Black Flames, page 19
The dress I’m to wear is deep red. It’s showy and flattering but also has pants beneath its billowing skirts. The skirt is made to be torn away, if necessary, which Zendaya specifically requested of the seamstresses. They didn’t question why. I guess fights break out at balls here when they happen. With what I’ve learned of Greed’s attitude, it doesn’t surprise me.
My maids style my hair into a gorgeous updo with curls and small diamonds nestled into it. The room smells of hairspray, and I swear a thick layer rests across my bare arms. My ladies’ maids use so much that nothing should move unless water is poured atop my head.
They choose to do my eyes elegantly with shades of browns and a black eyeliner that makes them pop. I smile in the mirror as they hand me a tube of lipstick to let me apply. “Thank you both so very much. I hate that I’ve never taken the time to ask your names. Will you forgive me for asking now?”
“It’s fine, miss. We don’t take offense. Our names are Janine and Jainee. Let’s finish getting you ready for tonight. A lot is riding on you being ready. We have our own part to play in aiding you tonight,” Janine says, and Jainee nods in agreement.
“Right. I know I should be focusing on what to do tonight, but I’m extremely nervous. I’m going to miss you both as well as a few of the others here. I hope one day, we can see each other again but under different circumstances.”
Jainee nods. “I’m sure we will. Let’s get you into your dress. It’s almost time to meet Prospero for your last night of the false engagement. You can do this.”
I nod in agreement and push from the chair. My body feels stiff from sitting for so long, but it takes time to be gorgeous for something like this, and I can’t let my role fall short because I’m anxious to be home.
I move with them toward my dress, and they hold it out for me to step into. Once on, they hand me my weapons and help me place them in the correct spots. I run through the exits I’ll need to take and when, as they grab my shoes. Thankfully, I’m not wearing heels tonight but flats that hug my feet. It’ll be much easier to maneuver around in them than heels, especially if I need to run. Then again, if I need to go a great distance, I may just shift.
I finish adjusting a few of the daggers hidden within my dress and stand to look at myself in the mirror. Everything is hidden, and I look stunning. I touch my left diamond earring and finger it for a brief moment before letting out a sigh. I hope I don’t lose any of the jewels they put on me. I would love to keep them. I know it’s a silly thought and not necessary, but it gives me something else to focus on.
“Okay, I’m ready.” I smile, and my maids walk with me to the door.
As I open it, I’m not surprised to see the group standing in the hall. Zeke approaches me and takes my hand. He bends down to kiss it, holding my gaze.
“You look stunning, love. Like a bright star shining in the sky, you are radiant.” He releases my hand, and Ulric grabs it, pulling me toward him gently.
“You’re absolutely gorgeous, little wolf.” He, too, kisses my hand.
Zuko bows his head as he says, “You’re lovely tonight, dear. Are you ready for the events?”
I nod and let Ulric keep my hand as Zeke steps back to play the part of a prince again. “I’m nervous, but we’ll do what needs to be done. But, Ulric, will Prospero not question why you’re escorting me?”
“No, because I’m escorting them.” He uses his free hand to point at the vampire princes. “We just happened to walk by your door when you came out, and you joined us.” He shrugs.
“I guess that’ll work. You all look very nice,” I say as I take in their black tuxes. The three of them alone could easily steal the show with their good looks. They seem to radiate power and strength, which will draw many toward them. It pulls at me even now, but I’m confident of my connection to them. Ladies will be throwing themselves at their feet tonight.
“I do believe we should be on our way,” Zuko drawls out, pulling our attention to him. “We need to make sure that we hold up appearances while my guards begin leading the girls out. I believe your maids will be helping them, Ember.”
I turn to look over my shoulder at the door to my room and find it empty. I didn’t hear them when they popped away, but I’m thankful they are loyal to us. It’s going to make a tremendous difference, especially if the women find it challenging to trust vampires.
