Serena descended the stairs slowly, pulling up the hem of her floor-length dress. She peered over the ruffles of fabric. She was careful not to step on the loose material and tumble down the stairs. What a first impression that would be. A clutz for a future luna. Laughter and casual bantered echoed down the hallway and up the stairwell. Serena let out a heavy breath and held a hand to her chest. She continued her descent.
Her heels clicked against the hardwood flooring as she made her way toward the bustling dining room. As she entered, the conversations in the room died. All heads of the Circle and Elders turned toward her. Looks of astonishment, happiness, repulsion, and suspicion flew her way from the onlooker's faces. She searched the room for Atlas or Venus. Anyone she knew, really. Her heartbeat quickened, and the tightness in her chest continued to restrict her breathing. Her eyes scanned the faces whispering amongst themselves until she found a head of curly black hair slicked back. He was the only face not directed toward her. She picked up her dress again, exposing her ankles and feet, and beelined toward the man.
As she moved, the conversation began to pick up, creating the feeling of an amphitheater. There was so much noise echoing off the high ceilings. Serena's ears rang, but she continued to squeeze her way past other wolves toward Atlas. She was behind him. He towered above her and continued to talk to someone in front of him.
She cleared her throat. But that was drowned out by the noise of happy banter.
She cleared her throat again. Louder this time, but that too was lost in the crashing waves of conversation.
She sighed and dropped one side of her dress to the floor. She pulled on his suit jacket sleeve gently. He dropped his hand holding a phone to his side. He rolled his head slightly, took in a deep breath, spun around, and looked down.
His eyes were narrowed and angry. Annoyed would be the best way to put it. When he saw her looking up at him, wide-eyed and clutching his suit sleeve tightly between her fingers, his face relaxed. The redness that tinted his neck and nose faded away. Delicate lines formed at the corners of his eyes. A soft curl formed on the edges of his lips.
Serena pinched the sleeve, and her fingers began to pale. He turned his body toward her and closed a hand around hers. The warmth of his touch filled Serena's hand. Her heart began to slow, and her breathing steadied.
"Welcome to the dinner with the Elders." He said quietly. His voice was husky, and his appearance matched. Atlas pulled her against him, and Serena fell into his touch willingly. She slid a hand up his chest and began to fidget with his tie nervously. He chuckled softly. "Not now, Lacuna." He pushed her away from him slightly, and Serena dropped her hand. Her face flushed.
"You know that's not what I meant. I'm just nervous, is all." Her voice was taut. She glanced about the room, taking in all the faces and the surroundings. He lifted a hand and pulled her chin upward.
"I didn't realize I'd be your first." He said with a sly look on his face.
Serena's face flushed crimson, and she pulled out of his grasp. She turned away from him and crossed her arms defiantly.
"You-You aren't." Her ears and cheeks were a bright pink, her eyes directed toward the floor
Atlas' brows shot up, and he spun her around.
"Oh? Do tell." He teased.
Serena turned her nose away from him and pursed her lips. A low chuckle came from his chest. Serena felt a tickle in her ear. She straightened and felt his hair brush against her face.
"Well. You would be mine," Atlas whispered. His breath sent shivers down her spine, and she puffed her chest out. "By the way, you look absolutely stunning." His eyes traveled down her neck and rested on her exposed neckline. Her black, off-the-shoulder, puffy-sleeved dress was a must for Venus. The neckline dipped in a V-shape, exposing some of her cleavage. A slow smirk formed on his face as his eyes trailed back to hers. The blush only deepened on her face.
"T-thank you." She croaked out.
Atlas smiled and slid a hand down her waist, pulling her tight against his side. She pressed a hand against his chest, stopping him from pulling her closer. His eyes softened, hurt by the rejection.
She opened her mouth and began to speak when the sound of clanking glass interrupted the conversation.
"Welcome, everybody. Now, if you would find your seats, we will be enjoying this wonderful meal here shortly." The old woman called to the group from the head of the table.
Atlas squeezed Serena close to him and brushed his lips against her hair.
