NOVEL NEXT Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Yourself
The party started at a demure seven o'clock the next evening. Perhaps due to the promised entertainment of the evening, the majority of the usually tardy lords and ladies had arrived by eight.
Unfortunately, the star of the event and her entourage did not seem to have been infected by the same sense of punctuality.
Around 8:30, guesses about whether the honored guest would arrive started to make its circulation. The host remained largely unaffected by the surrounding conversations, certain that the plan would be brought to fruition. Patience.
A chime sounded to announce the arrival of yet another young noble. Gasps began to spread through the crowd as one by one the people on the ballroom floor turned to gaze at the peo- not that felt wrong: the art that had graced the top of the staircase.
The tall broad-shouldered man standing at the front of the group wore a classic dark grey tweed suit. A wristwatch with warm brown leather stood out against a pale wrist. He was truly handsome. His presence radiated an imperialness. A ruler surveying his kingdom.
A few among the crowd felt a niggling they had seen him before, but brushed it aside in favor in viewing the rest of the group.
A breathy laugh sounded, bringing the room to complete silence, the perpetrator being a smaller young man. His features are cherubic, his movements telegraphed by the flowy white sleeves covering his arms. A lavender vest detailed by silver vines corseted a slim figure. He held their interest effortlessly, bathing in the attention thriving under it. A siren feasting.
One of the others stepped forward tentatively offering his hand to the siren. Another gorgeous man, tall and well built. His well-fitted solid black suit and undershirt accentuating firm muscles. Silver earrings twinkled as he lowered his gaze, doe eyes widening further as he asked for permission. Would he get bitten?
The man was tempting to women, a walking contradiction. The soul of Bambi but the physique of the Big Bad Wolf. The urge to see him crumble: muscles weak, big eyes brimming with unshed tears filled them. What about for the other man though?
As a large hand had a smaller one nestled into it, a general feeling of awe along with a deep sense of jealousy washed over the women.
Who were they jealous of? Even they aren't sure.
Several felt a tingle go up their spine as they were met by the gaze of the tall man in a navy blue suit. The gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose did little to hide the sharpness in his gaze. He stood partially to the side of the group, one hand his pocket as he scanned the attendees.
If the prince-like man made them feel like ants beneath him, then this one made them feel like they were under a magnifying glass. Every fiber exposed. A simple turn lighting them on fire. They were but animals on cold metal to be directed and examined with fascination. Prone to the whims of a mad scientist.
The group of men began to move forward and make their way down the stairs. The spacing as they strode down the steps, making it easier to observe the others.
Two men strode next to each other, their steps matching. The green and red of their suits somehow matching as well.
The one to the left wore a deep red suit, the undershirt black matching the lace black choker encircling his throat. The boldness matched by the energy that seemed to permeate the air around him.
His smile sunny and welcoming: a stark contrast to the coldness or uncontrollable magnetic nature of the others. A balm they didn't know they craved. His movements were deliberate but swift.
As if he had done these movements a thousand times before, lived a thousand lives before. An ancient being gracing them with his warmth and light. A seraphim among humans.
The Seraphim's partner had his own inhuman charm. His suit was a deep mossy green his pants a deep brown. In his journey down, they could see painted vines wrapping around his hand.
From the glimpses of his wrists, the makeup or tattoos appeared to continue beneath his undershirt. They became visible once more at the collar, stopping just beneath his chin.
Crowned by a halo of soft black curls, he looked at one with nature. A nymph unfettered by the conventions of society.
Eager to see the seventh member, they turned their gaze further up the staircase. The last man met their gaze. The slight uptick of his lips indicative of a smirk or sneer. There was no suit.
He wore a loose long-sleeved dress shirt. The black shirt's top three buttons undone. Silver rings adorned a couple of fingers sparkling in the light.
His movements were casual, lazy. But there was some primal instinctual part of their mind that screamed "DANGER" "RUN".
The loose movements belying coiled muscles ready to pounce at the slightest provocation. A predator looking for his next prey. A panther on the prowl.
Their mistress was slightly behind him. They immediately wanted to move their gaze elsewhere, but found that they had to spend time observing the woman.
This was hardly the first time they had seen her. Although known for her lowborn status and antisocial behaviour, she had been a Raine. But she was different today.
She wore a baby blue off-the-shoulder dress, the skirt loose and flowy. Her hair feel in soft waves held back by a headband of gold. Gold high-heels and a couple of thin gold bracelets on one hand tied the outfit together.
Although she didn't take on all of her mother's features, many would struggle to describe her as anything besides gorgeous. But today there was something extra about her. No one was able to put their finger on it. Confidence perhaps or pride.
Not that it mattered. In the end, whatever it was, their plan is to destroy it.