The ride to Rayven's place took them close to thirty minutes. The sky was still dark and gloomy as nightfall and she couldn't think of anything else while they drove apart from what she'll expect while having dinner with Rayven. Hale was sweet enough to drive her home to change into something other than her usual baggy clothes. Something fit for a dinner with a demon lord. She settled for a simple black dress that seemed to show too much of her curves and did her best to tie her hair up into a neat bun and wore a matching flat shoe.
She thought she looked simple and ordinary with no makeup on or jewelry but Hale made her to think otherwise with his complements. She would stare at him while he drove and noticed how he would occasionally pause to reply a text while he sped down a road she assumed was private.
''Who are you texting?'' She knew it was none of her business, but she was curious. He glanced at her before putting his mind back on the road.
''Just an annoying friend of mine who wouldn't stop asking where I am and what I'm up to.'' The car slowed down at a road bump, and she could see they were getting close to their destination.
''At least you still have a friend.''
Hale scoffed, ''I don't even know how we became friends. I just opened my phone one morning to see we've already exchanged numbers. Must have been one of those nights of mine when I let loose and drink at tables with cool people. I am usual careful when I'm with them.''
Ebony nodded with a slight chuckle. He couldn't help but watch her with a smile.
''Don't tell me you are too innocent to know what that means?''
She looked at him and shook her head. ''Just be more careful.'' She advised, watching as the road took them into more quieter environments.
''I am careful.''
They continued down the lonely road, with Ebony relaxing more on the soft leather seat of his car.
''I think you should know the demon that represented Rayven yesterday wasn't Damon.''
Ebony gazed at him confused. ''What?''
Soon the road led them to a massive black gate supported by two strong pillars with what looked like dark crowns on top.
''I am not supposed to tell you this,'' His car slowed to a stop before the gates. ''You will find out eventually but just want to give you a heads-up on how powerful and creepy he is. It was Rayven and we all met and saw him without knowing.''
Ebony thought what he said was foolish. How could Hale mistake Damon for Rayven?
''I thought you said you knew them.''
''I do.''
''How could you then mistake Damon for Rayven?''
''The Damon I know doesn't wear masks Ebony and definitely not gloves. He is not even in America as we speak. It was Rayven.''
Ebony couldn't wrap her head around this revelation. Even if what he said might be true. She also thought seeing that mask on Damon's face was strange and familiar. Like it was meant to be on someone else. She shook her head, refusing to let this mess up her head. ''How is that even possible?''
The gates cringed loudly as they opened by themselves to let them in.
''When it comes to him, anything is possible.''
Those words shook her to the bone and made her stare at him with wide eyes. She began to reconsider her going through with this but as they drove through the massive black gates, and she turned to see it close heavily behind them, it was too late.
Hale drove down a graveled driveway before rounding a gigantic fountain. The fountain had a golden statue of a naked demon without wings. She was quick to realize it as one of the famous depictions of one of the seven deadly sins and house leader; Mammon.
Ebony used this opportunity to gaze at the house that felt more like a castle than a mansion or estate. The building had a perfect blend of modern and goth. It was supported with multiple pillars and spoiled with curves and angles. Large, scary, naked gargoyles greeted them at different corners of the house. It was painted white with dark dome-like roofs. Enormous balconies with one being held proudly by six golden pillars which paved way for the grand entryway to the house. The double doors telling her there's more to see once she stepped in.
Hale stood by her side as the large house towered over them, making them feel like ants. She has never been to a home that intimidated her this much. It took her breath away, and she wondered just how wealthy these demons really are.
''I am telling you this, Ebony. He might not be redeemed, but he has what the redeemed would never have. Excess wealth. He is just too humble to not rub it in their face, but they know and that's why they say shit about him which I am not even sure myself if it is true or not. They try to make us believe he doesn't exist. Just a fairy tale that hasn't had the chance to get his happily ever after,'' He smiled at her and nudged his head for her to come with him.She waited as he mounts the stairs to the front door before releasing a small smile and making up her mind. She was already here. It won't make sense now to come only to leave immediately.
