Layla was pacing before the Yule Ball. Back and forth across the Persian rug in her apartment between her door and breakfast table, she wrung her hands as she moved. Her magic was as restless as she was tonight; a simmering aura of scorched orange groves as her Dragon coiled over inside her. Turning by her breakfast table, she took up the bourbon she’d poured with a splash of water, her nerves as high-strung as she’d ever felt. It was the same feeling she’d had before her PhD dissertation’s review.
But there was so much more on the line tonight.
Layla paced again, trying to breathe through her nerves and magic. Setting her bourbon down, she massaged her hands, cramping from tension. Glancing at the mantle-clock above the fireplace, she noted Dusk was twenty minutes late now to escort her to the ball. It wasn’t like him and Layla took up her bourbon again, glancing out the windows and seeing the sun had set. Cerulean blanketed the snowy horizon, stars popping out like diamonds in the stark winter sky. But though everything tonight would be gold, silver, and white for Yule, Layla had taken the traditional Hotel color for her Courtesan’s Debut – crimson.
Her gown was a sleek affair of flowing crimson silk chiffon, so sheer it nearly revealed everything though in Head Clothier Amalia DuFane’s clever ways, it actually hid everything. Tight-wrapped at the waist with long fitted sleeves, the gown had a scandalous slit to Layla’s hip and a plunging bodice that dove almost to her waist. Gold ribbon edged the v-neck, wrists, and hem, making the silk chiffon flow around her feet like a bloody seashore. A gold wrist-cuff and curling gold torque around her neck complemented the gown, her platform heels a sheer gold silk that made her feet seem bare. Coaxed into waves, Layla’s sable curls were pinned back on one side, her makeup in golds and smoky hues that brought out the color of her eyes since her Dragon had become stronger at Samhain – a dark hunter-green, jade, and gold.
Glancing in the mirror, Layla saw a goddess staring back at her, and the sudden image shocked her into stillness as she watched her reflection. In the platform stilettos, she was statuesque, over six feet tall. The simplicity of her attire would stand out in a night famed for Twilight Realm ostentatiousness. But Layla’s wealth was fury, she realized as she stared at herself in the mirror, and the passion and power that came with it. The entire ensemble screamedback the fuck off– sexy and vicious.With a sigh, she began pacing again, hoping she could live up to the whispers her attire would start tonight.
But as she reached the breakfast table, she heard a soft knock upon the door at last.
Turning quickly, she hauled one side of the massive double-doors open. As she stepped back, Dusk entered with his customary briskness. Relief filled Layla to see him. Wearing a dark maroon tux rather than his usual blues or greys, Dusk’s lapels were black satin with a matching red paisley vest in an almost Victorian fashion. He wore a black tie, a gold pocket watch tucked into the vest. On his wrist, he wore a matching cuff to Layla’s and she smiled, realizing Amalia DuFane’s brilliance. Dusk was a darker, more simmering version of Layla’s fierce grace, and with a modern cut but Victorian details, his entire ensemble screameddangerous.
Layla didn’t hesitate. She flowed to him, feeling their bodies pulled together by the golden cord that bound them. He caught her close, his eyes shining sapphire-diamond with pleasure at her greeting. A smile curled his lips, but as Layla lifted up to kiss him, he held a finger to her mouth, stopping her with a sexy glint in his eyes.
“We mustn’t muss your lipstick before your debut. Are you ready?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be, I guess.” Layla gave a wry smile, but inside, she felt nauseous. Everything should have been perfect. Layla’s human friends were at the Hotel, getting to experience it for the first time. Adrian was somewhere safe, no longer on the run. Layla’s Dragon-magic was contained even without her talisman now, thanks to Reginald. Life was the best it had been in months.
And yet.
“Layla? Are you alright?” Dusk frowned at her, concern in his eyes as a subtle sheen of navy and cerulean rippled through his hair. “Your magic is coiling over and over like you’re deeply worried about tonight.” Dusk ran his warm hands over her shoulders with a comforting rumble and Layla sighed, aware of her tension as he helped her release it.
“I just feel like so much is up in the air,” she spoke honestly as she gazed up at him. “Everything should be perfect with my friends here and my magic under control now from Reginald’s influence on our Bind. But Adrian’s in danger of being discovered by the Board, Reginald is in an unknown situation with his clan, and Luke is being secretive in a way that worries me. And at my interview… Quindici said some things that rattled me.”
“What did he say?” Dusk frowned at her, something dark moving though his gaze at the mention of the Associate Hotel Head.
“Later.” Layla spoke quietly, not quite ready to talk about everything Quindici had said to her, though she wanted to discuss it with Dusk soon. “But I’m worried about Luke. Out on the promenade, he said he’s developed some kind of magical sensitivity since my Dragon attacked him in the fall. Did my magic… bind him?”
