Chapter 26 Danni
Danni
By the time we’re finished getting ready, the hollow ache in my chest returns with vigor. The walk to the ballroom takes forever. With each step I take in the ridiculous slippers Celeste made me wear, my pulse races in anticipation and the need to see him.
My entire outfit probably cost more than my apartment back in Hillsview. The bodice is tight and low-cut, the corset slimming my waist down to impossible proportions. In contrast, the skirt billows out, a hoop skirt underneath giving it a distinct bell shape.
I’ve never seen such gorgeous fabric. Stunning, iridescent shades of blue and purple sparkle and shine over the beautiful cream base color, reminding me of a beautiful stained-glass window.
After a long moment of marveling over its beauty, I realize the fabric must be enchanted, as the colors seem to shift on their own as if the dress was lit from within.
But when Celeste pulled out the matching gossamer wings… oh boy, I gasped. They bring the whole outfit together, despite being a little heavy on my shoulders.
Tonight, I am a majestic butterfly, a creature of transformation and beauty. I wonder who picked it out for me.
I wait at the golden double doors, the stake tucked tightly into the embellished bag that dangles from my wrist. My heart thrums with both excitement and anxiety. I’m on the precipice of something massive. There’s no turning back now.
Will my mother’s killer lie behind these doors?
Celeste stands a few steps behind me, as is tradition, or so I’m told. The hierarchy is truly awful here. Celeste harped on and on about it all the way here. It turns out that the regular humans are at the bottom of the food chain.
No surprise there.
And then there are creatures called ‘lesser vampires’ who aren’t allowed to attend the circus at all, followed by Familiars, and then The Five and their heirs. Of which there is only one—my master. Knox.
I’m still unbelievably pissed at him for how he treated me earlier. That insane orgasm he gave me is now overshadowed by his psychotic mood swings. The one time I indulge in anything remotely selfish since arriving here and he totally ruins the entire experience for me.
Knox is the last person I want to see. Yet the bond aches for him. It prickles low beneath my skin, serving as a constant reminder that I’m no longer in control of my own body anymore. And I don’t know when I will be able to regain control, either.
I burn for him. Ardently and endlessly. Jesus, that sounds like something straight out of a regency romance book.
What is happening to me? Is this man turning me… poetic?
The doors slowly swing open, revealing an elaborate ballroom straight out of a dark fairytale.
Dimly lit, the candles burning all around the room cast a sultry glow over the cold marble floor.
Both humans and vampires mingle together, shamelessly ogling the men and women who twirl their naked bodies around delicate pieces of ribbon dangling from the high ceiling.
I take a few tentative steps onto the balcony and peer down at them all through my mask.
The different jewel-toned hues of skirts and tailcoats blend seamlessly into a multicolored sea of fabric against the polished white marble floor.
Fantastic masks disguise each face, concealing predators from prey.
Wigs just as fantastical as the masks complete the illusion.
Some are powdered and piled high like whipped cream while others graze the floor with delicate rainbow ringlets.
I wouldn’t be shocked if a real unicorn joins the party at some point.
This place is a double-edged sword. At each end balances a dream and a nightmare.
Which one will it be tonight?
My hands twitch as I fight the urge to pull out the stake and start killing them all.
“You need to actually go down the stairs at some point, you know.” Celeste jabs my side, a smirk creeping across her face.
“This is insane.” My eyes search the crowded room.
“This is why they called it the city of dreams. After the binding, it will be like this every night. You’re practically the guest of honor—Chosen One.
So go down there and act like you were made for this.
” She lightly shoves me by my waist toward the top of the stairs.
My dress suddenly feels like it’s made of heavy metals, not tulle and gossamer.
Can I pretend, just for tonight? Can I mingle with my enemies and uncover the information I need to free the humans and plot my escape?
I take one last look at the party from my advantageous viewpoint and spot a table of champagne piled high in a neat triangle. I map a path in my head and take a deep breath before descending the stairs.
The orchestra strikes up a new chord, the song slower than the previous one.
It sounds curiously like the lullaby I heard at the entrance to the tent.
This time, I don’t fight the cool wave of serenity that coats my senses.
