Page 15 of A Kiss From Death
“If you’re used to women falling to their knees for you, you’re in for a rude awakening,” I retort.
“Quite the opposite, actually. I prefer a good challenge, and I always get what I want.” His confidence is unnerving, and I want to claw the stupid grin off his face.
“Let the games begin then. Oh, and make no mistake, Aeron: I always win.” I drop his hand and walk over to the remaining Migrant waiting for us.
He grabs each of our hands, creating a connection between the three of us. In a blink, the world around me transforms from open lake air to a stuffy smelling vintage dark corridor. I blink a few times, trying to make sense of my new reality.
The corridor is lined with black metal sconces holding floating blue orbs that barely light the space around me. Black damask and charcoal wallpaper lines the walls, giving it an eerie feeling. The narrow corridor feels bigger due to its ribbed, vaulted ceiling, giant, stained glass windows lining the entire right side. For Lunariato be described as bright and magical, this place is the complete opposite.
“This is where you will sleep and spend all your time unless you are training, eating, or summoned by the Empress. These two are your rooms. Rest up before the commencement dinner tonight. Your handmaids, who will assist you throughout the Crucible, will be here shortly.” The Vanquisher poofs into nothing, leaving me and Aeron standing alone in the dark corridor.
I take a step towards my door and slam into the wall. No, not wall—man. Specifically, the man I’ve been trying to avoid.
“Nyxi.” Hade’s deep voice drags down my skin, begging for my attention.
Nope, not happening. I will not be trapped in this small hallway with the two men I despise.
“Wait!” they say in unison, then glare at each other as I turn my door handle and slip inside.
I feign a dramatic yawn and toss over my shoulder, “Sorry, so tired from today.” Then, I slam the door in their faces and collapse onto the bed, drifting off to sleep immediately.
Acheerful, high-pitched whistling slowly draws me back to reality from the deepest slumber I’ve had since Theo passed away.
“Ahh, perfect. You’re finally awake,” a bubbly girl, maybe a couple years younger than me, sing-songs as I blink her into focus. Sitting up in bed, I take her and my surrounding room in. I hadn’t spared a glance at when I first entered.
The room is a perfect twin to the corridor outside my door—wrapped in matte black floral wallpaper and adorned with a single glowing sconce by the door. A gothic black metal chandelier hangs in the center of the room, drooping black melanite crystals hanging from its branches.
I’m currently sprawled out in a king-sized, black wooden four-poster bed with matching black sheets and throw blanket. Obsidian velvet strips drape across the top, connecting each corner before cascading to the floor down each post, gathered together by black silky ribbon.
Light streams in through the single stained glass window depicting a flying Necroshriek, green curvy hills in the background.
The room’s only other decor is a black vanity pushed against the wall, a vintage oval mirror hanging above it. It’s accompanied by a black velvet throne-like chair with black angel wings jutting off each side. Continuing the theme, a simple black wooden armoire, that I’m sure houses the few pieces of clothing I bought, is wedged in the other corner. Next to the vanity stands a black and white floral folding screen to change behind. Not sure why anyone would change behind that when I have my own personal washroom, but like everything I’ve seen so far, this place is a little over the top.
“Have you even been listening to anything I’ve been saying, girl?” The woman from earlier somehow has crossed the room, now shaking me by my shoulders.
“Huh?” I reply with a bewildered look.
“Ugh, you’re killing me,” she groans. “It’s a good thing I like talking so much and you weren’t paired with Hanz as a handmaid. That old hag is the queen of grouchville. No, thank youuu.” She drags out the last word with dramatic flair.
“Any whoosies, like I was saying before you so rudely ignored me...” Words pour out of her mouth in a single breath. “I’m Odessa, but everyone calls me Des. I’m basically a fashion prodigy and, like, the coolest ever, but that’s beside the point.” She laughs to herself.
“Basically, my job is to make you the hottest bitch out there so you can score some bonus points with the crowd to help your game. You want everyone to either want to be you or be envious of you.” I can see the wheels turning in her head and internally cringe. “So I guess I can call you my blank canvas. Ahh, this year is going to be so much better than last year, since I was paired with a guy. Snooze fest, am I right?” She fake-yawns for dramatics. “Hello, Earth to Nyxi! Don’t tell me I need to repeat myself.” She huffs, and I think it’s the first breath she’s taken.
“Do you always talk this much?” I question her with vivid concern etched on my face.
“It’s my specialty.” She grins back at me with the warmest smile. “So, do I need to repeat myself for a third time?” She scrunches her face in an attempt to be serious, but it just comes off looking like a pouting child.
“Hanz is an old hag. Des for short. Hottest bitch. Make everyone jealous. Snooze fest, and you never shut up. Does that cover everything?” I teasingly smile back at her, and I find it odd how easy it is to do around her.
Snapping her fingers at me, she states, “I knew I was going to like you!” She turns to walk towards the vanity and starts giggling to herself again.
Theo, what have I gotten myself into?
I use this moment to take in Des in all her glory. She is one of the most stunning and naturally beautiful women I have ever laid my eyes on. Is this what everyone in Lunaria looks like? They definitely don’t make them like her in Vagrant Sector.
Her skin is a rich, glowing mocha, warm freckles painting her face, neck, and arms. Her hair falls in silky, light gray curls all the way down to her butt. Pink and yellow monarch butterflies are clipped throughout her hair, pairing perfectly with her bubbly personality. She has a cute button nose covered with blush, making it look rosy. Her eyes remind me of bright fern leaves, and her pink lips are full and puffy.
Her small frame sits at least a few inches shorter than me, covered in a white cotton dress with puffy short sleeves. The round neckline swoops low. Layered on top of her dress is a green and brown floral corset that tightly laces up the back, giving her an hourglass frame. She’s paired her outfit with black lace up platform boots.
