There was everything from the usual jesters and harlequin clowns to double sided masks that showed both happy and sad faces. Or even bright gold suns, blue moons and tear shaped landscape painted masks that really should be hanging in some gallery somewhere. There was one woman who walked past dressed like some forest pixie and had a beautiful mask made from gold leaves all layered on top of each other.
However these were definitely the tame ones, as there were those that made me want to gag they were so disturbing to look at. One couple that walked past were obviously lovers as the woman walking in front of the guy had a hand covering one breast possessively. This would have been fine as I had seen far worse since my time entering Draven’s world. But the disgusting part was the fact that her mask was her actual face that had been sliced all the way round so blood dripped down her neck. Then huge fish hooks had been put through her chin, cheeks and forehead and attached to thin chains that her partner’s other hand held wrapped around his fist almost like a sadistic puppet master.
There were others, like the woman’s mask that looked like she was looking in one of those crazy house fairground mirrors that made your features look tiny and pulled your eyes, nose and mouth into the centre of your face. I lost count of the number of monsters and decided to look away when one of them looked like it was eating itself, puss filled boils and all.
“A lot to take in isn’t it?” Vincent said leaning over the arm of his chair.
“You can say that again.”
“Would you believe me if I told you that one day this is will all seem normal to you.” I couldn’t help but laugh at this.
“Not really no, but I wouldn’t take offense, I have been seeing Demons since I was seven years old and I’m still not used to it.” At this he gave me a gentle smile before saying,
“Well you have a lot of years ahead of you, so give it time and you can become immune to most things.”
“Like loving someone?” I asked and I wanted to bite my tongue off for saying it. His eyes widened for a second before I watched him slip on a new mask, only this time it was of the emotional sense, not like the crackled cream and gold one he was wearing. It was the same design as his brother’s along with the waistcoat they both wore only his was like his mask, in cream and gold. And this, unlike Draven, he wore under a fitted black suit.
“Unfortunately if it is real love then time heals nothing, or so I have seen for myself.” He said nodding towards Draven who was walking back this way.
“Vincent, I didn’t mean…” I tried to explain but he held up his hand to stop me.
“I know what you meant, Beautiful.” He said giving me a small smile and then he lowered his head in a respectful bow. I wanted to say more but I felt Draven come to stand over me.
“Catherine Keira Williams…” Draven said my full name and smirked when he changed my middle name from one less boyish. Then he asked a question that I had been dreading,
“Will you do me the great honour of dancing with me?” Then he bent at the waist and held out his hand.
“Uh…”
“I will take that as a yes.” He said taking my hand and pulling me into his arms causing me to land on his chest.
“I don’t know…” I started to say looking down at the crowd to see not a single couple was dancing.
“Hey, do you trust me?” Draven asked gently as he placed a hand at my cheek.
“Yes.” My quick answer made him smile and my happiness came at seeing his own lighting up his eyes.
“Then let me take care of you.” He said leaning down to kiss my forehead. Then before I knew what was happening he turned and clapped twice making a booming sound resonate throughout the crowd. He obviously didn’t need to say the words as this was no doubt the way it was done every time they held this Ball. Because now like some practiced dance group the crowd parted perfectly and created a circular dance floor.
Draven looked to the side and nodded at someone. Within seconds the sound of a piano being played was being pumped through hidden speakers, filling the entire square with the most beautiful music. Draven led me down the steps and into the centre surrounded by a wall of people.
“Trust me.” He said in response as my panicked eyes scanned the crowd.
“Give me your eyes Keira, no one else…just me.” As soon as my eyes looked up at his he pulled me in with a hand at my waist and the other clasped tightly in mine. Then the most perfect words started to sing around us in a heavenly voice.
“I chose this song for you.” He told me and as soon as I started to listen to the lyrics I had to hold back the tears. It was as though the first verse was from Draven’s point of view and the second was definitely from mine.