“How long do you think it’ll take for them to get all of the women to safety?”
Ulric places his hand underneath his chin, “It shouldn’t take too long. They will be quick, I’m sure, especially with your maids being able to pop from one place to another. Their power is uniquely handy, being able to move through space like that. They should be able to take some of the girls directly to the gate and out.”
My lips form a firm line, and I ask, “Are Kai and the others prepared and at the gate on the other side? Has someone made sure they’re ready?”
Ulric smirks and takes a second to think it over. “I believe they are. We will have to double-check with Zendaya. Either way, they will be safe because the guards will not leave them if Kai or their people are not there yet. They’ll move them as far away from the gate as possible while also keeping them safe.”
I frown. “How long will it be until I can leave for the gate? Do you have a distraction and a backup plan? What if it doesn’t work?”
“Don’t doubt us, love. We have everything under control.” Zeke grabs my other hand and plants a kiss on it again. It’s comforting.
“Have faith, little wolf.” Ulric beams at me.
“I think we should go now,” Zuko chimes in.
“You’re right. Let’s do this and get the show on the road.” I drop both of my mates’ hands and make my way down the hall ahead of them. “Let’s be prepared in case we run into Prospero before we arrive at the ballroom. He doesn’t need to think we’re together.”
I feel a calm descend upon me as I take step after step down the hall. I let my magic course through my veins, and it reassures me that things will be okay. But the outcome of tonight is crucial, and I fear that we will not all make it out alive.
Moving through the halls, I notice things look different. Torches are brighter and more flowers rest in vases. Even garlands of flowers hang on the walls, creating a pleasant floral scent. It makes me wonder if Alora gathers things from Persephone’s garden or if she has them brought in. I’ve never seen her there.
Minutes later, we stand outside the great doors to the ballroom. Prospero and Zendaya both stand, waiting for us in front of the doors. Two servants stand at the door, waiting for us to enter.
“My, you look ravishing,” Prospero declares, walking toward me. He takes both of my hands and pulls me into a passionate kiss. It sends chills down my spine but not the good kind, and I fight stiffening in his embrace. I remind myself that I will no longer have to keep up this appearance just a few hours from now.
“Thank you. You’re handsome yourself.” I step back from his embrace and offer him a smile. It seems to appease him.
Zendaya approaches with a smile on her face. “You all look excellent. I love the outfit you’re wearing, Ember.”
I give her an award-winning smile, knowing that she handpicked it for me. “Thank you! You look gorgeous as well, my friend. My outfit fits well, and I love the way it feels. I do have great help when it comes to picking them, you know.” I wink, and she laughs.
“Stop fishing for compliments, Zendaya. We all know you helped her with her choice,” Prospero grumbles, making us laugh even more.
Getting it together, Zendaya says, “It still looks amazing on her. You guys can’t deny that. I mean, just look at her! Twirl for us, Ember.”
I frown, but I do as she asks, and I can’t help but admire the smiling faces around me as I do it. It makes me feel like a princess, but then again, I guess I am a princess if I’m Lucifer’s daughter, not that I’ll ever claim it.
Prospero reaches for my hand, holding it gently. “Shall we enter the ball?”
Feeling better after my twirl, I nod eagerly. “Yes.”
He squeezes my hand, and we enter through the doors. I’m amazed at how the room has transformed. Where there were once open floors with nothing but paintings hanging on the walls, there now rests food tables and an open dance floor. The enormous chandeliers are lit with bright candles, and other candles are scattered throughout the room. It appears very old-fashioned, but it’s also comforting. I especially love the warm light it creates.
I turn my attention to the tables covered in food. Alora chose black tablecloths, which causes the food to stand out against the dark color. People are scattered throughout the room standing and chatting as well as moving on the dance floor, dancing a waltz of some type.
I frown and turn toward Prospero and glance behind me at my mates. “I don’t know how to dance like that.”
Prospero chuckles. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you. If we dance, just follow my lead.”
