24. And, after all, what is a lie? ‘Tis but the truth in masquerade.
24
And, after all, what is a lie? ‘Tis but the truth in masquerade.
Moth
T he next day passed in a blur of anticipation and preparation. Amelia and I meticulously went through our checklist one last time, ensuring that we had everything we needed for our plan to unfold seamlessly. I managed to keep my neck hidden—at least most of the morning. As we were making lunch, she saw it, and pulled the front of my sweater down, eyeballing the pendant.
“What is that ?!”
I turned away bashfully, desperate to hide the color creeping into my cheeks.
“It’s nothing,” I mumbled.
Her hand on my shoulder spun me around, and she ripped the front of my sweater down. With an accusatory gaze, she reached in and plucked the necklace from where it sat against my collarbone.
“Dude,” she gasped.
“It’s nothing!” I grumbled, batting her hands away.
“Where did it come from? ”
“It was in my room!”
“Who gave it to you?”
I stayed pointedly quiet.
“Your stalker?!” she gasped, louder this time. “ Dude !”
“It’s just a necklace! No big deal!”
She blinked owlishly at me, her mouth opening and closing like a goldfish out of the water.
“You’re kidding right?” she said finally. “You know what this is, don’t you?”
I stared at her, eyes looking into every line and plane of her face, searching for a sign. I felt stupid. Why did I feel stupid?
Maybe it’s because I was stupid.
“It’s a pretty necklace?” I said, unsure. Now I was a little scared.
“It’s a collar!”
It was my turn to blink at her.
“Collar?”
“An ownership collar?”
“What does that mean?!”
I could feel panic rising in my chest now. What had I agreed to last night?
“Is it locked?”
Reaching down, my shaking fingers ripped it out of her grasp and yanked on it, desperately pulling against the chain, but no matter how hard I pulled, it simply wouldn’t give.
It was. It was locked.
“Shit!” I bit, pulling until I felt a pinch in my skin and an ache in my neck. “It’s locked! It’s fucking locked.”
Except I knew that, didn’t I ?
He’d said that last night.
Amelia snorted, her arms crossed over her chest.
“Wow, dude. You are in deep .”
“Shut up!” I glowered at her, but she laughed harder.
I was stupid.
Stupid, stupid, stupid !
“Vanessa has a boyfriend ,” Amelia chided in a sing-song voice. “But she doesn’t even know his name!”
“I am going to kick your ass ,” I warned, but she just laughed harder.
After a few more good yanks and twists, I gave up. No use bruising myself for something I couldn’t get rid of, anyway.
I stared down at the collar, my mind racing with questions. How could I let this happen? What did it mean? And, most importantly, what was I going to do now? The gravity of reality was beginning to settle in, and I could feel the weight of it pressing against my chest.
Outside, the sky was dark, threatening rain as we began to get ready. I wasn’t sure how long it was going to take me, but the way I looked at it, if I was ready early, so be it.
In the dimly lit room, the scent of Amelia’s favorite perfume lingered in the air, a comforting reminder that I wouldn’t be doing this alone. As the minutes passed, the soft hum of her curling iron reached my ears, and I forced myself to focus on my makeup .
I settled on a black and silver smokey halo eye, with thick winged eyeliner and deep red lipstick—not only because it would look good behind the mask, but because it seemed the simplest to do. When I’d finished, I took a step back, looking in the mirror.
Surprisingly, it turned out okay. Not perfect, but pretty.
I got dressed, stepping into a pair of sheer, back-seamed stockings that sat just above the side slit in my dress, just low enough that if I crossed my legs just right, the lace peeked out from underneath. My dress was a black silk fit and flare, with a halter top and a low cut back. I smoothed my hands over the front, carefully pushing away the wrinkles.
The fabric clung to my curves in all the right places, the skirt twirling around my thighs as I spun in front of the mirror. It felt strange to be dressed up like this, with my heart pounding in my chest as I took in my reflection.
Amelia whistled low under her breath as she stepped into the room. Her dress was a deep, midnight blue number, floor length, just like mine. She’d paired it with a delicate silver chain around her neck and subtle diamond studs in her ears. Her hair was styled into loose waves that cascaded down her back, and she’d opted for a natural makeup look that only enhanced her beauty.