"You're going to do great. Be yourself, and there will be nothing to fear." He spoke. It was so quiet it was almost as though he was speaking to himself. Serena smiled and let out a heavy breath. Atlas pressed his lips against her head and kissed her softly before releasing her to find his place at the table. She gathered up her loose skirt and followed him toward the table, cursing him all the while.
The room was set on an even more grand scale than it had been for the brunch months ago. Each place had name markers, multiple plates and glasses, and all the silverware for a luxurious restaurant's five-star dinner. The plates in the center were filled with meats, pieces of bread, vegetables, and fruits. The meat and vegetables steamed. A small table to the side was heavily-laden with deserts and jams.
The room was hot. At least to Serena. She stood there, stunned for a moment before shaking her head and finding her place at the table. She glanced at the notecards around her spot as she took her seat and noted who was where. They were not names she recognized, but soon the seats were filled.
A tall, lanky older gentleman sat to her left. He had a plaid, cotton suit jacket and matching pants on. His beard was scraggly. But despite his unkempt look, his eyes and cheeks were joyful.
"Hello." The gaffer beamed. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting." He stuck a boney hand out toward Serena. "My name's Albert. Albert Briar. You must be Serena. It's a pleasure."
Serena hesitantly stuck her hand out, eying him cautiously.
"Likewise..." She drawled.
He grasped her hand firmly and shook it violently. Serena, startled, pulled her hand away, but his hand followed, latched to hers.
"It's a pleasure." He repeated, smiling. "Sorry I missed the pleasure of meeting you at the brunch. I hear it went over magnificently. You really know how to make a positive impression." He beamed and shook her hand a few more times before releasing it. "I look forward to our conversations throughout the evening." He smiled wide one last time, exposing his crooked teeth. Serena reciprocated the smile in half the amount of fervor before the old man turned from her toward his next new acquaintance.
A sharp kick collided with Serena's shin. She instinctively reached for her leg and shot a glare at the individual across from her.
Venus glowed as Serena grimaced.
"I see you met Elder Albert." She nodded her head toward the gentleman. He jabbered away at the poor soul on his other side.
"I did," Serena said through gritted teeth, rubbing her shin. "Was a pleasure."
Venus burst into laughter and began to mimic Mister Briar in his unique hand movements and facial expressions. Her jokings came to a halt as a plate of food was placed in front of her. Her mouth began to water, and her eyes looked at the plate ravenously.
"He's really harmless." She whispered loudly, shielding her mouth from any other onlookers. "Be nice to him. He's an easy vote." Venus gave a thumbs-up before digging into the plate laid before her.
Serena nodded and began to eat her meal.
"How nice it is to see you again, dear." The high-pitched and nasally voice of Elder Lin called from a few places down the table.
"Likewise," Serena nodded toward the woman respectfully.
"I look forward to getting to know you tonight during the official meeting." Her shrill voice pierced the discussions over the tables. Everyone stopped and glared at Elder Lin, save for Albert, who continued to gnaw on the fluffy bread roll.
"As do I, Elder Lin." Serena flashed a bright smile at the gammer and turned back to her plate.
The rest of the dinner passed with much banter and very few "my pleasures" from her table mate. The clattering of the dishes signaled the beginning of the meeting of the Elders. The chairs scraped along the floor. With each prolonged noise, Serena's heart raced faster. Sweat formed a glow on her forehead. She squeezed her eyes shut.
Pressure. The air was thick and heavy. Forcing each breath was a task. Serena sucked in a deep breath and held it.
A hand rested against her exposed shoulder. It was cold and boney.
She opened her eyes and turned toward the hand.
Elder Albert Briar held her shoulder in his hand and a soft smile on his face. His crooked nose was as red as his cheeks.
"You're gonna be just fine, Lassie. Speak from your heart, and you will have nothing to fear. Nothing to fear!" He squeezed her shoulder and stood up. Taking the cane that was leaning against his chair, he twirled it in the air as he made his way slowly to the door.
Serena chuckled and followed his slow, shuffling footsteps out of the packhouse and to the clearing.