“Are you sure we can’t just skip the dancing?” I turn back to look at the dancers on the floor as they move gracefully. It’s evident that dancing comes second nature to them with how fluid they are with each move.
“Yes, we have to dance. My father is the host. He won’t allow us to skip out. All his children must dance at least once.” He squeezes my hand. “How about we dance now and then you can mingle? I have a lot of people for you to meet.”
I gulp and feel my palms begin to sweat. How am I going to do this? This is nothing like what I know. “Okay, I guess.”
“Be confident, Ember. It’ll be fine.” He leads me to the floor, and I paste on a smile as eyes follow our movements.
He gently spins me closer into his arms and adjusts my hands as the next song begins to play. Now that I’m in the center of the room, I can see a small band or an orchestra playing in a corner tucked at the back of the room. It’s made up of various types of demons.
I force myself to relax as Prospero guides me through the dance, and thankfully, I don’t step on his toes or trip as we move. I glance out of the side of my eye as we move at the different angels around us. Their wings are of various shades, but none of them are white. It makes me feel slightly better, knowing Lucifer isn’t here.
As the dance finally ends, I let my shoulders sag, and Prospero leads me from the floor toward one of the tables. “You did well, Ember.”
“Thanks, I guess. You did all the work.”
He chuckles. “I can’t make your feet move. However, I think you could easily master these dances with some practice. You’re quite graceful.”
I roll my eyes. “Thanks for the confidence boost. I think it’ll take longer than you think.”
“We have plenty of time. Oh, look, here come some of my old friends.” He nods his head at a small group of males and one female. The males are all angels with dark black wings and dark brown hair. Their features are similar, and I assume they are brothers.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The group of partygoers stops before us and bow lightly to Prospero, and my attention lands on the young female who doesn’t have wings. Her hair is a long sandy blond and styled in curls that drop to her hips. There is a small bump at her stomach, and I realize she’s carrying a child and isn’t that far along. I let my gaze meet her green-eyed one, and I pale. I know her.
She blinks as she realizes who I am and goes to say something but stops as I shake my head. Can you hear me? I ask her through the telepathic connection our pack uses.
Yes! Oh my God, Ember, they got you too? How?
I sacrificed myself so they wouldn’t hurt Adam or Corey. Don’t worry, though. I’ll get you out of here.
How will you get us out of here?
“Ember, this is Konrad, Magi, and Stole. My father trained the four of us together years ago. They are triplets and some of the best warriors in our army. This is their shifter my father gifted to them. Magi, what is her name again?” Prospero interrupts my conversation with my old friend.
“This is Amber. She is mine and is carrying my first child. Isn’t she gorgeous?” Magi pulls her before us, and I cringe at how roughly he pushes her.
I paste on a smile, hiding the anger simmering beneath my skin. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”
“Ember is my betrothed. We’ll be planning our wedding soon. We hope to see you there,” Prospero declares with a massive grin.
“We absolutely will be, won’t we, brothers? Magi and Stole may steal the show, though. You know how they get.” Konrad chuckles.
“You’re not any better Konrad. Maybe Magi’s son will be here by then.” Stole looks pointedly at Amber’s belly. “I wanted her for myself, but Magi defeated us in our challenge to have her. You think your father will give us another?”
“Why don’t you all go make yourselves comfortable while I chat with Amber here?” I add to the conversation without thinking, and they all look at me confused.
“Why would we do that?” Stole asks, eyeing me.
“To catch up, of course! How long has it been since you all relaxed? It is a ball after all, isn’t it?” I smile and reach for Amber’s hand, gently pulling her toward me.
“I like her, Prospero. She’ll be excellent for you. Come on. Amber will be fine with her, Magi. She may be our future queen after all, if things go according to plans and Greed passes on his title to our man here.” Konrad shrugs and looks over at the table with the alcohol across the room.
