Canvas of Creativity
2 7
“Who would have imagined we’d be painting with our friends here in London when we moved?” Valarie chirps beside her brother as they make their way towards the studio down in Brompton. It’s early afternoon, and the weather is delightful for winter. The breeze is very slight, keeping the chill at bay.
Alice mentioned to Matthew how she had always wanted to try a painting class where they show you to a blank easel and wine, and you paint whatever they place in the room. Matthew then invited everyone so that Alice would feel more comfortable.
“It’s not something I thought we’d do, but it does sound interesting to try,” Jordan admits. He’s not the most creative person in the world, but he does enjoy dabbling in the arts from time to time.
“What do you think they’ll make us paint?”
His eyes flick sideways to his sister as he lets out a low cheeky chuckle. “I have an idea, but I’m just hoping the nude model is a female.”
Valarie gasps, shoving her brother, who’s now shaking with laughter. “That is disgusting.”
Jordan shrugs, “It’s art.” He protests. “Have you not seen what they’re painting in Paris these days?”
“No, and I don’t think I want to know.”
Jordan shakes his head, his dimples deepening. “I never said I enjoyed it, either. You just asked me the question. ”
Valarie slices him a glare, which just makes him laugh more.
“What’s so funny?” Lewis sidles beside Valarie. He tangles his fingers into hers as they walk alongside the road. Warmth spreading along her skin like wildfire.
Jordan’s laughter stops and his muscles visibly stiffen. “It’s nothing. Just a joke, Lewis.” She says vaguely.
Offering him a gentle smile, Lewis returns one, squeezing Valarie’s hand once more before letting go and racing forward to where Matthew and Alice stand waiting for them.
“I know you are still mad with Lewis,” Valarie blurts out to her brother as they continue on their way, “but please don’t be mad at him forever.”
Jordan’s jaw feathers. “He did something that no man should do. He is my friend, but I’m allowed to stay mad at him for now.”
“It wasn’t his fault, Jordan.”
“Partly his fault.” He mutters in response. He’s doesn’t want his sister to take all of the blame for something that was equally both their wrongdoing.
Her lips pursed together, “Well, he will propose to me soon, so you better act surprised and ecstatic when he does.”
Jordan feigns an overly excited grin and raises his hands in a sarcastic circle of praise before his face falls. “Like that?” He blanches.
Valarie rolls her eyes, “You should at least be happy he agreed to wed me.”
His arm reaches out, stopping her in her tracks. “I am happy for you Valerie. I want nothing more than for you to be happy and live a comfortable life. That is what every brother wants for his sister. Lewis is my friend, and I know you love him. I just don’t agree with how it happened.”
“Well, it was your fault for waking up and intervening.” She grumbles under her breath, but he hears her.
“It was your fault for not sneaking him out of your window, or not letting him into the house in the first place.” Jordan retorts .
“Hmff.” Valarie lets out, pushing his arm off her angrily.
Jordan trails after her. “You can’t seriously be mad at me for interrupting his little escape plan. You were the one who did something wrong, not me.”
She turns to glare at him once more. “I know I did, and I am dealing with the consequences. You just forced him to wed with me. I am sure he would have asked on his own, you know.”
Jordan steps closer to her. “I was doing what should be done in this sort of situation. Have my sister engaged before any words break out all over town about a boy sleeping in her bed all night and trying to sneak out at the crack of dawn.”
“I didn’t need your help.” She mutters to him.
“You clearly did.”
They stand face to face in the middle of the walkway. People scurry around them. One Mortal scolds while overhearing them. Jordan just tosses him a glare.
Valarie sighs, rubbing her forehead. “All right. I’m sorry for blaming you. None of this is your fault.”
“No, it wasn’t.”
“Just please stop hating him soon. I want you to get along again.”
Jordan licks his bottom lip as he peers over at Lewis and Matthew laughing together. “We will. When he does what’s right, then I’ll forgive him.”
Valarie nods, squeezing his arm. “I can work with that.”
His turquoise eyes rotate, and she leads him over to their friends.
Alice grins as soon as she sees Valarie approaching. She embraces her and the two of them giggle as they enter the dimly lit studio.
Lewis follows them in as Matthew greets Jordan by slapping him on the back. “Glad you came.”
“You asked me to, so of course I did.”
“Yes, well. Alice wanted everyone to come, so I appreciate the effort. ”
Jordan nods his head at the door. “Come on then. I want to see if it’s a nude model.”
Matthew’s brows wriggle up and down. Clearly, he was thinking the same thing Jordan was.
The studio is down some steps and in a circular room. Windows look out onto a small intimate garden with a pond and overflowing plants and greenery. The room is filled with easels. Each with a chair, a box of supplies and cloths. There’s a fire burning in the hearth, heating the room enough to where it’s comfortable. Candles are lit on almost every surface, illuminating the space in a soft golden haze.
Jordan and Matthew are both delighted and disappointed when they see a vase of tulips sitting in the centre of the room.