I let the music and the magic it weaves drown any fears deep into the bottom of my mind, quietly reminding myself that if I’m going to blow the lid off this place, I need to become a part of their world.
His world.
The bond twists itself into a tight knot, replacing the aching hollowness with prickling goosebumps.
He is here. But where?
I make my way through the crowd, ignoring the inquisitive stares of those who dance around me, determined to claim a glass of champagne before I lose my nerve. Halfway through, I find my path blocked by a crimson-eyed man, his wooden mask carved into an elephant.
“Danniella, would you allow me to be your first dance?”
I instinctively cringe at the use of my full name, but then sigh in relief once I recognize the wise old voice of Cyprian.
Not that I’m convinced he’s a friend or even someone I can trust, but he’s probably one of the few here who doesn’t want me dead.
Although the way his curious eyes rake over my exposed shoulders has me second guessing that thought.
Why is he looking at me like that?
Because I’m supposed to be the chosen one? Or because he’s remembering the crazy shit Knox and I did earlier?
Oh, God.
A blush creeps up my neck towards my jaw as I eye his gloved, outstretched hand. Some treacherous part of me wonders if Knox’s erotic talents are learned or hereditary.
“I couldn’t possibly dance without having some champagne first,” I say, giving him a small smile.
Cyprian smiles back, his teeth glittering in the candlelight. “Please, allow me to escort you.”
I swallow as I take his hand, silently thankful for my elbow-length gloves because I don’t think my palms have ever been this sweaty.
He pulls me effortlessly into the crowd, weaving and skirting past the couples who are deeply captivated by the enchanting music.
My head begins to swim and the marble floor no longer feels solid beneath my feet.
It feels like I’m wading through cotton candy.
Nothing feels creepy anymore; the ambience feels soft and light.
Like I could float away without a care in the world.
A bubble of laughter climbs up my chest as I stumble a little.
We’re in front of the champagne in the blink of an eye. Cyprian grabs a flute filled with fizzy golden liquid from the table and hands it to me, watching my every move like a viper waiting to strike.
“I must admit, your presence has piqued the curiosity of our people. But after your… dazzling performance with my son earlier today, I no longer wonder why Knox has decided to break his vow for you.”
I should feel embarrassed or annoyed at his comment, but I just laugh and sip more champagne.
Any decent witty comeback I might have is trapped behind the fluffy clouds in my mind.
It doesn’t even hurt to think about how Knox is obsessed with me only because of this damn bond.
Everything is muted. Everything except joy, like the way it feels to cuddle a puppy.
When was the last time I hadn’t felt so weighed down, either by the lifelong burden of avenging my mother, or from being fated to a vampire? Is this what regular people experience?
My cheeks ache from smiling, but I can’t drop my expression. I don’t think I like being so out of control, but I can see why everyone here makes a conscious choice to go along with it. It’s just easier to give in.
“Speaking of your son, where is Knox?” I finally manage to ask.
“Ah, the guest of honor finally graces us with her presence.”
Damon’s voice is like a cold bucket of water as my body screams “stranger danger.” The mental fog finally lifts, and everything negative I’ve ever felt comes crashing down like an anvil.
Well, it was nice while it lasted.
Raised voices drift over the crowd towards me and the familiar pull of the bond ignites deep in my chest. I relax, knowing that Knox is here, knowing he’s close.
My attention drifts from Damon, still waiting for an answer, to search over the heads of the crowd.
Near the stairs, I spot Knox and Blondie exchanging harsh words, neither of them wearing a mask.
My feet move on their own, leading me away from Cyprian and Damon.
Partygoers dance and twirl around me. Between the swirl of sequins and lace, I see Knox pinch the bridge of his nose in frustration as Celeste reaches out and places a delicate hand on his shoulder.
“You need to find me an answer. Make it a priority,” Knox says. I’m close enough to hear them without revealing myself, so I stop moving and watch. The bond focuses on Celeste’s hand; it doesn’t like her touching him with such familiarity.
“I can’t do anything until we’re back underground,” she replies. “Resources here are limited, so you need to be patient.” The bond doesn’t like that either. More secrets, more lies.