Chapter Nineteen: The Dark Pages of A Masquerade

Alice:

The early ruby rays of the sun blinded me, my hands resting on my stomach. It was hard to believe that I was going to be a mother when I could barely take care of myself. Swinging my feet over the edge of our bed, Sy's arm wrapped around my waist. Yanking me back onto the bed, his lips kissed mine hungrily. His messy hair turned me on, my thighs rubbing together. Playing with a piece of my hair, he tucked the piece behind my ear. Could such tender moments last forever?

"Can we stay home today?" He begged sweetly, his hands cupping mine. "I just want to play with you." Pecking him on the cheek, crimson colored his cheeks. Poking his nose, confusion dawned on his face. The mattress creaked as I hopped to my feet, my fingers tracing my ball gowns. Selecting the emerald green number, my other hand pulled out his matching suit. His eyes narrowed in my direction, my fingers tugging on the corset top. Yanking the black velvet ribbon, my nimble fingers tied the front into a neat bow. Sliding on the flowing skirt, my fingers traced the black embroidered leaves. Tugging on the emerald gloves over my elbow, my look was almost complete. Fixing my hair into an intricate bun, he cursed under his breath with every button he had to button. Fluffing his hair, his lips curled into a testy smirk. Adjusting his velvet tie, his body shivered the moment my fingers traced the velvet flowers on his suit. His arm curled around the small of my waist, his lips brushing against the nape of my neck. Wanting to sink further into his spell, the masquerade was necessary for our journey.

"We have a masquerade ball to get to." I snapped hotly, my head shaking wildly. "I don't want to go but we have to go. I am using it to make a few connections. I need to make a mole to create political chaos. Don't worry about it." Waving my hands around, his fingers intertwined with mine. Kissing me down to my cleavage, his hands lowered to my hips. A tired smile dimmed my face, his arm curled around the small of my waist once more. Lifting up my chin with his free hand, the soft leather of his glove felt pleasant against my skin. Kissing my lips passionately, time stopped for a moment. The only sound in the air was our hearts beating faster with each passing second, a tender blush colored our cheeks the moment he released me from the spell. His playful grin told me that he was feeling a bit better, the anxiety hiding underneath his confidence.

"Well, let's go show them how awesome we really are." Sy commented a little too gleefully, the sly grin on his lips alarming me. "You can be my snack later. No, my every meal. How does that sound? I can't wait to make my kitten purr." My thighs rubbed together, his teasing words making me crave every inch of him right this very minute. Hooking his arm around my elbow, he guided me to the large iron gate, one of his old man's carriage was waiting for us. Sliding the black velvet mask of a raven over my face, he pulled on his matching mask. Helping me into the carriage, the plush navy seats looked rather inviting. Renkin and Ivory waved at us in matching ruby velvet suits. Her velvet gown hugged her body, her pristine hair had been twisted into a simple side bun. Black velvet roses dotted her corset top, Renkin adjusting his velvet rose covered suit. The simple black dress shirt contrasted the extravagance of his suit, his slender fingers fixing his hair with a nervous smile. Pulling a chain covered mask over his eyes, Ivory yanked down her ivory skull mask.

"We thought you shouldn't go alone, especially if you are going to make waves." Renkin explained calmly, sipping on a glass of ruby blood. "This is cow blood, so chill. Anyway, I have leverage in the social scene. Your big brother can use his connections to even your chances so to speak. I get to announce Miss Ivory as my fiance and when I do that you are going to sneak into the library and steal his black book of magic. Burn it upon sight, and you will have succeeded in making him weaker for a while. You can thank me later." His plan wasn't bad, my fingers playing with my skirt. The only problem would be if we had gotten caught, my fangs chewing on my lips. We had to be discreet, but Beezlebub would do anything to prevent his book from being burned. An oppressive silence hung between us, the tension built by the second. If I didn't have gloves on, my nails would be in my mouth already. Sy clutched me close to his chest, my nerves fraying by the second. Public events never really went well for me, utter chaos usually following me like a sad puppy dog. That probably had everything to do with my rotten attitude mixing with the desire to stand up for others who can't do it themselves. The carriage screeched to a halt, a masked butler opening the door. Guiding us to the ball, he bowed before leaving us to mingle. Stuffy waltz music played, Sy offering my hand to dance. Embarrassment colored my cheeks, my eyes watching everyone twirl around. Their feet barely touched the floor, Sy pulling me closer to his hips.

