"You will not be unguarded and he knows the rules. Just be cautious. Remember, we will all be on the lookout . He's never shown before, that we know of, but this year might be different. " I nod in agreement and focus my attention on my meal.
Before I know it, I find myself in bed. My mind races as it has since the night I came face to…well…mask with Ghost. I slowly fall into a slumber filled with aquamarine eyes, the ocean filling my senses, all while I chase an unknown intruder. Tomorrow is coming fast and I am ready to dance with the devil.
Chapter Five
The Best Beginning To A Haunted Ending
The sun burns my vision as it floods into my room, heat drawn to its tips. Voices fill the walls and the sound of fast feet surround the quiet.Today is the day. He's here. Somewhere in my city, slithering about in the shadows.The thought causes an instant jaunt to my heart. There’s a sudden knock to my door as Sarah, the chef's daughter, pokes her head through.
"Ah good, you're awake. I brought you breakfast!" She chirps while presenting a large platter of food.
The spread is filled with everything from muffins and croissants to meat and eggs. Fresh fruit and vegetables with dip for a bonus. My mouth waters at the sight. I smile while taking the tray from her.
"I wasn't sure if you wanted coffee or juice so I brought both!” She chirps happily.
Steaming coffee, orange, and cranberry juice are sitting on my nightstand. She gives me one last happy nod before whisking away to busy herself for tonight's gala. After eating, I am surrounded by my court of ladies to help me get ready. We start with a hot, steaming bath. The scent of citrus, vanilla, and tulips coat the room with intensity. I exfoliate, shave, and pluckmy imperfections away. Next, I am lathered in oils, creams, and butters to smooth and hydrate my skin. All while, I grip a flute of champagne like it's the last drop of water on earth. Following my spa treatments, I am sat in front of a mirror. Alexandria works on my hair while Raul gathers his supplies for my makeup. My hair is volumized with curls and product, then smoothed elegantly until it is tamed by pins. Half of my hair is pulled back precisely to expose my neck. I look like a Viking warrior and I love it. Raul comes into view as he expertly applies products until he is satisfied. Smokey cat eyes and false lashes make me look sultry. Deep contour and rich wine lipstick pull the look together. By the time they are done, it’s five o'clock and the party will be starting soon. Time for the dress. Pulling it on, it's like wearing it again for the first time. I am in awe as I look over my visage. I hear gasps and awes as I turn to face them. "Absolutely perfect." They say in unison.
I walk to the entryway and see my family below, patiently waiting for my arrival. Compliments carry through the air at my entrance. My father smiles and nods in approval.
"You are absolutely radiant. We might even find you a husband tonight." My mother jokes which earns her an eye roll.
The thought of settling down is a joke to someone like me. Someone to share all of this with, that would take away from my power. Someone to love only sets me up for pain and suffering. There is no such thing as a happily ever after for me. Within minutes, guests begin to arrive and I take in each one carefully. Looking for a mysterious man amongst the crowd. Soon enough, guests have filled the ballroom and it is time to get the party started.
My father makes his way to the stage, his presence demanding respect. The music quiets smoothly until deafened, leading everyone's attention to be directed towards him.
"May I have your attention please? Thank you. As always, we appreciate everyone's attendance here tonight. We all know the long standing traditions of this event. We hope tonight can be one spent creating bonds that last a lifetime. One that will bring us together and build a stronger front. One in which we can all benefit from."
The room is eerily silent and I use this time to look around, searching forhim. Many faces fill the crowd but most are outliers making it impossible to be him. I reach out to grab a drink from one passing waiter's tray while giving him an appreciative nod. I swallow it in one motion. I need something to steady my racing heart.Will he show up?My father finishes up his speech, acknowledging his known alliances and family. With that, the music is turned back on and the party begins. Laughter fills the air and people swarm the dance floor.
"Ev!" I hear amongst the crowd and turn to find my best friends.
James's tux is red with black finishings. He looks great and it compliments his ash brown hair and honey eyes. Lucas wears a silver, metallic piece with navy blue additions. My eyes land on Ryon and I almost lose it right then. There he stands in all his glory, a neon teal suit but it's not the tux that gets me. It's his hair that matches perfectly.
"When? Why? How?" I babble in confusion.
"That's actually an interesting story...I hadn't planned on this suit really. I was testing this new hair product fromKorea when-" He's cut off by James putting a hand over his mouth and disappointingly shaking his head.
"Anyways...Ev you look stunning." Lucas interjects. I blush at his words and give him a look that says it all.
"No one has been acting suspicious. We are still looking." I nod and wave them off.
Just as I reach out for another nearby drink I am pushed from behind, nearly falling over.
Turning around ready to knock the person out I spit, "Watch where you are going, assh-" but am cut off by the looming figure in front of me.
This man was built by the gods themselves. Tousled, layered black hair sits atop his head in waves. Stubble coats his jaw line cleanly and his full lips fit perfectly to his face. He's gorgeous in a dangerous sort of way. There is something about him that I just can’t place. My eyes flicker around the room
still searching for my target of the night,The Ghost.
"I am so sorry, Miss. I didn't see you there." He speaks in an apologetic tone. I smile trying to retract my previous banter.
"It's not a problem. I am Everly from the Beretta family, and you are?" I politely question.
"Ah my apologies, I am Blake Mikaelson." His smile is friendly. His accent is subtle on the tip of his tongue. Offering a polite glance, I try my best to not appear rude while continuing to search the crowd.
"It's nice to meet you Blake. I have been looking forward to meeting other members of your family. They don’t come very often, do they?" I inquire while looking around.
"Not usually, no. I find these types of events silly if I'm being honest, but this year I have decided to come. Business is a driving reason.” I nod as a courtesy while taking note of the way he speaks. It’s overly formal which reminds me of his family’s history. He wasn’t born here, therefore English wouldn’t be his first language.