Magi looks me over and then looks at Amber. “Fine. I’ll come to find you when Lucifer arrives.”
“What? Lucifer is coming?” I ask aloud and blanch, not intending to voice my thoughts.
“Of course he is, love. Did you miss the other fallen leaders in the room? I would introduce you to them, but it’s not proper to approach them unless they allow it. Usually, that doesn’t happen until Lucifer appears. They wouldn’t be here if he weren’t coming. I thought you knew that.” Prospero frowns.
“I guess, I forgot. I’m sorry. You all go. Amber will be fine with me.” I shake my head and smile at them all convincingly.
Prospero leans in to kiss my cheek. “Okay, I’ll be back soon.”
As they move away, talking animatedly, I pull Amber closer to my side. “How far along are you?”
“I think four months. Why?” She looks at me, concerned.
I lean in and whisper, “Because I’m getting you out of here tonight. Do you know if they gave other girls to any other warriors?”
She shakes her head. “As far as I know, I’m the only one, but there could have been others before me. They won’t tell me why they kidnapped us.”
“They’re building an army to take on Lucifer, and they need hellhounds. Apparently, only shifters and hellhounds can produce hellhounds. Nonetheless, I’m getting you home.”
“I would love that more than anything, Ember, but how are we going to do that? We’re in Hell.” She glances around the room, noting where the males she came with are.
I let out a sigh. “I have a way, Amber, but you’re going to have to trust me.” I take a moment to narrow my communication channel and put my blocks up as I reach out to my mates. Can you two come here?
Ulric responds, Yes, is everything okay?
I look around and spot Zeke and Zuko moving toward us, slowly grinning and greeting guests as they move, fulfilling the appearance of vampire royals. I can’t spot Ulric, though. Ulric, where are you?
A tap on my shoulder has me turning around to his smiling face. “I’m right here. What’s going on?” He glances over at Amber, who pales.
“It’s okay, Amber,” I whisper. “This is my mate, Ulric, and you remember Zeke?”
“Oh, and yes, why?” She looks around, and her eyes widen as he approaches with Zuko.
Zeke frowns as he glances between us. “I thought you were dead, Amber?”
“I thought I would be too,” she states quietly, looking at us all.
“Amber, this is Ulric and Zuko. We’re all going to work to get you out of here with the rest of the girls.” I look pointedly at Ulric and spot Zendaya watching us closely from across the room.
“How are we going to get her to the others without her being missed? She’s with someone if she’s here. Who are you with?” Ulric asks softly, and she glances across the room to where Magi appears to be watching us.
Ulric follows her gaze. “He brought me,” she gets out, barely audible.
“Shit, that’s not going to be easy,” Ulric says under his breath.
“We’ll make it happen,” Zeke adds.
At that moment, a horn blares, and everyone turns to the door. It opens, and a tall male with white wings steps through, followed by a mixed group of individuals—some with wings and some without. I stare in awe and immediately see similarities between him and me
“Shit,” I say aloud, and Amber turns to me, trying to figure out what’s wrong.
“It’ll be okay, Ember. Keep your distance and don’t draw attention. That distraction we discussed is going to happen soon. You and Amber will go with Zeke at that point and escape,” Ulric says quietly as the room is still quiet, watching the king of Hell as he makes his way toward Greed and the group of fallen across the room. I recognize them from the picture but didn’t see them before as I danced.
“What exactly is the distraction?” I continue to watch Lucifer’s group and then glance over at Prospero, who has a pained expression on his face.
“Persephone came with Lucifer.” Zuko’s voice snaps my attention to him, and I look back to the group to see a beautiful woman walking hand in hand with another male several steps behind Lucifer. She has long dark hair and striking green eyes. She’s curvy, and her dress hugs her body like a fitted glove. Hades, the man with her, is dressed just as nice and has a pleasant smile on his face. His black hair and tan skin resemble Lucifer some, and I can’t help but wonder if they’re related.