“Well, well, well. Look at you, V. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were going on a hot date.”
I tried to ignore the flutter in my stomach at her teasing tone, focusing instead on slipping into a pair of black, knee-high boots that added just a couple of inches to my height. As I stood up straight, the collar around my neck glinted in the low light.
“What are you doing with your hair?” she asked .
Looking at her through the reflection in the mirror, I shrugged.
“I-I don’t know. I don’t know what to do. I-I don’t even know how to do hair!”
“Here,” she said softly, stepping up behind me. “Let me help.”
As Amelia began to work her magic, her fingers brushed against my neck, and I could feel the cold metal of the collar shifting against my throat. The sensation of her warm touch coupled with cold steel sent a chill down my spine, and I swallowed hard.
“Alright, you’re all set,” Amelia said a while later, stepping back to admire her handiwork. She had styled my hair into a simple updo, with loose pieces framing my face. I looked into the mirror and saw a different girl staring back at me. It made me brave—well, at the very least, braver .
“You look amazing,” she said, her nude-painted lips curling in a smile.
“You too,” I replied, flashing her one of my own. In a town like this, Amelia would turn heads.
Perfect. It was exactly what I wanted. We had gone over the plan this morning. Amelia would approach the suspects, and talk them up, one after another. If my stalker approached me while she was talking to any one of them, we’d have our answer.
Amelia handed me my mask—black lace, with intricate silver detailing around the eyes and tall, pointed rabbit’s ears—before putting on one of her own. It was a deep sapphire with a lace fringe and black gems lining the eyes. Then, we helped each other adjust our masks, making sure they were secure and comfortable.
“Ready to go?” Amelia asked, holding out her arm for me to take .
I took a deep breath before linking my arm through hers. We made our way down the stairs and out the door, each of us grabbing our purses on the way out. It was still early in the evening, but the sky had darkened even more and the rain was starting to fall. With my convertible safely tucked away in the barn, we climbed into Amelia’s Escalade, and away we went.
Luckily, our destination wasn’t far.
The courthouse stood at the end of the main street, a grand, multi-story building built of limestone and walnut. Well known to everyone who grew up here, it was designed in French Renaissance style, with a tall, distinctive clock tower rising from the center, and stretching toward the dark, clouded sky. You could see it from blocks away.
We parked across the street at Mae’s Diner and quickly hurried out of the truck. My boots snagged with every step across the well-worn brick street as I followed Amelia up onto the sidewalk and across the steps leading up to the building. A chill wind swept across the parking lot, breathing down my neck and sending a shiver coursing through me. All around us, people talked and laughed, all moving in the same direction—inside.
As soon as we made our way inside, a wave of noise and music hit me. People in elaborate costumes and masks filled the large foyer, drinking champagne and mingling. This year, as every year before, it was a distinctly twenty-one and over event. Amelia led us through the crowd towards the ballroom, where most of the guests seemed to have gathered. A pair of bouncers took our names and IDs at the door, dressed in smart black suits and simple black masks. Once they checked our names and ages, they ushered us through the door.
The room was breathtakingly beautiful, decorated with golden chandeliers and cobalt blue curtains draped along the walls, tied back with glittering golden tassels that caught the strobing light. Towering candelabra lined the walls, though the flickering lights atop every candle were LED. It was not only cheaper, but safer that way.
In the center of it all was a huge dance floor where people twirled around each other in elegant waltzes—or attempted to, anyway. This was a small town, after all. Most of them accomplished a slow, twirling slow dance, swaying to the music.
We made our way to one side of the room, near an empty table where we could set down our purses and grab a quick drink.
As we settled in, I noticed a figure across the room that caught my attention. It was a tall figure, dressed all in black, with a mask that covered their entire face. A hood covered their head, clasped in the front and tapering down into a cloak that flowed around their feet as they walked. They moved with purpose, scanning the room with intense eyes. I felt a shiver run down my spine.
That had to be him. Something about the way he prowled told me it was him.
I swallowed hard.
Amelia must have sensed my unease, because she gave me a gentle squeeze on my arm.
“Everything alright, V?” she asked, concern creeping into her voice.
