He pushed back abruptly. “Stop distracting me, we have to go. Our reservations are coming soon.”
“Lemme put on the shirt, I promise I’ll be quick.” Ripping the shirt from his grasp, I dashed away, my heartbeat pounding in my ears as I scrambled into my room and slammed the door. Standing in front of a full-length mirror, I slung the shirt over my messy black hair and around my shoulders. The fabric was heaven on my skin; it felt luxurious. I fastened each button slowly, taking in the details of the garment, then stepped back to admire the meticulous craftsmanship, the way it draped perfectly, and the rich texture of the fabric against my body. Hints of white skin peeked through the delicate lace, creating alluring layers of depth and texture.
Flicking some light mascara on my eyelashes, I gave myself a small fangless smile. I looked like a badass. I felt like a badass.
Butterflies were frantically flying through my body. I couldn’t believe I was actually leaving my floor for the first time in sixty-five years. It almost seemed like I was in a dream, and at any second, I’d wake up.
Taking one last look in the mirror at my impeccable look, I met Gabe in the hallway of closed shops and cafés that were made for me. He swiped his keycard and pressed a button, a small white ring illuminating the downward-pointing arrow. As the doors opened, I watched as Gabe tucked the card into the front pocket of his suit.
Once the doors reopened, a wave of anxiety reached me. This was the first time in sixty-five years I was leaving my floor. What if it wasn’t as magical as I hyped it up to be in my mind? Stepping out of the elevator, my head swiveled constantly, and the pit in my stomach disappeared. Vibrant colors and sounds within Elysium surrounded me as we walked toward the restaurant, a symphony of sights and sounds assaulting my senses. Passing London-style pubs, we noticed the aroma of freshly brewed coffee from French cafés and bookstores with shelves overflowing with books, just like in a movie. I almost forgot there was so much more than what was on my floor. Toys, games, and even non-designer clothing had their own storefronts.
I guess fast fashion hadn’t died with everything else. Gross.
People bustled along the walkways, the rhythmic shuffle of their feet a steady drumbeat against the floor. Confined to my floor for years, seeing the same faces daily, I was amazed by the surprising diversity of those around me—their laughter, the way they moved, all subtle differences that set each one apart. They had their own identities. As we walked by, so many people caught me staring, their faces scrunching up in confusion and suspicion as they likely wondered what was wrong with me. Every time I saw someone’s confused face, I realized I’d been looking for too long.
If I were being honest, I kind of expected all eyes to be on me. Maybe if I’d gotten out sooner, I’d be seeing the reactions I expected, but after being hidden away for sixty-five years, maybethey all forgot about me? They must not know who maintains their survival. Could they all be living in ignorance?
“You’re quiet,” Gabe said, his eyes darting back and forth. “Could it be that you’re…shy?”
Hearing the unusually light and teasing tone in his voice calmed me, a welcome change from his usual demeanor. Although he’s not working right now, I knew he was on high alert. “Never,” I answered. “There’s just so much to see down here!”
A laugh escaped from his throat. “Believe me, it’s much better upstairs. You’ll find out soon enough once you’re able to be down here more.”
I didn’t exactly know what he meant, but Gabe slipped his hand into my palm, our fingers interlocking as he expertly navigated through the labyrinthine Elysium. A large open area overlooked different levels of the safehold spread before us. Lush vines and emerald leaves cascaded from the high ceilings, forming a vibrant, living curtain that filled the space.
I’d always wanted a garden but never thought it would survive.
A thin waterfall, sounding like a gentle shower, rained through the leaves, cascading into a moss-covered basin below. The scent of damp earth rested in the air, a lush, wild feeling that gave the perception of truly being outside. I half expected to see the flash of vibrant plumage or hear the whoops of monkeys as they swung down from the thick, tangled foliage.
“Go to the right.”
Turning my head to where Gabe pointed, I saw a long hallway filled with shops, their colorful signs, and the murmur of shoppers filling the air with a lively buzz. At the end, a large neon sign pulsed with a bright, white light, its lettering a stark contrast against the darkness, like a beacon in the night. Theletters looped into one another, like a messy scrawl to spell one singular word: SMOKE.