"I don't know how to dance, at least not the waltz." I admitted sheepishly, his hand resting on my slight bump. "I am useless in this plan." Placing my feet on his, he guided my hands to his shoulders. Spinning around gracefully, his lips brushed the nap of my neck. His next words sent shivers up my spine, my heart skipping a beat. Was he always this gentle?

"I didn't marry you because of your dancing skills. I know how well you can move to modern day music. Who the hell knows the waltz anymore?" He whispered sweetly into my ear, his firm chest pressing against mine. "I don't care what anybody else thinks. You are carrying our next generation, and will hopefully be my queen." A tap on our shoulders interrupted us, my heart sinking to my stomach. Beezlebub stole me away from Sy, his silk blood red suit contrasting his ash gray dress shirt. Adjusting his hair, his hand slid down to the small of my back. Chills shot up my spine, his voice grating my ears. His shadowy energy nearly swallowed me, my skin growing colder by the second.

"It is nice to see that my daughter and son-in-law made it to the annual masquerade." He sighed icily, dancing around with me. "I don't understand why you came. Surely, you knew that it was a death wish and yet here you dance. I will figure out what you are trying to p-" Renkin cleared his throat, his hands clapping for everyone's attention. Squirming out of my old man's arms, Sy swept me away. Brushing past the buzzing crowd, Beezlebub's eyes couldn't leave Renkin and Ivory. Whisking me up the endless ruby stairs, he pressed his hand on the wall. A dull white line throbbed to life, Sy dragging me along. The arrow stopped at two heavy oak doors, white magic unlocking it with ease. Pushing me in, the door locked automatically behind us. A heavy worn book fell to our feet, his name scrawled across the top. Black flames roared to life in my palms, a bemused grin brightening my face the moment I pressed my palm to the creaking leather. Shrill shrieks poured from the book, the pages burning up in seconds. Guards rushed towards the study, a spell coming to mind. Clammy sweat drenched my skin, my heart beating a mile a minute. What the hell just happened? It can't be this easy, my lips pressing into a thin line. A frustrated sigh escaped my lips, the door rattling violently. Hopefully this spell won't take too long.

"Fog of forgetfulness, claim the guard's minds." I chanted softly, pressing my palms together. The doors burst open, the ruby armored demons pointing rather long rifles into our foreheads. The tallest one stepped forward, the lilac dust floating about my palm. Little did they know what was heading their way.

"Open up your hands." He commanded boldly, a wicked grin spreading across our faces. Well, I can't blame him if he had ordered it. Welcome to the world of a lost daze for a couple of days! Bowing in their direction, my hands parted slowly. Waiting with bated breath, his patience was wearing thin in his aura. Cocking my head, Sy rolled his eyes. Shifting uncomfortably next to me, nervous laughter tumbling from his lips.

"Your wish is my command." I taunted playfully, blowing it in their faces. Dropping to the floor, a small bit still remained in my palm. Leaping over them, we came face to face with Beezlebub. Blowing it in his face, he began to stumble around drunkenly. Chuckling jovially to myself, this was going to be fun.

"Why are you in my study looking so suspicious?" He slurred uncontrollably, embarrassment burning his cheeks. "Did I ask you to come up here and meet with me?" Sy nodded in my direction, my lips curling into the falsest smile I could muster. My next words had sickened me to the core.

