Chapter 13: 13. Shadows and Stars
The water shimmered under the moonlight as Selene emerged from the pool, her movements slow and deliberate, a study in elegance. Each step she took toward the edge of the pool caused the water to ripple softly, as if reluctant to let her go.
The moonlight bathed her in a gentle glow, highlighting the curves of her body and the taut muscles beneath her skin. Droplets clung to her like scattered diamonds, tracing glistening paths down her shoulders and arms, lingering at the dip of her collarbone before sliding down her toned abdomen.
Her silver-blonde hair, darkened by the water, clung to her shoulders and back, framing her face in soft waves. She reached up to brush it away, her movements unhurried, the gesture casual yet irresistibly alluring. Her sapphire-blue thong, the color of the midnight sky, clung to her form, accentuating the long lines of her legs and the firm curve of her hips.
As she stepped fully out of the pool, her gaze flickered toward Adrianne, who watched her with a quiet intensity. Selene's lips curled into a faint smile, an expression that combined amusement and affection. Her hands found the silken robe she had draped over a nearby chair, pulling it over her shoulders with a grace that seemed practiced but entirely natural. The satin clung to her damp skin, the loose belt tied just enough to keep it in place, the neckline plunging low enough to reveal a tantalizing hint of her chest.
She paused near the doorway, turning slightly. The city lights behind her framed her silhouette like a painting, casting an ethereal glow around her. The shimmering expanse of lights contrasted with her calm, almost serene presence.
"Don't lose yourself in the night, Mother," She said softly, her voice lilting with a mix of humor and care. "Even the stars have their limits."
Adrianne chuckled, her lips curling upward as she leaned back against the edge of the pool. She rested her arms on the cool tiles, her eyes following Selene with an almost possessive warmth.
"Goodnight, Selene," She replied, her voice thick with affection.
Selene lingered a moment longer, her sharp steel-blue eyes studying Adrianne as if trying to glean her unspoken thoughts. With a small nod, she disappeared into the shadows, leaving behind the faint scent of lavender, a ghostly trace of her presence.
The rooftop grew quiet again, the city's distant hum providing a soothing backdrop to the rhythmic lapping of the water.
Adrianne tilted her head back, her gaze wandering across the stars scattered like diamonds in the heavens. Her thoughts drifted, heavy with the weight of choices past and the burdens that loomed ahead.
Moments like this—solitary, reflective—were rare. She cherished them even as they pricked at the edges of her heart. She had built an empire from nothing and climbed the treacherous peaks of political power, and yet, the more she ascended, the more loneliness seemed to stretch before her.
The sound of approaching footsteps, soft but deliberate, stirred her from her reverie. She opened her eyes to see two figures entering the rooftop, their silhouettes sharp and commanding against the glow of the cityscape.
Her bodyguards—always vigilant, always ready—stepped closer, their movements confident and precise. Both women carried an air of quiet authority that demanded attention.
The taller of the two, a striking woman with a sleek black ponytail, moved with the precision of a predator. Her tailored suit hugged her form, accentuating the strong lines of her body. The jacket was unbuttoned, revealing a crisp white blouse beneath, the top two buttons were undone to expose just a hint of smooth skin, a subtle but undeniable allure. Her sharp features were softened by the moonlight, her dark eyes scanning the rooftop with practiced sharpness.
Her companion, slightly shorter but no less formidable, exuded a similar blend of strength and elegance. Her cropped blonde hair framed a face that was angular yet undeniably feminine, her cheekbones high and her jawline chiseled with definition. The suit she wore mirrored her partner's, its clean lines interrupted only by the open neckline that drew attention without compromising professionalism.
"Madam," The taller bodyguard began, her voice steady and low, carrying just enough deference to acknowledge Adrianne's status without sacrificing her own authority. "The organization meeting is about to commence. The board members are waiting for you."
