One wrong step, p.34
One Wrong Step, page 34
Blowing out a breath, I glanced at the beamed ceiling as the tension fled my body. “I know, and I feel more confident… but then you pull that shit from nowhere, and I’m on my ass. Again.”
“Not out of nowhere, just from the next level. Every time you fall down, you get back up. Every time you hurt, you breathe it in, push it down and harden it into steel. And when all else fails…” He brushed his nose against mine, skimming down my neck, trailing kisses as he went. “You can come to me, and I’ll slay all your demons.”
“Wolves too?” I lifted my head as his teeth reached for the front zip of my sports bra. “Boys with shiny head accessories?”
“All of them.” He purred around the zip, dragging it down. “Even those with fangs.” Pushing the fabric apart, he licked the salt from between my breasts.
“Hmmm,” I groaned, smiling as he nudged the bra aside, lips sucking around my pebbled peak. “Keep talking dirty, and I’ll-”
“Zara? … Zara?!”
Blinking awake, I ached for that sweet edge of oblivion again, but Bee’s annoyed pout instead. Hand on hip, foot tapping, she held up a purple fabric, the folds shimmering with a velvet touch. “Where did you go? I’ve been talking sleeve designs for five minutes and all you’ve done is smile stupidly into space.”
“I-ah…” I shook my head, climbing from the bed. “That’s because I don’t know the difference between a bell sleeves and a handkerchief. I trust you, Bee.” I stressed, “That’s why I asked you for your help. You tell me what shape is flattering, what colour I suit. I trust you.”
“Fine.” Huffing her own sigh, Bee gave up, dropping the fabric. “Well, at least tell me what distracted you.”
Opening my mouth, the thought of gushing about Cas was tantalising. Yet as Bee’s inquisitive eyes waited, I remembered when she’d seen my lacy underwear and asked where the rest of it was. There was something about sex that made her combust into a fumbling mess, and being a virgin didn’t cover it.
“I-ah, it's Cleo,” I lied, reaching down for the book I’d left open. “Just reading about her life. She was so happy, so whimsical. It’s strange, knowing what happens in the end.”
Bee fell sombre. I’d forgotten she knew Cleo. “She always talked about finding her greatest love in life. Always hoping it was around the next corner.” Folding the fabric sample, and placing it with the others, she worried at her bottom lip. “Does her Ever Book give you the answers you wanted?”
“Ugh – no.” I groaned, flicking through the pages, until it landed with a thump back in my lap. “I’ve not got to the section yet, but the Pitch really did a number on in.”
Words had faded, like the ink had bleached in the sun while the pages were brittle and cracked with age. Most annoyingly, however, were the giant chunks ripped out towards the back. I held up a page to Bee. “How am I meant to read pages that aren’t even there? It’s like the Pitch knew the best parts.”
“The Pitch doesn’t do that,” Bee frowned at the furry edge down the book's centre. “It can’t damage the Ever Books like that. They only steal its inks.”
I pulled back, somehow more annoyed. "Then who ripped out pages from an Ever Book?"
“Not by anyone in it.” Bee answered, and at my confused ‘huh,’ dropped to the bed beside me. “Everyone’s Ever Book is a documentation of their life. With a loyal ally, devious adversaries, and romantic amour, it can combine to make a Great Story. Anyone you meet and talk to, pass in the street, or aid, could be the keystone to greatness.”
Growling at her passionate sigh, I pursed my lips. “This is the same speech they gave you as a kid, isn’t it? You’re treating me like a child.”
Bee’s lips twisted in a mischievous smile. “It's not my fault you’re uneducated. I'm only explaining how someone explained it to me."
Chuckling, she took the book off me and flipped through it just as I had done. “As a documentation, it covers everything in your life, all the good and especially the bad. It’s illegal to read your Ever Book, no matter the circumstance, because it's like glimpsing backstage or at the big picture to come. You’d know the major players in your story: who might plan to betray you or declare their love for you.”
“And people would use that to their advantage.” I didn’t need to guess the ethics in this world could be corrupt, too.
“Exactly.” Bee beamed, “It also means it's highly illegal and punishable by death to alter your Ever Book or someone else’s, especially to tip the Fates. But there are also spells on the parchment to stop anyone from doing so. A name penned to the page is a name that cannot alter it.”
“So, if you’re in someone's Ever Book, even briefly, you can’t alter it?”
“Right, but really, it’s a blanket rule you can’t read anyone's book. The Librarians protect all the Ever Books and are the most prestigious guardians across all Seven Seas. They’ll kill anyone for trying.”
“But no one cares for the defeated.” I looked at Cleo’s book, a kernel of anger burning.
“Right.” Bee agreed sadly. “Altering an Ever Book after the patron’s death is still illegal, but it is unlikely to change the Fates. The only reason to damage it like this would be to hide something, but even then, no one who knew Cleo could do it, so it doesn’t really fit your theory of murder.”