"Of course, my dear father. How could you not?" I chirped cheerfully, praying that he would buy it. "You do love me, right?" The spell was beginning to wear off, Renkin and Ivory snatching us away. Sprinting into our carriage, alarms began to shatter the serenity of the party. Our creatures were much too fast for the authorities to catch up, our tenseness not easing until we landed roughly on a heavily wooded floated island. Hiding the carriage, all of us knew that we couldn't travel anymore. The creatures were too tired to continue. Renkin pulled out a container of strawberries from the pale basket next to him, Ivory snuggling into his chest. Smiling warmly to myself, a yawn escaping from Sy's lips. The black bags under his eyes hollowed out his eyes, his magic had been completely drained.

"I knew you could pull it off, you little rabbit. You are amazing." He complimented me sincerely, noting the lilac dust on my palms. "When did you learn that spell? It took me years to master it." Shrugging my shoulders, it just came to me. Sy shifted uncomfortably next to me, his head resting on my lap. Playing with his hair, he looked like he wanted to go home. Snores soon echoed from my lap, Sy seemed lost in slumber land. His insomnia had taken control of him, his sleep schedule grew increasingly worse by the day. Concern dimmed my eyes, his face twitching irritably in his sleep.

"I am sorry for destroying your reputation." I apologized honestly, hoping that Renkin's life wasn't ruined because of me. "I hope nobody s-" He put his hand in the air, his head shaking. A fit of laughter burst from his lips, confusion flashing in my eyes. Waving his free hand around, he rolled his eyes. Grinning crookedly, the tenseness in my muscles melted away.

"Oh, please! Since you came around my life has been so much fun. The parties were boring." He proclaimed serenely, allowing Ivory to fall asleep on his shoulder. "I like you a lot, Miss Alice and can't wait for you to be the queen of us all." Shouts echoed around the carriage, Renkin placing a dome of invisibility around us. Placing his finger to his mouth, the assignment was already understood. My heart was pounding out of my chest, my palms pressed together cautiously. Taking a deep breath, my heart beating out of my chest at the excitement of using a new spell again.

"Fog of forgetfulness, claim my enemies' mind." I whispered softly to myself, my boots crunching to the edge of the dome of invisibility. "Let's confuse our enemies and send them away." Stepping out, they shoved black iron spears into my face. Opening my palms, the cloud of dust stunned them. Blood poured from my nose, the spears lowering. Thank god it all worked out. Wiping the sweat off of my brow, everything was working out in my favor for once in my unlucky eyes.

"What are we doing here?" A gruff voice inquired groggily, a wicked grin curling on my lips. This was my turn to help everyone. Pressing my palms together, everything had to make sense and line up with what my father would say. Clearing my throat, this had to work or we were screwed.

"You are going home because you couldn't find us. You will forget this island for the rest of your life." I informed him briskly, his head nodding. "Now go home!" They retreated, a calm serenity washing over the island. Collapsing to my knees, the sudden exhaustion slapping me in the face. Blood dripped onto the dirt, my vision blurring. Images of pages haunted me, my right eye darkening to an inky black. All of the spells flooded into my memory, a tortured scream escaping my lips. So much darkness ate at me, my claws digging into the dirt. Black sludge poured from my eyes, a midnight black darkening my veins. Clammy sweat drenched my skin, inky blackness devouring the left half of my hair. Intense pain jolted through my body, half of his powers coursing through me. Every cell in my body burned, silent tears mixed with the sludge coming from my eyes. The pain dyed down, my veins fading back to normal. My own reflection frightened me, vomit flying up my through. Thick sludge pooled at my knees, Renkin ripping me back into the carriage. My body twitched, panic twisting his face.

"Sy!" He shouted desperately, throwing his shoe at him. "Something is wrong with Ally. She just changed and now she can't stop twitching." Jerking awake, his hands pinned me down. A sigh of relief escaped my lips, my muscles too weak to move. Cursing bitterly to myself, everything hurt so much. The twitching slowed down, my body felt paralyzed. Attempting to move my fingers, nothing happened.