Chapter Five
Athick, grey mist, cold and damp, clung to us the moment we stepped through the arched doors, obscuring the restaurant in an alluring veil of mystery. The thin, acrid smoke snaked around us, its tendrils tugging at our clothes, lightly brushing against the crisp edges of Gabe’s perfectly ironed shirt.
“Rodriguez, for two?” Gabe’s unruly eyebrows shot up as he acknowledged the staff, his smooth voice a low murmur in the otherwise silent room.
With a sly smile playing on the host’s lips and one eyebrow arched high, the short blond man regarded my boyfriend with curious interest. Situating himself behind Gabe, the blond host assisted in removing the cream colored suit from my date’s muscular body and folded it over his arm. Tucking a piece of his long blond hair behind his ear, the host fluttered his long eyelashes, and sweetly gestured ahead. “Right this way.”
The man’s desperate eyes, filled with pleading that bordered on pathetic, made my stomach churn, and my face contort in disgust. A sickeningly sweet, almost chemical smell of cheap cologne hit me as the host led us through the dimly lit restaurant to our table, hidden behind heavy, velvet drapes. The circulartable, draped with a crisp white tablecloth, was dimly lit by a single candle, its flickering light casting dancing shadows on the polished wood.
Gabe scrambled to pull the chair out for me, and the chair legs scraped against the hardwood floor before I sank into the plush, velvet cushion. My eyes sparkled as the candlelight flickered, reflecting warmly on the polished silverware, which highlighted its gleam against the grey stone chargers. A starched black napkin, folded with precise angles, rested on the plate. I unfolded it, the crispness whispering against my fingers, before laying it across my lap.
With a flourish, the blond host revealed two crisp menus clutched to his chest, a slight smile playing on his lips, before Gabe held up his hands. “No need for menus tonight, I’ll order for my handsome date.”
A wide grin spread across my face as I watched the host purse his lips, a clear sign of disapproval, before hastily retreating from our table. The beauty of the restaurant was truly stunning. The black walls, carved with intricate, swirling embellishments, seemed to writhe under the weight of a thick, smoky plume hung from the ceiling like a heavy trellis. The lone candle flickered, its muted light a fragile beacon in the overwhelming darkness, like a will o’ wisp, beckoning yet elusive.
“Gorgeous place, isn’t it?”
I nodded, and a man materialized from the shadows, his movements fluid and quiet as he poured a rich, crimson liquid into our wine glasses. A stray bead of purple dye snaked its way down the bottle’s neck, absorbed instantly by the white tablecloth, leaving only a faint purple stain. With a flourish, the man displayed a crystal decanter, its facets catching the candlelight and sparkling like a thousand tiny stars as he delicately tilted it toward a small rocks glass. A rich, red liquid,like thick honey, poured from the decanter, coating the glass with its syrupy texture and deep color.
“Fresh blood and vintage wine, a perfect combination.” Gabe lifted his wine glass, the candlelight dancing in his brown eyes, reflecting the warmth of the moment as he looked across the table.
I shuddered while looking at the blood as the Extraction scheduled for tomorrow morning ran through my mind. I raised my glass to meet his, and the delicate tinkle of crystal against crystal echoed softly in the quiet room as our glasses met. Raising the thin goblet to my lips, the intoxicating aroma of the blend filled my senses before I took a sip, a symphony of flavors exploding on my tongue. The wine was layered with initial flavors of cranberry and blackberry, followed by a cascade of black cherry and a subtle warmth of spice. The wine’s flavors were soft and enveloping, with a bright, balanced acidity that danced on my tongue, making it one of the most pleasant glasses I’ve ever tasted.
“This is a beautiful red,” Gabe acknowledged as he took a sip. “This particular wine was shipped from our partners in Italy and produced only in small batches for optimal flavor. Wonderful, isn’t it?”
