“Holy fuck.”
White knuckling the passenger seat, I just about shit my pants as we go careening around a corner. Tires skid and the smell of burning rubber fills the air as we launch, hyper speed, towards the building built into the side of a hill.
Cruella laughs, her gloved hand coming off the steering wheel to pat my leg, “Just getting you ready to dine with the Mistress of Wolf Hollow.”
We round another bend and my stomach clenches with the motion.
The Drache Manor erupts through the trees around us, a blade bursting out of the ground and soaring high into the sky. Guard towers are stationed along every spare inch of the mile-long driveway and we have to pass each one before finally pulling through the main gates.
Torches illuminate the gate pillars, leading us to where another car is already parked. It’s a rusty old thing, an ancient Honda that looks depressing next to our ride.
“Remember, start with the utensils on the outside and work your way in. The one at the top is for dessert, and if there’s a spoon-
“I use it for soup.” Unbuckling my seatbelt, I fight the urge to fling myself from the cramped space, “You don’t have to worry. The animals who raised me ensured the rules of fine dining were covered.”
I swing my haughty shoes out of the car and step onto the polished walkway. Minerals, carved and shaved into their most exquisite form, lead us past the uniforms stationed around the bottom of the stairs and up towards the winged statues guarding the door.
“The black onyx is just darling, but a splash of colour would do wonders for this place.” Wrinkling her nose, Cruella brushes past the dragons without a hint of hesitation, “Gothic settings can have their charm but without the right opposition...”
Her words die off as the Drache Manor spreads out before us. Sparkling chandeliers and walls dripping in the richest silverchase away any lingering doubt that an adequate opposition was achieved.
Glass and mirrors so fine you can walk right through them glitter at us from every direction, offering a mind-bending illusion of an endless foyer. Arched ceilings rise high above us and more dragon statues watch from the shadows, their gargoyle-like forms an odd yet majestic presence to the room.
“I think she figured out how to balance the gothic setting.”
Cruella shushes me, her eyes already stationed on the only age appropriate prospect in sight.
“You must be Mrs. Deville.”
A wide, warm smile spreads across the man’s face. His blue eyes crinkle at the corners, his dark hair pebbled with streaks of grey.
“Please, come on in. Maleficent has just sent for the chef to deliver our food for the evening.”
“I didn’t know we had company.” Batting her eyelashes, Cruella lets out a soft sigh, “If I had I would have chosen a different dress to wear.”
The stranger smiles while I roll my eyes.
“I can assure you, there is nothing to be weary of. My daughter and I thought we would stop by to greet the new residents of Wolf Hollow.”
“And you are?”
“The previous transplant.” Another smile, “Afraid I was in your shoes as the newcomer only a few months ago. I know how jarring the transition can be.”
“Oh, don’t listen to him.”
The click of stilettos has my back straightening, my eyes darting around the shimmering reflections for a mane of blonde hair.
“Erik Prince is the new mayor of Wolf Hollow. He’s been leading the charge for change ever since our last mayor found himself in the hot seat.”
Long, toned legs break through the slit of a black gown. Clinging to modest curves, it accentuates the female body in a way only custom measurements can do. Dark red lipstick parts into a knowing smile, a smile that isn’t as familiar as I was hoping it would be.
“Maleficent.” Bowing her head, my mother is quick to pay her respect, “You did not prepare me for such charming company. And so handsome, too.”
Erik smiles bashfully before looking away.
I’m tempted to tell the poor sap to run while he still can.
“Ah, yes. We are always delighted to be graced with an attractive presence.” Her smile sharpens when her gaze lands on me, “No matter how rough they may appear to be.”
