at any moment.

  “We must leave and meet up with Elm and Drake, you must start drinking to numb your power before Krzan and Michael arrive,” she commanded, pulling her along with her.

  Oh dear.

  There was no way of backing out now; they were already out the door. Being outside her room in this dress made her heart pound with indecision. Men walked by, their eyes instantly travel
ing over her body boldly. Victoria looked away from them, unable to bear their scrutiny. Alright, she was definitely sick to her stomach.

  “Keep your head up,” Perri scolded. “You look stunning, that’s why they look at you that way. Hell’s bells. Do not vomit on me.”

  Victoria nodded, not saying anything. Her body was trembling in fear; this was putting her completely out of her comfort zone.

  “Bloody hell,” Perri said and rolled her eyes. She took off one of her necklaces, which held a golden vile. “Take a sip of this. You look like you’re going to pass out.”

  “What is it?” she whispered, taking the vial.

  “Something that will prevent you from getting killed. You keep looking like you’re scared out of your mind and Krzan will feed on that,” she chastised seriously. “There’s nothing a full blood demon loves more than fear.”

  Victoria took the lid off with her shaky hands and smelt it, immediately scrunching up her nose. “Dreadful smell.”

  “Hurry and take the damn thing!”

  With a deep breath she tilted her head back. The liquid in the vial coated her throat then hit her tummy. It sent a flash of warmth through her entire body, like it now coursed through her blood. Victoria shivered, feeling instantly relaxed, her muscles were surprisingly un-tensed. “Thank you,” she whispered in amazement.

  “Just act the part now,” she hissed back.

  Victoria nodded and walked beside her with her chin tilted up. The drink was doing wonders to her nerves, she actually felt confident for the first time. Her body seemed in tune to everything around her. The hallway was barely lit with golden torches, the flames flickering in the walls. In front of them she spotted Elm, who was looking very handsome in gold and green finery. He turned to look at them and his eyes widened. Drake followed suit, their eyes roaming down her body in open admiration.

  Her cheeks flushed, but she didn’t look away this time, feeling bold. What was that drink Perri gave her? It made her feel like she could concur the world. No wonder Perri always seemed so poised. Her stomach was calmed now.