"That was fun." I joked tiredly, letting Sy lay my head on his lap. "I will be fine. I just got a major upgrade." Shaking his head, the carriage lurched forward. Yawning groggily, he rubbed the bruise from his brother's shoe. No one said anything, Renkin refused to look at his brother for the long ride home. Dropping us back at home, my muscles still refused to move. Tossing me over his shoulders, he waved goodbye to his brother. Sammy ran up to greet us, a bit of concern flashing in his eyes. Oh, yeah! It must be the weekend. Seeing his bright smile made my day, the color on his skin looking healthier. Dallena must be taking great care of him, his whole aura seemed almost angelic.

"Hey, Sammy!" I chirped cheerfully, his brow cocking. "We can do things tomorrow. I think I need to lay down." Brushing past them, Sy laid me down on our bed. Crashing down next to me, his fingers intertwined with mine. Sammy and Dallena chatted pleasantly in the other room, his happiness pleasing me. Sy sat on top of me, his finger playing with a piece of my new onyx hair. The piece of hair cascaded over his fingers, his other hand cupping my face. How could I face anyone while looking like this!

"You look awesome." He assured me lovingly, sniffing my hair. "It smells like the sweetest berry. How odd?" My lips formed into a pout, my arms wanting to fold across my chest. My fingers wiggled, surprise widening his eyes the moment I yanked his tie. His handsome face hovered inches from my face, my lips kissing his sensually. Melting into me, his fingers ran through my hair. Both of hearts pounded in my ear, his fangs brushing the nape of my neck. A small gasp escaped my lips the moment his fangs sank into my skin, the sound of him drinking my blood caused my thighs to rub together. A satisfied sigh escaped his lips, his tongue licking up the blood dripping from his fangs.

"You taste richer." He growled huskily, tracing my cheeks. "It is like strawberry shortcake now, so delicious that I can't resist another bite." Biting down on the other side of my neck, his gulps scaring me. Tapping his shoulder to stop, my vision blurred. Pausing for a moment, guilt dimmed his eyes. Hopping off of me, he sulked out of the room. Stumbling to my feet, my palms pressed against the wall. Using the wall, a confused Sammy shook his head. Sy had left, my body leaning against the wall. Sliding down, tears welled up in my eyes. He had done nothing wrong. Why did he run away? Struggling to my feet, my brother protested while I burst through the front door. There was no way in hell that I was going to abandon him when we were now criminals.

"I will be back. I just have to go get my husband." I coughed, fresh blood covered my glove. "Behave you two." The shadow children guided a scarlet Pegasus to me, a worn chocolate brown saddle capturing my attention. Mouthing thank you, my trembling fingers ripped off my skirt. My leather tights hugged my legs, my vision blurring once again. Hopping on, my fingers gripped the reins. The leather creaked in protest as I gripped it with all of the anxiety built up in me.

"I need you to take me to Sy, Scarlet." I wheezed softly, her head bobbing up and down. "Our Sy is in rough shape. We need to rescue him. Let's go, girl!" My hair flew back, her ash gray hooves taking off into the sky. Her gorgeous ash gray wings fluttered, each flap cutting the chilly air. My breath hitched at the starry sea of blackness, her nostrils flaring. Patting the top of her head, her ears flicked with excitement. Snorting with joy, her head snuggled into my palm. The minutes ticked by painfully, her ruby eyes falling on a lush forest underneath us. Circling the pine tree forest several times, she landed in the center of an empty circle. Tying her to the nearest tree, my eyes watched an asteroid shoot across the sky. Crashing down the path, he had to be around here somewhere. The myriad of scents confused my nose, my eyes scanning the ground for any signs of him. Curse him for not leaving any footprints, the jumbled energy hiding him well. Dirt crunched with each step forward, my jaw dropping at a cascading waterfall. A quiet oh left my lips, Sy floated around the base. Taking off my boots, the sad look darkened his face. The warm water splashed onto my legs, his regretful eyes met mine. For once he was the broken one, surprise widening his eyes as I laid down on the water. Poor Sy.