One wrong step, p.23
One Wrong Step, page 23
“But I have pollen allergies.” I gave the woman a sad smile as Jade shoved me further into the pink monstrosity.
They’d painted the stone walls pink, the curtains a gauzy white and the carpet so deep and fluffy I’d lost sight of my feet. They’d set up a fancy four-poster bed in one corner, while in another they’d arranged part of a formal dining table where everything sparkled like diamonds. I also noted a spinning wheel, flower arranging supplies and painting materials., but worse still, the room’s centre was a circle of carved vanity desks, surrounded by white lights and cluttered with all the make-up a clown could ever need.
“Please tell me this isn’t what I think it is?” I begged Jade, who chuckled, sliding into an ornate, high-back chair as I did the same.
“Oh, it’s so much worse.” She grinned.
“Alright, ladies!” Lena called, as an actual songbird landed on her shoulder. Pulling something from her pocket, I watched her feed the damn thing before moving on, her smile unwavering. “Last lesson, we began with the art of one’s self, and we shall continue as many of you still require some work.”
Walking in a circle, Lena continued to talk, as half the girls already began.
“Remember, what you hold in your hands is not a brush, but a weapon. It is not contours and highlights; it is an emphasis on your fundamental essentials.” Everyone was nodding along, while I watched in utter horror, really hoping there was more to this than emphasising oneself. “Work within your parameters. Test your pallet, harmonise with your skin type, and adjust your lines to accommodate for your profiles. All this will perfect your transformation from tame to acclaimed. Allys, you must know all this for your better half, so practise now.”
“You’re doing what to my face?”
“Perfecting it.” Jade waved a wide flat brush in the air, sending glitter everywhere. “But you’re beyond hope, so there is only so much I can do.”
Suddenly, Lena waited beside our desk, her smile wide and eyes expecting. “You should take your make-up off now, Azariah.”
I flicked my gaze over the mirror, showing my wide-eyed, horrified expression. “Oh, no. I’m good.”
That smile tightened. “Your ally will need a blank canvas to create a masterpiece.”
My smile flatlined, staying tense. “There are four different versions under the final Mona Lisa. I think I’ll stick with what I’ve got, thanks.”
Lena blinked again, looking between Jade and me. “I don’t know who this Mona is. However, your face is the first thing people see on approach. It is what they read, what they study, what they will judge you by. It must be appealing, welcoming and… soft. You would have known this had you come to your lessons last week.”
“I was busy.” And bedridden after being attacked, but who was I to bring that up? “And are you trying to say I look unappealing? That this face isn’t welcoming?”
Jade snorted behind me, but Lena only tilted her head in pity, and a hand came to squeeze my shoulder. “You are rough, my dear. But we can work on it. Jade, why don’t you get her started, and I’ll come back.”
Watching her leave, I glared at Jade’s smug smile as she waved a damp cloth in front of me. “With pleasure, Miss.”
Snarling, I took off my make-up, which wasn’t much, as I found it a laborious chore. Then Jade started.
Suddenly, she was a whole other fairy. I, she told me, had a heart-shaped face, applying my foundation before concealer after choosing colours so close to my tone, that I couldn’t tell I was wearing any. Measuring my brows as if she wielded a laser sight, she kept using words like fresh and rejuvenated, depth and glow. It kept my spine straight, and my eyes flicking back and forth between her and the mirror.
“You’re… pretty good at this,” I murmured through unmoving lips, watching where Jade gathered bold red paste onto a small brush.
“Well, I often did this with my last ally,” Jade murmured; her lips unmoving as she swept along mine.
“Your last ally?” My perfectly painted brows hitched in surprise. “You had one before me?”
Jade shut down. Her brush dropped, clattering, and spilling red across the desk like blood. Falling back, she inspected the rest of the room, her lips pursed in annoyance. “You think I volunteered to be stuck in the first year all over again with you?” She sneered, “Please.”
“Right.” I rolled my eyes, happy when Lena clapped her hands, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Ladies. It seems some of us have made improvements, though only some…” Her smile tightened. “But as you leave this class, reflect on how you might better your image. I also want you all to be thinking about your end-of-chapter performance.”