I took a deep breath, trying to shrug off the feeling .
“I’m just a bit nervous, I guess.”
She smiled reassuringly.
“It’s gonna be okay. Let’s order a drink, and then we can get to work.”
We made our way through the sea of people, carefully weaving around couples dancing and groups of friends laughing. The music swelled around us, a mix of classical and modern tunes that created an intoxicating atmosphere.
Amelia and I finally reached the bar, and a friendly bartender in a white mask and tuxedo greeted us. I ordered a glass of champagne for her and a whiskey sour for myself before taking a moment to survey the room once more.
After the bartender poured our drinks, Amelia raised her glass.
“Cheers,” she said. “Let’s do this.”
We clinked glasses, and I downed mine all in one go.
I needed that.
We spent the next hour mingling with the guests, Amelia flirting and laughing with every man who came up to her, while I kept a watchful eye on the mysterious figure in black.
It was getting dark outside now, the rain falling harder and drumming a loud pattern across the roof that we could hear even through the music. The lights were dim, colored golden yellow, deep blue, and dark, velvety plum. I shifted in my seat, feeling a nervous energy coursing through me.
We had a plan; Amelia was going to approach each suspect, and I would be there to witness the interaction. If my stalker decided to make a move, we would have him. I just had to keep my wits about me and not let my anxiety overwhelm me .
“Alright,” Amelia said, flagging down the bartender. “Ready?”
“Ready.”
The barkeep sauntered over, refilling our drinks. After Amelia thanked him, we jumped down from the bar and waded across the room, careful to slide past the bobbing, weaving bodies and make our way back to our table.
As we sat there, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the figure in black was getting closer, watching us from the shadows. My heart pounded in my chest, and I gripped my drink tightly, trying to steady my nerves.
“You okay?” Amelia asked, sensing my unease.
“I’ll be fine,” I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
She gave me a reassuring smile and stood up.
“First?” she asked.
Craning my neck, I looked through the crowd. Our first suspect was an easy one to pick out. I could have spotted Sheriff Banner from a mile away. He dressed like the phantom of the opera, and with only a half mask to obscure his face, he was easy to identify.
“The sheriff,” I said, pointing him out,
“Right.”
“And there. See the blonde with the red suit?”
I pointed toward the bar, where Carl Lee leaned against it, chatting with a female bartender, with deep red waves and a dashing smile.
“Noted.” She nodded. “Stay here. Let him come to you. I’ll keep an eye on you, and when we know he’s found you, we’ll know who it’s not.”
I nodded, and she shimmied off through the crowd .
Minutes ticked by, and Amelia continued her rounds, while the mysterious figure in black seemed to be lurking just out of sight. I tried to ignore him, but now and then, my gaze would drift towards him and I would catch him staring at me. I knew I had to be careful.
Sheriff Banner finally approached, an exaggerated smirk on his face. I felt my heart racing, but tried to keep my composure.
“Vanessa!” he said, taking a seat beside me, but not too close. I flashed him a smile. “Good to see you here!”
“You too!” I said, fighting to keep my voice steady, but inside, my heart danced to its own beat, so fast that I felt breathless just sitting here. “What are you up to?”
He laughed, taking a deep drink from his champagne glass.
“Same as you! Same as everyone else,” he laughed. “Havin’ fun! You havin’ fun, Vanessa?”
I nodded.
“Oh, yes! I’m having a great time. The music is amazing, and the people here are so friendly,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady and my smile genuine.
Sheriff Banner seemed to buy it, nodding and sipping his drink. I quickly glanced around, looking for any sign of the mysterious figure in black. He seemed to be staying hidden in the shadows, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was getting closer.
“Glad to hear it!” he said, flashing me a warm smile.
Looking towards Amelia, I watched her at the bar, smiling and laughing as she talked with Carl. Clearly, he was captivated by her.
That answered that. Carl Lee was not my stalker .
Sheriff Banner exchanged a few more pleasantries before standing up to mingle with the crowd, disappearing into the crowd as he continued his rounds, leaving me alone and a lot more confused.
Not Sheriff Banner either.
I wracked my brain, trying and trying to think of who it could be when I felt the weight of a hand slink across my shoulder, a pair of gloved fingers dancing across the front of my throat and caressing the collar locked around my neck.
