Celebrations

We congregated in the living room of the apartment; Vane's trash had since been cleaned up. Aine sat on the armchair in the corner of the room, her hands folded over her chest and slumped down. Still nursing a hangover from the previous night's antics. Vane lounged on the couch; his legs splayed wide. I stood in front of the coffee table, pacing back and forth. I tossed my midnight curls over my shoulder and crossed my arms over my chest.

"We need to find out who Darius is, and what Axel has him doing." I pointed out. Vane nodded, nibbling on his lower lip. He leaned forward and braced his elbows on his knees.

"I learned from one of the women that Axel keeps a logbook of all missions he sends out parties on." He ran his fingers through his silver hair. I turned to him.

"And how are we supposed to get access to Axel's logbook? I'm sure he keeps it under lock and key." I sighed. Vane raised a brow, and a smirk quirked at his lips. I scowled at him.

"What are you planning?" I asked. He shook his head.

"Well, you still have that revealing outfit…" He trailed off. I threw a pillow from the chair at him. He caught it and held up his hands in surrender.

"It would get you into his personal quarters! I don't like it any more than you do." The smirk in his eyes told me that wasn't the case.

"And what about when he wants me to follow through with said promises, hm?" I said indignantly, gesturing with my hands. Vane raised a brow.

"Now, are you telling me you've never been in intimate quarters with a man before?"

My face heated, I sputtered and wrapped my arms around my chest.

"Th-that's none of your concern! My personal affairs are that, personal!" I turned my gaze away from him. He chuckled.

"In all seriousness, Axel is hosting a guild party at headquarters tomorrow evening, in preparation for the upcoming battle. It may be the distraction we need to get a glimpse into his log." Vane stated. Nodding, I ran my fingers through my hair.

"We won't be able to make any moves against him before the battle, as we are also dependent on the team to clear this floor. But the more information we have on what he's organizing, the better." I paced back and forth across the room while I thought. A throat cleared behind me.

"I can sneak into his office." Aine's small voice chimed in. I froze. Sending Aine into Axel's office? It would make sense, as she wouldn't be expected at the party, people wouldn't be keeping an eye on her. 

"I don't know… if we get caught it could be risky." I bit my lower lip. Aine stood up, clenching her fists.

"I can help! I'm in this game to survive, too. Let me do something." Aine crossed her arms over her chest. Vane rubbed his chin with his hand.

"It is a viable plan. People will have their eyes on us, they won't be looking for her. All that would be left would be to distract Axel, so he stays out of his office." He looked toward me, raising a brow. I pinched the bridge of my nose between my fingers.

"Lord help us." I sighed.

The guild hall was decorated extravagantly for the party. Glowing orb lamps floated in the air shimmering like crystals in the light. Candles were lit along the walls. The tables had been moved out of the room to clear the central area for people to congregate. Tables of gourmet foods lined the outer reaches of the room.

The guild members were all dressed in their formal wear, rather than the armor I was accustomed to seeing them in. Women were wearing fine gowns of silks and chiffon, the men were in formal armor, often decorated with gold and fabric. I wore a deep maroon gown that revealed one shoulder, it clung to my curves like a second skin. A slit went up my right thigh, revealing a portion of my leg. I felt out of place with my large sword strapped to my back. Over my gown. Yet as a Lost Soul, I couldn't take the risk of leaving my weapon behind. I would be defenseless.

Vane looked dashing in his black tunic and breeches. Silver embroidery embellished the design and brought out the silver tone to his hair. His gunmetal gray eyes scanned the room diligently, his twin swords were strapped to his waist. My heart sped up a beat staring at him. He was standing amongst a group of women, his dazzling smile flashing and melting hearts. He caught my eye from across the room and winked.

I grabbed a glass of sweet liquor from the tray of a volunteer guild member who was circulating the room. I took a small sip; the sweet substance went down my throat smoothly. I scanned the room for Axel and saw him perched on his throne surrounded by a crowd of admirers. I tipped the glass back and drained the contents. Putting the empty glass down on a nearby table, I wove through the crowd and snatched another off of a tray going by. I was going to need the courage tonight.

"You look lovely tonight, lass." A voice spoke from behind me. Startled, I turned to see Lan grinning like a cat. He winked in my direction. "I see you wouldn't put the sword down." 

I smiled and laughed good naturedly, reaching back to touch the hilt of my sword.

"Not on your life." I glanced around the room, looking to make sure I couldn't spot Aine's russet locks weaving through the crowd. I saw a flash of ruby curls stray behind a tapestry that hung on the walls.

"I don't know what you're up to tonight, but I'm intrigued." His voice came out in a breathy chuckle. I smiled innocently.

"Whatever could you mean? I'm just here to enjoy the party." I said with a wink and glanced over at Axel's group. In the corner of my eye I saw Aine's head moving toward the back of the room while mingling, toward the office doors. The crowd was thinning out. I took another swig of the sweet drink and took a deep breath. 

Time to debase my morals.