Frailty: The Darkshine(44)

“My lord.” She said those two words with such an air of certainty. She took her place next to the other females, waiting her turn as they each would show him their skill.



Helina stood in front of the mirror and stared at her reflection. She had been surprised to find the satin red evening gown in the package Ryce had brought over. Now she stood looking at herself, the transformation seeming significant. Her stomach felt funny, a little bit of nausea, a little bit of butterflies. The strapless gown was a deep red, an empire waist design that made her bust look larger than it really was. The skirt was bunched in places, tiny diamonds dotting the fabric and making it look elegant.

She had piled her hair up, a request from Ryce so that her neck was free of anything. He told her it was the most attractive part on a female for a DarkShine male, and an act of submissiveness which wouldn’t go unnoticed. At the bottom of the box had been a small black satin mask, red feather and diamonds to accent it. Slipping on her heels, she made her way toward the door. She took a deep breath and pulled the front door open. Ryce stood on the other side with a tux on. He stared at her and she couldn’t decipher what emotions were crossing his features.

“I’m sorry. It’s just your hair and eyes look so much like… her.” He cleared his throat and glanced at the ground. “Are you ready?”

She swallowed roughly. “Yes.” She followed him off the porch.

“Don’t forget your mask.”

He said the words without looking back at her and she quickly closed the door and followed him. He already had the door open to a sleek black Porsche. She glanced at the car and then looked at him, her heart pounding in anticipation of what was to come. She slipped inside and he door shut almost silently.

“Ready?”

Putting on her seatbelt, she nodded just as the car purred to life and Ryce drove them toward a ball full of vampires.



Gaijryc watched as Shoshanna stood in the middle of the ballroom, her gown gone, a black leotard and pink transparent skirt now covering her. Her hair was in a tight bun at the nape of her neck, her body still, her head down. The light music started to play and he watched as she danced around the room, the movements fluid and even.

He watched with disinterest, not caring at how unaffected he might appear. His eyes strayed to Iena, her attention completely on him, her smile one of self satisfaction. He looked away, scanning the room and seeing all the awestruck faces as they watched the ballerina. His gaze landed on the servants, their bodies pressed against the walls, their silver trays still in their hands. Lucie stood amongst them, her body much smaller than the rest. Her strawberry blond hair was pinned back, her appearance so childlike. She looked at him and her face lit up, her smile almost blinding in its intensity. He smiled back and let his eyes stray back to Shoshanna.

Ezabell was next, her attire staying the same as when she entered. She stood in the center of the room, watching him the whole time as she sang along with an old opera piece. Her voice was crystal clear, no mistakes, only perfection.

Pressiya followed Ezabell, her talent the violin, her song of choice a fast classical piece. She played beautifully, but it fell on deaf ears. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, taking another long drink from the now half empty bottle. He heard a small noise and looked at his mother, who was staring daggers at him. She looked squarely at the half empty bottle before looking at him again, one of her perfectly plucked eyebrows rising in disapproval. He looked her squarely in the eye and brought the bottle to his lips, taking another long drink, his eyes never leaving hers. He could see her manicured nails digging into the wood of her throne, her knuckles turning white with anger. He smiled at her before gesturing toward Pressiya with his bottle. His brothers chuckled besides him, but he paid no attention to them, just let the alcohol wash through his veins, numbing the pain he felt.

“And for our last presentation, may I present Iena.”

He watched as the bitch took the floor, her dress gone and a skin-tight white leotard taking its place. The music started and Iena moved with the notes, displaying how flexible she was. Every move showcased her flexible limbs. He finished off the Crown as he watched her show him all she had to offer. He signaled for the servant, a small thin-haired male with beady brown eyes. He gave him the empty bottle and asked for another.

He could already feel the warm burn of the liquor running through his veins and relished the feeling. His body was starting to go numb, his mind feeling hazy. He grabbed the full bottle of liquor from the servant and kept his eyes forward. He opened it and took a healthy drink. He had every intention of becoming fully intoxicated, totally drunk by the time the night was over with. Iena finished her seductive dance, not even her breathing labored as she took her place with the other three females.