Page 27 of Lore of the Wicked Wood
“Welcome to the Mystic Obscura, Everinne.”
She had never seen anything so wondrous in all her existence.
Grand chandeliers sparkled like lustrous topaz above a massive theater where a center stage hovered, suspended in the air by magic. A female dressed in a nude bodysuit covered in diamonds twirled across the stage, wrapped in thick ribbons of scarlet silk. Her body twisted and flowed to the music, flawless and fluid, as murmurs of awe and applause echoed through the elaborate hall. Rows of decadent balcony seating swept up to dizzying heights along every wall, and while many suites were occupied by some of the city’s wealthiest patrons, others were hidden away behind deep blue draperies, lending to their allure and intrigue. The mist around Everinne’s feet had cleared, and she realized she stood upon a floor of iridescent mosaic glass with veins of dark gold spiraling off in different directions.
While it seemed as though the balcony seats had the best view of the stage, it was the area around and beneath it that was brimming with all the fantastical wonders that gave the Mystic Obscura its namesake.
There were fountains carved from lapis lazuli where sparkling wine flowed freely into towers of wine glasses. Females wore next to nothing, save for the swaths of satin hugging their lithe bodies while every other inch of their flesh dripped with jewels. Some of them danced, the sound of their heels clicking in time with the mesmerizing beat of music. Others served refreshments, balancing trays of glimmering drinks that caught fire, sending blue sparks shooting into the air. The males donned bronze pants with chains that hung around their waists, and black top hats. They wore trim coats layered with an excessive amount of midnight feathers and their chests were bare, revealing sculpted muscles and intimidating tattoos.
At first glance, it didn’t appear as though the males had anything better to do than stalk about with permanent scowls creasing their brows.
But Everinne quickly realized they weren’t haughty performers who curled their upper lips at any patron who passed by too close.
No, that wasn’t the case at all.
They werewatchingthe females. Protecting them from any unwanted advances or crude remarks.
“This is the menagerie.” Jarek spoke in hushed tones, draping his arm casually around her bare shoulders.
She’d left her coat in her apartment, opting instead for a strapless silver dress that dipped down low in the back and was covered in crystals that swung and tinkled as she moved. Not her best idea, considering the freeze of winter was growing colder each day, but she’d assumed a place like the Mystic Obscura would be warm, if not overly stuffy. Unfortunately, the cold emanating from Jarek caused her to shiver, and he took it as his cue to draw her in closer to his side.
Everinne turned, feigning interest in a massive wooden wheel painted in swirls of washed gold and brilliant blue. A rack of assorted daggers with leather-wrapped hilts and gleaming blades was positioned next to it. She carefully eased out from underneath his hold.
“That looks interesting.” She nodded toward the wooden wheel, where leather bindings were attached to four outer corners.
“I suppose.” Jarek’s golden honey eyes sparked in the slash of light, illuminating the predator within him. “If you’re into bondage and blade play.”
She tilted her head, considering. “I could be.”
Jarek laughed but it was rough, and he smothered it with one hand. His molten gaze skimmed the length of her, his thumb and forefinger running along the edge of his jaw. “I’m not sure you have what it takes.”
Everinne reared back, affronted.
She cocked one hip to the side, fully prepared to tell him she would absolutely strap herself to that wheel while some shirtless male threw daggers in her direction, but he snared her wrist instead, pulling her in the other direction.
“Ah, there she is.” Jarek gently tugged Everinne through the crowd, maneuvering her past performers who breathed fire while others juggled orbs of spinning water.
He drew to a stop and standing before Everinne was the most stunning woman she’d ever seen. She definitely wasn’t fae, but there was something otherworldly about her presence, giving her an air of magnificence.
Her skin was a rosy umber, and gold dusted the apples of her cheeks. She’d painted her lips a deep red shade, and heavy liner framed her amber eyes. Silken brown hair fell to her waist, half of it braided back and pinned into place with a comb of golden pearls. She wore a gown of black that covered one shoulder and arm, then pulled tight around her waist. Strands of chains woven with the same pearls were draped around her hips, and when she moved, the fabric of her gown glinted like polished obsidian.
“Everinne.” Jarek gestured to the beautiful woman. “This is Reine, the owner and reigning madame of the Mystic Obscura.”
Jarek placed his hand on the small of Everinne’s back and urged her forward. “Reine, I’d like you to meet my friend, Everinne.”
“Hello, Everinne.” Reine’s voice was sultry, like tendrils of smoke curling into the air after a midnight fire. “Such a pleasure to meet you.”
“This place is…” Words failed Everinne. It was nearly impossible to describe all the sights and sounds blending around her like a dazzling display of the wondrous. “Well, it’s remarkable. I’ve never seen anything so breathtaking.”
Reine clasped her hands together, the corner of her mouth lifting into an almost-smile. “The Mystic Obscura is designedto be a wonder to all the senses, with an obvious emphasis on the visual delights. We take great pride in the extraordinary and curious.”
Visual delights, indeed. With any luck, Everinne would be one of them.
As though reading her mind, Jarek gave her a gentle nudge.
“Everinne is currently looking for employment.” His gold gaze slid to Everinne and he offered a friendly wink. “She’s incredibly talented.”
“Oh?” Reine tilted her head, slowly folding her arms. Her rich amber eyes glinted with interest and her deep red lips curved. If Jarek studied her like he was something he wanted to absorb, then Reine watched her like she was a coveted treasure she couldn’t wait to exhibit. “And what is it exactly that you do, Everinne?”