“Not a nude model,” Matthew mutters blandly.
Jordan snorts, wrapping his arm around Matthew’s shoulder. “Perhaps next time.”
“If there’s a next time. I’m not a skilled painter.”
“Neither.”
Melody and Levi sit to one side, speaking closely with each other. Ada and Elodi sit opposite them, excitedly giggling over something together.
Daisy gushes as she strolls in, rushing over to Valarie and Alice, who are looking at oil paint tubes.
The instructor is busy at the back cleaning brushes with chemicals that sting the nose bitterly. She’s short and willowy, and dressed in a plain brown dress flecked with paint. Her leather boots are caked in colourful dried liquid.
Jordan sits down beside Matthew, the crisp white easel staring at him blankly as he eyes the clay vase a few feet away. This is going to be interesting.
“Sorry we’re late,” Kora announces with Clarence on her tail. “It was my fault. I couldn’t find my sheath.”
Matthew scrunches up his face and asks, “And you needed to bring your blade with you? ”
She shrugs. “I don’t go anywhere without it now.” Her eyes connect with Clarence’s for a brief moment in silent understanding.
“Fair enough.”
The instructor looks at Kora and Clarence, who hover in the doorway. Her shimmering peach eyes gleaming at Clarence as he fluffs up his light brown hair. “Come and sit. We are starting shortly.” Smiling excessively at him.
Jordan eyes the Faerie Mark on her neck. The dainty four wings within a seven-pointed star. It’s a shimmering iridescent green to pink colour that changes under the light. Faeries aren’t rare, but they’re also not very common.
Kora approaches him, sitting down in the chair between Jordan and her brother. He can tell she’s excited by the way her face glows with eagerness. She picks up one of the brushes beside her, dips it into a pot of off-white paint and begins outlining the vase.
“Yes. Feel free to begin. Feel the freedom of brush strokes. Embrace the colours and textures. Allow yourself to live through your painting, see these flowers in a unique way…” the Faerie lady says slowly, like it’s an overly empowering speech.
Jordan and Matthew look at each other. Both of them are biting their lips to keep themselves from chuckling.
“Create something you’ll be proud of forever. And remember, we are all artists in our own way.”
Matthew tilts his head at his artwork after an hour of painting. He snorts to himself, gaze staring at an angle, “I think she lied to me. I don’t think I’ll be proud of this forever.”
Jordan leans over, looking at the mix of greens, reds and whites streaked across the paper. It’s a mess and he can’t even tell what he’s looking at. “I agree. I don’t think art is your strong suit.”
His friend laughs, pushing him away. “At least I gave it a shot. What does yours look like, Michelangelo ? ”
Jordan has to admit his isn’t much better. It’s chaotic and blotchy. The tones don’t even blend together properly, and his petals are oddly shaped. “Safe to say we aren’t painters.”
“Lucky we don’t paint Infernals to death.” Matthew murmurs with a grin.
Jordan looks to his other side where Kora’s painting appears to be much more blended and realistic. She paints each brush stroke with care, creating an almost perfect tulip bud.
“Wow.”
She smiles sideways at him. “It’s nothing like those paintings in your house. They’re careful and beautiful.”
“Yours is delightful,” he admits, studying it more. “I’d hang this beside them.”
She giggles, and it’s a glorious sound. Light and bubbly, so enticing and comforting.
“You’re too kind.” She looks back at her painting, her cheeks pink with delight. “Did you know tulips were my mother’s favourite flower?”
“I didn’t.” His voice lowering.
He watches as her face remains trained on her painting as she recalls a memory, “She used to cut them from her garden and leave them beside my bed. They’re my favourite as well now.”
Her face holds a look of sad happiness. He feels his dimples deepening, wanting to reach out and touch her hand when the artist interrupts, “Thank you all for coming tonight,” the Faerie lady’s voice loud from the middle of the room, “I have seen some outstanding pieces tonight. Don’t forget to come by later in the week to collect your artworks. They’re all gorgeous. Well done.”
She claps as they all stand from their places and make their way out of the studio. Jordan somehow has oil paint all over his fingers.
“Well, that was… interesting.” Is all Matthew can say. He turns to Alice who is smiling widely. “Did you enjoy yourself? ”
She nods hurriedly before looping her arm in Valarie’s and pulling her down the street. The rest follow along.
It’s late afternoon. Most taverns and bars are buzzing with life and laughter as they pass by. “Should we go to the Sage?” Lewis suggests.
“Or we could go to St James Park?” Daisy chimes in, “they have the Winter Fire Festival. I know it’s mainly for Mortals, but I adore seeing it every season.”
Kora’s face lights up as well. “Oh, yes. Please, can we go?”
“Lead the way.”
The walk is pleasant between the studio and the park. It’s dim since the sun is ducking in and out of dark clouds, yet the park is spirited and bustling with life. Mortals crowd the paths leading into the gated park.