“He’s ok.” Dusk’s sapphire gaze was honest as he rubbed her shoulders. “Your magic did have an affect on Luke, but not necessarily anything bad, and it didn’t Bind him. It’s just a change he needs perspective on, and I’ve been happy to provide it. And Rikyava also. He’ll be fine, just trust me when I say it’s not my matter to divulge.”
Dusk had stonewalled Layla before, and she knew it was no use pushing. Even though concern moved through Layla, she could tell Dusk was in Head Concierge mode and not about to spill the details of someone else’s private life. He was immutable when he wanted to be, and though Layla found it frustrating, she admired his ability to keep personal matters confidential. It was part of what made him an impeccable Head Concierge.
“What about Celia and Charlie, and Arron?” Layla fretted.
“I’ve already escorted your friends down to the Yule Ball twenty minutes ago.” Dusk spoke, his gaze kind. “Rikyava will have her most trusted Guards close at all times this evening. Relax, Layla. Everything’s under control.”
“What about me?” Layla whispered, her words so soft even she could barely hear them. Fear twisted through her on the wake of Quindici’s words this afternoon, and Layla couldn’t forget them. All she saw was darkness inside herself for a moment, as her Dragon coiled over in her veins with a tight, deep panic.
But as always, Dusk knew just what to do. With a gentle, mysterious smile, Dusk lowered his lips, touching hers in the softest kiss. It was delicate to not muss her makeup, but as his smooth lips pressed hers, biting and lingering gently, he gave a deep growl, leaving her entire body breathless. A dark, hot look simmered in his eyes as he pulled away, cupping her neck in a distinctly possessive way as he caressed the angle of her jaw with his thumb.
“Youare a goddess,” Dusk spoke, holding her gaze with his fierce sapphire-bright eyes, “andeveryonewill see it tonight. Don’t worry about your first Assignation. Adrian and I have it under control. You’ll be safe, I promise. And you’ll enjoy it.”
“What?” Layla blinked in surprise.
But Dusk said no more, and taking a deep breath, he pulled back as if with a will. Offering his arm, he lifted one dark eyebrow, smoldering with a sexy, intense mystery. Still wondering what he’d just meant, Layla took his arm as they turned toward the door. But as they exited her apartment, Layla found her tension easing, knowing Dusk was a master of plans within plans. If he said he and Adrian had her first Assignation under control somehow, she believed it – her Dragon breathing a deep exhalation at last.
Layla’s magic settled and so did her nerves as they exited her apartment, two Hotel Guards coming to attention as she and Dusk moved down the gilded hall. As they descended the grand staircase to the first floor, Layla beheld the massive crowd in the Hotel’s main lobby, experiencing déjà vu. Her last Grand Masquerade had been at Samhain, Dusk keeping her safe with his magics as he’d maneuvered her through the crowd. But that night had gone disastrously when he and Adrian had decided to fight over her, resulting in Layla nearly dying from Reginald’s Siren-power when he’d used it to calm Adrian.
And also resulting in Layla’s abduction by Hunter.
She shivered as they descended the grand staircase, thinking about Hunter and darkness and the Crimson Circle again, and Dusk glanced over. But Layla shook her head, taking a deep breath and facing the night with her head high. As they gained the main floor, moving toward the Diamond Ballroom rather than the Grand Ballroom, Layla found herself managing the seething press of magic and people better than at Samhain. No one was masqued, and it helped her to see faces. Though the Yule Ball was technically one of the Grand Masquerades, the event was more of a black-tie formal. And though a wall of magic hit Layla like a sledgehammer just as before, she found she could breathe through it this time as she and Dusk moved through the crowd.
Far more developed than at Samhain, Layla’s power formed a spontaneous shield around her as she moved, strong coils of heat pushing back other magic as she walked. People in gold and silver blinked as she moved through, pulling back with wide eyes as if the press of her magic was too much. Layla saw Dusk’s lips quirk as they gained the Diamond Ballroom, practically glowing with pleasure as he felt Layla’s magic push gawkers back in smooth waves – not having to use his own power to defend her at all.
As they entered the long hall, luminous with decorations, Layla saw the party was already in full swing. A fae orchestra played a waltz in haunting tones, couples dancing over the silver-diamond floor like snowflakes whirling over ice. Diamonds were everywhere, embedded in silver and white. Fanciful designs twisted up every marble column, cascading across the high vaults of the ceiling like a winter sky, rippling through the floor like a moonlit lake. Caught in the beauty, Layla stared as she realized sex was not the focus here tonight, elegance was.
Elegance and money.