Adrianne sighed, the sound light but tinged with palpable exasperation, a delicate frown playing on her lips. She dragged a hand through her damp hair, her fingers lingering in the silken strands as if coaxing herself back into the world of obligation.
"Of course they are," She murmured, her tone laced with a weary amusement that barely masked the sharp edge beneath. She pushed herself upright from the pool's edge, water cascading in dazzling rivulets down the curves of her figure. For a moment, the tranquil lapping of the water was the only sound.
The bodyguards, professionals to the core, faltered briefly. Their gazes flickered—not out of desire but as if caught in the wake of a magnetic force too powerful to entirely resist—before snapping back to fixed, neutral ground. Their discipline held, but the faintest traces of discomfort lingered in their stiff postures, like shadows left behind by the sun.
Adrianne stepped onto the tiles with languid grace, reaching for the robe held out by a third attendant.
"Let them wait," She said, a faint smirk curling at the corner of her mouth. "It will remind them why I'm the one in charge."
The bodyguards exchanged a brief glance but said nothing. They stepped aside, giving her the space she needed, a quiet acknowledgment of her unspoken command.
Adrianne moved toward the private shower, the soft patter of her bare feet against the tiles the only sound as she disappeared from view. The water in the shower was warm, cascading over her skin like a balm. She lingered under the spray, her hands running through her hair, washing away the remnants of her time in the pool.
Her thoughts wandered to the meeting ahead—a battlefield of political maneuvering and subtle threats. It was an organization meeting, a place where alliances were tested and old rivalries gave new life. But there was also the added pressure of the family meeting afterward, where delicate matters of succession and power dynamics would be discussed.
It was a heavy burden, but one she was accustomed to bearing.
When she stepped out of the shower, her reflection in the mirror greeted her with a fierce, determined gaze. A woman of power and poise, with full curves and smooth, glowing skin, she was ready. She took her time dressing, selecting an outfit that would leave no doubt about her command of the room she was about to enter.
The crimson dress she chose clung to her body like a second skin, its fabric shimmering faintly in the light. The neckline plunged daringly low, revealing just enough of her generous yet tasteful cleavage, while the high slit along one side exposed the full length of her leg, toned and sculpted from years of discipline. She slipped into a pair of stilettos, the sharp click of the heels against the marble floor a subtle reminder of her authority.
Her jewelry was understated yet deliberate—diamond earrings and a necklace that rested just above her collarbone, drawing attention to her flawless skin and adding an extra touch of refinement to her ensemble.
After a few final touches, she swept her hair into a sleek updo, leaving her neck and shoulders bare, the style both elegant and empowering.
When she emerged, the bodyguards were waiting, their sharp eyes flickering over her before returning to a state of readiness. Adrianne smirked faintly, noticing the subtle tension in their stances.
"Shall we?" She said, her voice smooth and commanding. The words were both a question and a statement of intent.
Her bodyguards flanked her as they descended to the waiting car, their movements synchronized, a testament to their training and devotion.
Adrianne led the way, her strides purposeful, her head held high. There was a quiet strength in her, one that spoke of a life shaped by power, ambition, and survival.
The drive to the Meeting spot was quiet, the city lights flashing by like a blur through the tinted windows.
Adrianne sat back in the leather seat, her posture relaxed but her mind sharp, already calculating the dynamics of the room she was about to enter. The delegates would be watching her every move, testing her resolve, searching for weaknesses to exploit. But she would not give them the satisfaction.
When the car finally slowed, Adrianne adjusted the hem of her dress, smoothing it with a deliberate motion before stepping out into the crisp night air. The council chambers loomed ahead, their grand architecture bathed in golden light. She strode forward with measured steps, the sound of her heels echoing against the marble pavement, her bodyguards trailing just behind her.
The doors opened as she approached, and the murmurs inside hushed as she entered. Heads turned, eyes widened, and the air grew taut with unspoken tension.
Adrianne smiled faintly, the expression one of quiet triumph. She wasn't just attending this meeting—she was commanding it.