My blood drained from my face. “End of what…?”
“I expect you all to sign up and wow us with your serenade choices.”
“Do I want to know?” I asked Jade as I collected my bag, listening to how the rest of the room squealed. But turning, Jade was already gone, her red wings buzzing out the door. “Never mind, then,” I muttered, moving to follow only to have a preppy nose suddenly turned up in front of me, a flick of blonde hair thrown in my face.
“You’d better not be thinking about entering the Serenade.” Sabrina pouted, speaking to me, yet not looking at me. “You’ll only make a public fool of yourself on stage.”
“And I’d never dream of stealing that spotlight from you.”
“Good.” Sabrina smiled over my insult as Comet tamed her new blowout. “Because the Serenade will be my victory, written in my Ever Book, for all of history to read.”
“How neurotic for you.” I smiled, sidestepping, “I hope you break a leg.”
Dashing from the room, I didn’t bother to see what Sabrina might have had to say. The pink was encroaching on my sanity. Death would have been far less painful. And besides, it was lunch; I was hungry. But first, my penance was due.
Coming to a halt in the dining hall, I saw the usual rambunctious lot. Larc and his pack sat on the tables, nor benches, arching food at each other, no doubt to so turn into a food fight. The Mermaids sang to their supper – literally – holding up the dead fish, while the princesses peeled grapes for their beloveds.
Shaking off my disgust, I hunted the other tables until I found my prey. A bubble of unease lodged in my throat, but I swallowed it and walked on over.
“H-Hi.” I squeaked, annoyed when I stuttered.
Bright blue eyes looked up at me, wide and fluttering, while a gasp spilt from Briar’s lips. “Oh-hi, ah!” she fumbled, spilling tea onto her pleated skirt.
“Here,” I whipped over a white linen napkin, holding it between us like a flag. Gently she took it, dabbing at the stain, wearily waiting. “Um – can I sit?”
Briar nodded, saying nothing, which upped the tension. But I didn’t miss the hopeful light in her eyes. Sucking in a breath, biting my lips for an extra moment, before releasing everything in one heavy rush.
“I’m sorry. I am so sorry, from the tip of my nose to between my toes; I am so, so sorry. I should have stopped and listened to you in the infirmary instead of letting my anger and hatred toward Jade cloud my reaction. I shouldn’t have assumed you were on her side too and even if you were… well, you’re the only person I like in this whole damn place, which makes you pretty damn special. You have no reason to forgive me, and I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t, but I am sorry and would really like my only friend in this place back.”
Breathing in, I waited, stopping myself despite how much I wanted to go on rambling. I had to let Briar speak at some point, but she’d frozen like a deer in headlights. I tried to take that as a good sign, right until she burst into tears, clasping her hand around her mouth and nose to stop the sobs.
“Shit.” I gasped. “Shit, shit, shit. Briar, whatever I said, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I- I’ll just go, okay?”
But she shook her head vehemently, releasing her face. “No, no, don’t go.” She gasped, “Please, I- I don’t mean to cry. I’m sorry. I-ah, I’m just so relieved.”
“Relieved?” I lowered back into my seat, ignoring the whispers that floated our way.
“Yes, I didn’t realise how much I missed talking to people until you came along.” Briar shrugged, before showing me the most beautiful, watery-eyed smile. “I- I hadn’t talked to anyone all summer. My friends and my family… well, mother locked herself in her room to cope. So, when term started, and no one wanted anything to do with me, I just… I just kind of accepted it.”
“I remember,” I whispered, recalling how she’d rivalled me for the most glares.
“I told myself being alone wasn’t so bad, and that I could do a lot on my own. Even go out and party on my own.” She laughed, using the napkin I gave her to wipe her tears. “That’s why I was at The Beheaded. To have ‘fun’ on my own. But I was miserable there too. I was about to leave when you sat down with me and suddenly, I had a friend.”
“Damn,” I muttered sheepishly, “You make it sound like I didn’t give you much of a choice.”
