Page 28 of Lore of the Wicked Wood
She drank.
She partied.
She wasted her life away in an effort to avoid the nightmares of her past.
“Um, well. I…”
“I’ve seen Everinne perform on the chandeliers of the Grand Cru,” Jarek interjected smoothly, and Reine’s brow lifted. “She’s fearless.”
Reine sauntered closer, inspecting every inch of Everinne, from the strapless cut of her beaded dress to the absurdly high heels she wore.
“Heights don’t bother you?” she asked, pursing her lips together.
“Not in the least.” Everinne shook her head, tucking her messy waves behind one ear. “There’s something freeing about being so high above everyone else. You almost feel untouchable.”
“Mm, I like your energy.” Reine placed the tip of her pointed nail below Everinne’s chin, tilting her head up. “Uninhibited. A little intense in the eyes. Beautiful face.”
Reine stepped back, nodding sharply. “I think the hoops would suit you nicely.”
Everinne glanced around the menagerie. “Hoops?”
Jarek bent down next to her, then pointed up to the main stage where bronze gossamer curtains fell from the cavernous ceiling, concealing the scarlet silk dancer from view. When they lifted a moment later, the dancer and silks were gone, and rain had begun to fall on the stage as a group of males with chains bound around their chests and shoulders appeared.
“The level we’re on is the menagerie. The hoop dancers perform on the main stage, up there.” Jarek bumped his shoulder against hers, already knowing he’d won her over. “For all to see.”
Excitement hummed along Everinne’s skin. This was exactly what she wanted.
Reine held out her hand. “Would you care to audition, Everinne?”
Her eyes widened and the nerves she’d kept safely stowed away flared to life. “You mean tonight?”
Reine lifted one shoulder, then let it fall. “I don’t see why not. There are no rehearsals at the Mystic Obscura. Our hoop dancers never have a set routine. They feel the music in their veins, in their souls, and allow the rhythm to guide them.”
Everinne found herself smiling without even realizing it.
Losing herself to music while dancing on a hoop high above the rest of the world sounded like the perfect means of escape.
She glanced over at Jarek, who gave an encouraging nod.
“I’d love to audition tonight.” Everinne accepted Reine’s outstretched hand. “Lead the way.”
Everinne followed Reine down a gilded spiral staircase, leaving Jarek behind. She guided her through a series of halls beneath the iridescent glass floor, so the walls reflected dozens of prisms. Other Mystic Obscura performers mingled in the rainbow-hued hallway, some of them smoking stigs and laughing quietly, decked in glittering fabrics embellished with jewels. Others, however, appeared more transfixed on their upcoming act. They paced listlessly or lounged against the walls, their eyes glazed and out of focus.
Before Everinne could dwell on their strange, trance-like state, Reine swung open a door and led her inside.
“Wait right here.” She threw one arm out, waving toward the opulent sofa on the opposite side of the lavish space. “I’ll be back in just a moment.”
She walked out, leaving Everinne alone to admire the dressing room that thrummed with activity.
The walls were papered with dark pink and gold scrollwork, and four vanities were set along one wall with glowing lights outlining each mirror. Jars of paint, pots of liner, lipsticks, powders, and glosses were scattered across the surface of each one. Piles of silk, lace, feathers, and tulle were tossed over a chaise, and the cloying scent of floral perfume hung in the air like a hazy cloud. An armoire stood in the corner, complete with velvet-lined drawers overflowing with necklaces, rings, and bracelets—all of them gleaming with precious gems. Six other females milled about the dressing room, applying the finishing touches to their makeup or adjusting their costumes, and not one of them spared her a glance.
Under normal circumstances, Everinne might’ve taken it as an insult.
But tonight, she was almost relieved.
Reine appeared again, pushing a rolling rack full of costumes into the room. She tapped the metal bar with the tip of her nail, eyeing Everinne once more. “These all look to be about your size. Take your pick and once you’re changed, come find me upstairs, and I’ll show you to your hoop.”
She left the dressing room again, this time with a snap of her fingers, and four of the females followed her out.