I froze, my heart pounding, and my eyes widening as I turned to look over my shoulder.
I didn’t need to look up to know who had put their hands on me. I could smell the familiar scent of citrus, smoke, and something deeper, and a lot more primal.
“My beautiful Little Moth.” A familiar voice poured into my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
The mask covering his face was sleek, black patent leather, stretching over his features like a second skin. It was shaped like the snarling face of a wolf, with tall, pointed ears and a long, lupine muzzle. It was a mix of darkness and sharp edges, like a shadowy creature made of shards and blades, ready to pounce and devour. A pair of stark white fangs were barely visible on either side, tipped in red and adorned with dangling red gems, like drops of blood from a fresh kill.
“Hi.”
Despite my fear, I kept my voice steady.
He chuckled, that deep rasp that made the hairs on my arms stand up. He leaned in closer, his breath hot on my ear as he whispered to me .
“You look amazingly edible.” I could hear the excitement in his voice, the hunger that burbled from somewhere far deeper than it should have. “Dance with me, Moth?”
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of panic that was brewing inside me.
I slowly turned to face him, the wolf mask staring into my eyes, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. This was it, the moment I had been preparing for all night. I needed to play this right, to keep him at a distance and buy time.
Looking over, I caught Amelia’s eyes and gave her a single, barely detectable nod. She mimicked it, and I knew that she knew.
He held out his hand, guiding me onto the dance floor. As we began to move, I could feel his hands on me, lightly grazing my skin with each step. The music grew louder, drowning out my thoughts as I tried to remain composed.
The dance floor was a sea of bodies, gyrating and grinding to the pulsating beat. We moved in time with them, our bodies brushing against each other, the heat of his skin passing right through me like a specter. I could feel his eyes on me, piercing through the darkness, watching my every movement. As we reached the center of the floor, he pulled me closer, his breath flashing across my skin and pulling a flutter of butterflies from my gut.
The floor was alive with the chatter and laughter of the partygoers, but I could barely hear it. My heart pounded against my ribcage, and my thoughts raced like wildfire in the forest. I had to remain calm and keep him talking.
“You seem surprised to see me here,” I said, and I could hear the quiver in my voice .
His arm pulled around my waist, crushing me against him, and my breath released in a shaking exhale that had my head swimming.
“Maybe a little,” he admitted.
I stared at the mask—and at him.
There was no denying it now. That was no voice changer, no special effects. This was his voice.
I looked down at the hand that held mine, and the blue and black moth peeked out from beneath the cuff of his tuxedo. My other hand, slotted into the crook between his neck and shoulder, crept nearer to the mask on his face.
“You didn’t think I’d come?” I asked, and I could hear the hurt in my voice.
I was playing hard to get with a man who could carve out my heart.
“I never thought it was going to be this easy,” he said, his voice still low but filled with a mixture of triumph and surprise.
I wriggled my hand a little, and he didn’t stop me. I gently touched the mask with my fingertips, and let out a gasp as I felt the cold, smooth leather. This was it. My heart raced, and I felt a sudden adrenaline surge. This was the moment I needed to make my move.
“You know what they say,” I said, my fingers shaking.
Do it now.
Do it.
Do it!
“What do they say?” he asked.
“The rabbit comes easily to the clever wolf who waits. ”
Just as my finger hooked beneath the edge of the mask and prepared to rip it off, he spun me, twisting me in his arms until my back slammed against his chest and he crushed my limbs against my torso, holding me there.
He was onto me. He knew.
Fuck, he knew.
“When the rabbit turns and chases the wolf into the arms of the devil, the rabbit and devil become a deadly alliance,” he poured the words into my ear, and I sucked in a shaking gasp as he ground his body against mine. “Beware the rabbit.”
I stared across the room, waiting for Amelia to notice. She had to notice. She had to.
But as he pulled me back, dragging me into the crowd, I caught sight of her, still leaning against the bar. Carl fed at her mouth, his arms wrapped around her waist and her arms wrapped around his shoulders.
This rabbit had no devil to align herself with.
This rabbit was hopelessly, helplessly trapped in the wolf’s deadly jaws.