“You didn’t.” And she grinned again, “But that’s what I liked about you. You didn’t care how Jade treated you, or what Larc or Killian said. You walked into the bar to have fun and were going to do so, no matter what. I… I wanted to be like that.” She finished in a whisper, sniffing. “When you yelled at me in the infirmary, I knew it was because the vampire had bitten you. I couldn’t blame you, but it was like being shunned all over again and I thought: ‘There goes my only friend’.”
“Briar…” I breathed, guilt churning deep. “I won’t lie. I’m still pretty pissed about Jade insinuating being bitten was my fault. I don’t get how people here can think like that, and if you’re one of them…”
“I’m not!” Briar shook her head feverishly, her mousey blonde hair flying. “I don’t think it was your fault. It's unacceptable to bite or attack someone against their will. And besides, you didn’t know any better being from the mortal realm and all.”
Now I felt tears pricking my own eyes. “Thanks.” I breathed, reaching out to grasp her hand. “That means a lot. I’m finding the longer I’m here, the more I don’t understand.”
Briar grinned, “Don’t worry, you can ask me all the questions you want. I won’t sneer at you like Jade does.”
“Jade sneers? I had no idea.” I mocked sarcastically before breathing with relief. “But really, Bee. Thanks. It’s been a rough couple of days.”
“Bee?” She perked up, a fresh flush to her cheeks. “You’ve given me a nickname?”
I laughed at her obvious pleasure. “Yer, I think it suits you, like a bumblebee, hopping flower to flower, spreading your kindness.”
She deeply flushed at that, dropping her gaze to her twisting fingers. “I-I don’t have a nickname for you.”
But I waved her off. “It’ll come. We’re friends now, so we have time.” She nodded, but at the mention of time, I grimaced. “And I hope you meant it when you said I could ask any question because I already have one?”
Briar tilted her head. “Of course. Whatever it is, you can ask me. I won’t judge, or mock you I prom-”
“Where will I find a witch?” I cut her off, releasing the question like ripping off a plaster.
Briar stilled, all the colour draining from her face. “W-Why?”
“Can I tell you later?” I winced. “I don’t really know where my plan is going, and I don’t want to get you in trouble. Especially now we’re friends and all.”
Swallowing, Briar pinched her lips, and I almost thought she’d say no… “I don’t know any witches, for obvious reasons, but they’re a part of the Night Court. When our lessons end, theirs begin. I imagine you can find some here for breakfast tonight, or over in the Moon Dorms, or the Crypt.”
“Dorms? Crypt?” I did not like the sound of that, and Briar smiled at my frown.
“Only first years stay in the castle. The second and third years stay in the respective Dorms: the Sun or Moon.”
“Original name choice. I like.”
Bee chuckled. “The Encampment is for the Day Court, while the Crypt is for the Night. They’re more hangout spaces to practise your skills.”
“So, finding a witch in the castle means they’ll likely be a first year.” I followed, sucking on my bottom lip. Nic had said there were wards and charms on the Library of Defeat, and I expected I would need a strong witch to break them.
“Yes, though all students have lessons in the Castle. The Night Court’s timetable is just flipped.” She laughed at my confusion, pouring us some tea as she explained. “Our breakfast is at seven am, classes start at eight-thirty. Their breakfast starts at eight pm, classes at nine-thirty pm, and finishes by four in the morning.”
“At which point, we’re fast asleep, not to come down for breakfast three hours later.” Explaining why I’d never crossed their path. “So, to find my witch, my best bet is at the Moon Dorm, seven in the evening, just before lessons.”
That pale sheen dropped over Briar’s face again. “Or you could not go looking for one at all.” She implored. “It’s not just the witches there. It’s the vampires too, and the necromancers, the dragons. What could be so important you’d risk going to the Night Court?
“It is important, Bee. Trust me on that, please?”
My plea must have worked, because she conceded. Yet that didn’t stop her fearful looks, nor how she worried about her bottom lip, nor the crushing hug she gave me at the end of lunch.
