Vera accepted the glass with a candid smile. Her movement caused her heavy gold earrings to sway in all directions. She hated them. And she hated being at that party. She hated the luxurious living room with its white and silver wallpaper. She loathed as well all the golden, elegant decorations. And above all, she hated those present. That group of beautiful individuals, always moving with extreme grace, as if they were in an eternal dance.
"Enjoying your night?"
Vera looked at Aleix before taking a sip of the foamy drink in her hands. Her eyes the color of gold coins swept across the vast hall. "How could I not enjoy this party?" She said as she blinked, her dark, profuse lashes blocking the glare of her golden eyes for a second. "Everything is beautiful. The music is fabulous, and the food is superb! And your company is most pleasant. Thank you for an amazing, dreaming night, Aleix."
Aleix smiled pleased at her. "It's always a pleasure, ma chère." Then Aleix winked expertly. Those beautiful angelic features of him turning rogue in a second. And in a flash, his mask was in place: a young and perpetually nostalgic face as if he were always feeling sad. Aleix had once loved Via. He still loved her. Vera suspected. Via. Her name was like a dark, heavy blow, right on her chest. Vera blinked and shook her head. Her earrings dangling from her lobes swung again. She put her mask in her place too. She couldn't be distracted because she had a mission.
Right in the center of the room, where the mosaics created an eight-point rosette with brilliant blue gold and silver colors there was a group of guests. Vera knew that in Astendal there were humans, humans selected for their merits, their power or influences, and also for their physical appearance. For example, she recognized a famous poet from Lacazar, a renowned opera singer, and an influential personality of the empire capital. There was also the heir to the crown. Prince Roul III. A beautiful human woman accompanied him. She was exquisite with brown hair and crystal blue eyes like the sky on the clearest morning. She was the most beautiful young woman Vera had ever seen, yet she could not compare herself to any Santle present. The inhabitants of Astendal were the most powerful and most fascinating-looking creatures in the entire world.
The small group moved and Vera caught a glimpse of broad shoulders on a slender but enormous figure. His hair was a strange color somewhere between silver and gold. It had to be him.
Vera swallowed dryly and moved, followed by Aleix, while she pretended to observe the works of art on the walls. Now she was on her side. Aleix had taken the bait and he was making some comments about the painting and the artist. And, while Vera tried to observe out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed the figure in white advancing towards them. What the...?
Her entire body tensed. What she had not anticipated was the whirl feeling in her stomach. What was wrong with her? She wondered. She had prepared herself for that moment. At least that's what she thought. The figure in white passed right by her, disappearing down one of the hallways that led to one of the many living rooms.
"In short, it is a wonderful piece of art," Aleix commented with the tone of someone closing his speech. "It's like having a slice of heaven in front of your nose. Don't you think, ma chère amie?"
Come to me. The dry command sounded throughout her being before Vera could respond with some brilliant comment to her friend. What the hell was that?! Vera could only nod to Aleix. Then her feet tried to move on their own. What the hell was happening? "Dear Aleix, I'll go cool off for a few minutes," she said, trying not to let the words come out in a rush. So Vera let the compulsion of her body guide her. And without any intention of avoiding it, she obeyed the voice. That angelic look of yours... Vera heard as she approached a darkened lounge.