The group pushes through, walking towards the lake in the centre where hundreds of oil lamps are lit and pinned into the earth. Mortals dance around together as rogue music plays from various musicians set up around the lake’s edge.
Kora takes a hold of Daisy’s hand before she can go off with Clarence alone. “Is something wrong, Daisy? You’ve been quiet all day.”
Her friend shakes her head. She’s normally energetic and talkative, but since the ball, she’s been quieter and more reserved. “I just haven’t slept well recently. But I will be fine. It’s nothing your pretty little head needs to worry about.”
Kora’s lips purse at her. “You’d tell me if something was going on, right?” She doesn’t know why she feels as though Daisy is hiding something from her.
Daisy nods in response. “Of course I would.”
She lets go of her, and Daisy drifts over to Clarence, who is standing down near the torches. The smile he gives Daisy as she approaches makes Kora’s beating heart settle.
Mortals and Marked kinds crowd the water’s edge, but the group sits back in the darkness, overlooking the festivities from afar.
They stay in silence for a moment, taking in the ambience of the festival, before Jordan sits down beside Kora, her hazel eyes deeper in the overcast light. “Did you go down to the docks?” He asks finally.
She nods at him, looking around nervously.
Before he can react, she reaches out, taking his hand in hers and pulling him to his feet. “We can’t talk about this here. I can’t afford to have the others overhearing.” And she pulls him away from the group towards the gravel path that encircles the lake.
There are other couples promenading around them, but thankfully they’re all well out of hearing range. Most of the liveliness from the festival drowns out their conversation.
Kora drops his hand once they’re walking beside each other, realising she’s still holding onto it.
Jordan wasn’t going to complain, though. In fact, he actually likes her touch on him. He’s never wanted any girl’s hand in his own, but Kora’s feels like it belongs there.
They walk so close to each other that Jordan can feel her energy radiating off her in waves of heat.
“I spoke to an Augur yesterday like you suggested,” she begins, her voice soft, “she told me I’m what they call a Pure Angel.”
“Pure Angel?” Jordan repeats, confirming the words with her.
She nods. “I have never heard of it either. It means I have Archangel blood in me. Uriel’s blood.”
“How? When?” Jordan lets out. Confusion clouding his brain.
“When I was an infant, my mother was visited by Lucifer, the Dark Angel. I think he took the soul of my brother and Uriel saved mine. I don’t know why, but that’s what I could make out from my vision. His soul was made dark, and mine was saved by Uriel.” She retells him what she had heard from Scarlett.
“You mean...”
Jordan’s hands ball into fists, and he glares over at Clarence. He goes to move when Kora grabs a hold of his arm, “No! Not Clarence! ”
The look he gives her is a mixture of confusion and rage. “Who then? He is your brother.”
“I have a twin,” she tells him quickly. “I had a twin brother, Colton, who was given to the Dark Angels. I have no idea why they wanted him, but they got him, and I presume he’s dead.”
“You are a twin!” Jordan exclaims.
Kora clamps down her jaw. “Yes.” Her teeth gritted. “But nobody knows, besides Clarence.”
“So, Clarence only just found out as well?”
“No,” she admits, avoiding Jordan’s glares for information, “he knew of Colton all this time, but our parents told him he died from an illness as an infant. He didn’t think it was worth me knowing.”
Jordan gives an exhale, “So your twin brother is demonic, well was I should say. You were saved by Uriel, and his blood runs through your veins. I wonder why your mother is caught up in all of this.”
“Yes, I have thought about that as well. The only people I think who might have an idea is your parents.”
“My parents?” Jordan’s blue eyes widen at her own.
She nods slowly. “Your parents were the closest to mine. They might know more about the situation. My uncle Will also might know, but surely, he would have said something by now.”
“If you wish to speak with my parents about it, I’m sure they’d be happy to. They’d want nothing more than to help you.”
“Perhaps I should come see them then?” she suggests.
“I think you should.” He pauses for a moment, walking in silence beside her. “I am glad you trust me enough to share this with me, Kora.”
“I do.” She admits in a quiet voice. “I do trust you.”
She looks at him, her eyes glassing over. The flames surrounding them light up her pupils. The hazel of her irises are deep and drawing him closer.
He wants to kiss her. To feel her under his touch.
Her throat works, and he knows she’s thinking the same thing .
Jordan takes her hand in his. The other rests on her waist as he pulls her up against him and starts moving to the music flowing over from the water. He doesn’t care if anyone sees them right now. He’s only focused on her.
He leads them. Kora stumbles a little before finding her pacing and swaying. Gaze unmoving from his, Jordan smiles, dimples growing in his cheeks. “This is nice.”
“Yes, it is.”
Peering down, a smile finds Kora’s lips as her gaze drifts down to settle on his mouth.
He wants to kiss her. To taste her on his mouth.
Leaning in closer, the scent of her jasmine perfume consumes him, filling his nose right when the piercing scream takes all of their attention.