Anyone would have thought I was a dying girl.
But I had no expectations of greeting Death today. Bend and bow I might – for now – but this place would not break me.
◆◆◆
The rest of the day’s lessons dragged, my adrenaline running constantly as I thought about what I needed to do. Briar had reluctantly told me where the Moon Dorm was, and I’d confirmed as much on my tome. That was step one.
Step two was more difficult: finding a witch.
Briar said they didn’t have defining features, except for giving the heebie-jeebies, but she also admitted that was everyone in the Night Court. Laughing, I told her I’d figure something out, so, together we plotted step three: how to convince the witch to help me? With that, Briar had been less than helpful. She knew little about them aside from a general overview: they were mean; they were tricksters, and would likely curse me or use me for ingredients.
Now, shivering in the setting sun, I attuned my ears to every sound, wondering what life would be like as a toad. Stamping my feet, I’d gone for boots and changed into my riding gear so I could at least run. Kitten heels were not for moonlit strolls.
Surrounded by a dark forest, teaming with shadows and nightmares, I hadn’t realised I’d briefly been to the Moon Dorm before. Scared witless, covered in blood, before fainting, understandably, it hadn’t left a lasting impression.
It was, however, stunning. I could have stared for hours. Cold slate grey stones built towering walls, inlaid with beautiful stained-glass windows, while high above, red turrets graced the tree tops. Blue torches flickered into the night and dark, luscious ivy covered its face. I wondered what it was like inside. Red running carpets. Hanging chandeliers. Four-poster beds and velvet drapes. A torture basement…
I grimaced. “Not thinking about it,” I mused as I spotted the first wave of students filing out of the giant double doors.
Tucking myself deeper behind a tree, I watched, breath held.
To my surprise, laughter chimed in my ears as a gaggle of girls rushed by, their darker uniform blending with the shadows. Guys followed in groups too, blazers over one shoulder while their blue ties flashed against white shirts. They tussled and punched each other with glee, but I didn’t see any warts or red eyes flashing. In fact, the longer I watched, the more I became convinced they were all pretty damn normal. Even the students with unbrushed hair, sleep in their eyes, and a jumble of books clutched to their chests.
“Devious my ass,” I muttered.
Stumped about how to spot a witch, I was about to leave when humming lips vibrated against the shell of my ear. “Well, Love, I can promise you your ass is quite devious.” Shrieking like a cat, I whirled, finding a pointed smile as Nic looked me up and down. “And I know I’m alluring, but stalking me already? I’m touched.”
“Oh, Jesus.” I huffed, annoyance flowing in place of my adrenaline. “What the hell? Sneaking up on people like that. Are you practising for the Perve Olympics?”
“Me, a perve?” Nic faked innocence. “Says the one hiding behind a tree, Love?”
“Says the one joining me.” I retorted, spinning back around before he could see the flush on my cheeks. My heart was still pounding in my chest, but I was acutely aware it had nothing to do with fear. Suddenly, those eyes were darker, deeper, and smouldering. Those lips, wet and plump, begging to be tasted. His opened collar showed creamy skin, promising an expanse of delicious, tattooed pecks…
Thankfully, he didn’t notice and instead rested his chin on my shoulder, his body corralling mine. “Who are we waiting for?” He whispered as more students walked by.
“You told me to find a witch, so here I am.”
“Ah, of course.” He smiled, his breath panting against my neck. I should have frozen, buckled up, terrified of another bite, yet I found my knees to be liquid. “Anyone in mind?”
Ignoring how my thighs clenched, I quickly pointed anywhere. “Her?”
Nic snorted. “Denis? She’s a Banshee.”
“Fine. What about her?” I pointed to a different girl hanging off the arm of a drool-worthy. Long, red hair to his waist, his olive skin shone despite the dark and the way his uniform fit his wide shoulders… It wasn’t a surprise three girls and two guys fawned in his shadow.
“Erika?” This time, Nic’s voice was bitter. “A vampire, but she’s so wrapped in Fyzel’s thrall, I doubt she’d notice you talking to her.”