She stilled after taking her first step. Her eyes searched for what has been staring at her since she arrived and found him. No, a flash of him before he vanished. He leaned on the railings, on the largest balcony above her head, his gloved hands under his chin and their eyes locked briefly, she blinked, and he was gone. Her heartbeat refused to return to their normal pace, as being watched by him from a distance all along was enough for her to rethink all of this.
Is this really necessary?
Does he have to know why she said no?
Why does she feel like she is giving him the last chance to make her dream about him again? To desire to redeem him again.
''Ebony?''
She looked up to see Hale already at the door. The look he gave her told her he was worried. Ebony felt this was ridiculous. And not that hard as she is making this to be. Just go in there, give him whatever reason he would be willing to take, and walk out through that door in one piece. How hard can that be?
''I'm coming. I think the front stairs are lovely too. Just taking a moment to admire it.''
Hale smirked as he watched her climb to him. He opened the door for both of them and stepped aside for her to go in first.
Ebony wowed as the interior of the house was much better than the fancy body. It was warmer and beautiful. The main area of the house was painted white too, with a touch of black at most corners. A huge piano rested at a corner beside the dark, posh stairs. Marbled floors with a touch of gold spread far and wide beneath their feet. High ceilings and the most beautiful chandelier she felt she would ever see in her life hung high above their heads. Everywhere was spotless until the point of seeing her reflection on the walls and windows.
''Would you like to look around and feel at home before I take you to the dinning area? I'm sure he wouldn't mind having you wander freely in his house.'' Hale suggested, but Ebony shook her head, refusing to be tempted. The sooner she gets this done with, the earlier she leaves.
''I'll just be done with this and leave.''
Hale nodded and took her to the gorgeous dinning area. It became Ebony's favorite place even though she is yet to explore the entire house.
A chandelier that reflected like diamond above with marbled gray floors. Two potted plants guarding the transparent walls that presented a peaceful view of their little town and the other hilltops that surrounds them.
''Wow,'' She had to say. His home was not what she had in mind. She pictured a home void of warmth, color…her eyes went to the blooming plants in the room…and life. He is indeed full of surprises. She didn't realize the smile on her lips as she admired his home.
But…why is it so dark? Only small candles were being lit and placed on the dining table meant for fifteen guests. She noticed how only few lights were lit in the house the moment she stepped in. Which was very peculiar.
''He would be with you soon. I should get going,'' Hale suddenly said behind her. She turned to face him. ''I'll be close by. Just call me once you're done and I'll take you home.''
Ebony nodded, ''Thank you, Hale.''
He threw her a big smile and left. Leaving her all alone in the partially lit room. Ebony gave the dinning area another glance over before stepping close to the fantastic view. It was beautiful watching a part of the world up here. She thought if she lived here, this would be where she would live every day. It was so peaceful and surreal. Who would have thought the benefit of living on higher levels was to see this everyday. All who live here must feel lucky and blessed.
This is the best.
''Ah, she likes the view.''
She stilled as his voice sounded too close to her ear, caressing the skin on her neck. Her eyes locked with the image of him standing behind her on the transparent wall, His golden eyes so dark and bright at the same time, it felt so crazy. She gulped as her heart began to race.
Rayven.
He was behind her. So close.
She looked away when his eyes caught her staring at his reflection and thought the gazing at one particular hilltop in her line of view is more bearable than the sight of him.
''Breathe,'' A tingling sensation traveled round the base of her neck when she felt the softness of his gloved hands grazed the side of her neck briefly, and she thought she was not breathing before. ''You are safe with me.''
He embraced her from behind, pulling her closer to himself. Ebony gasped when he placed his head on her shoulder, his hold on her tightening a bit.
''Moonlight, I have been expecting you.''