“A name penned to the page is a name that cannot alter it,” I repeated, which made sense. If I were a murderer and I knew, written in a book, was me committing the act, it would be the first thing I’d try to destroy.
“For example, I’m in Cleo’s book.” Bee shrugged, “We met last year, and had a few luncheons together. I liked her. Because of that, she’s in my book and I’m in hers. Even defeated, those spells are still in place.” Showing me, she tried ripping a page free, which, considering how fragile the book was, should have been easy. Yet the pages held, and she handed it back over.
A wave of defeat made me slump. “So, if anyone damaged Cleo’s book, it was a stranger. Not someone she’s met, or the one who killed her.”
“Pretty much. The damage is probably an accident, or someone thinking they were being funny by ripping up the pages of a would-be princess.”
Neither explanation sat right with me, but there wasn’t much else I could hypothesise. “Well, maybe I can still find something.” I hoped softly. “I still think she was murdered. This damage doesn't change that.”
Bee straightened, shoulders pulling back as she nodded. “So, we keep looking. We shall be like Roly and Lillywhite; tackling the darkest crimes of the blackest nights.”
I couldn't help but laugh at her triumphant expression. “I have no clue who you’re talking about, but sure, Batman and Robin style.”
“A man-bat and a bird?” Bee tilted her head. “Are they shifters?”
“I-ah… Yes, sure.” I shrugged with a grin. “Now, come on. You said something about sleeves for this gown and I want to see what fashion icon you’re turning me into for this damn ball.”
Bee’s eyes lit up, the gloom dispelled, as she dragged me over to a collection of elbow-high gloves, all of which made me cringe.
“Oh, I can’t wait to go to the ball together.” She squealed, holding up a tiara, “All the dancing and the lights and the music and the food… it’s going to be so much fun!”
◆◆◆
I was in hell.
Burning brimstone and cackling imps hid amongst the floating lanterns and the swirling crowds. The sun was setting, the sky aflame with bruised pink and rotting orange while the humid wind lapped the lake's inky surface. The heat was stifling, making the layers of my purple dress itchy and the scarf on my neck damp. My feet ached on the pebbled beach because, heels? On pebbles? Who’s stupid idea was that?
Pins pricked the back of my neck and I refused to turn around; refused to give them the satisfaction. Because I was more than aware of the Night Court brooding in the sands behind me. Wolf whistles and cries of lust echoed across the beach, and I was sure the natural wind wasn’t messing up my hair, or lifting my dress. With every beat of my heart, I wished for this night to be over.
Briar, however, was in her element.
Dressed in soft pink, the soft tulle flowed over her deep curves, the hem scattered with white flowers. She wasn’t talking with guests, laughing at a well-told joke, or even drinking. No one asked her to dance. No one offered to take her for a stroll around the barge boat on what could only be the most boring, dizzying walk ever. All the guests had either ignored her or scoffed.
Yet at my side, Bee danced on her tiptoes, eyes wide and smile bright, gushing over everyone else’s gowns. “I wish I’d known this was the new style. I would have cut our gowns differently.” She pouted as another woman wandered by. What this new ‘style’ was, I couldn’t tell.
“Maybe you can produce one ready for the next ball.” Holding out a hand, I nodded to a trio of guests – parents and child – pointing them to the canapes, but I didn’t even receive a glance. “I’ve heard there are, like, ten or fifteen balls a year.”
But that just made Bee sigh harder. “I know. I’ll never keep up.” Grabbing my hand, she squeezed. “I am so sorry Zara. I really wanted you to be the belle of the ball.”
Glancing at the netted shower-pouf I wore; I’d admit it wasn’t my style. Too much fabric and glitter. But I smiled at her all the same. “I love my dress, Bee. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
She smiled, yet that curve dropped instantly. Even under the silvery starlight, Bee managed to pale further. Tensing in preparation, two hands skimmed over my shoulders before falling to the curve of my waist.
“You look absolutely ravishing.” A husky voice breathed in my ear, and all that tension flooded into my core. Spinning in his arms, I craned back to get a full view of Cas and grinned even wider at the sight of him.
He’d waxed his copper hair back, with one devilish curl hanging loose, and shaved off his scruff, which I’d miss, but boy did it heighten his cheekbones. White shirt ironed into a cut that could have made me bleed, he wore tight trousers while burgundy suspenders looped his broad shoulders to his groin, which I admired for an extra beat, thank you very much.
“I didn’t realise you were serious when you said you’d be coming tonight?” I beamed, already feeling the upswing of this hellish event.
“I asked you for a dance, did I not?” He graced his hands down my sides.
“You did.” I grinned mischievously, “Charlie, right? Or was it Curtis?… Clive?”
A sharp pain tweaked my ass as Cas pinched me through the layers. A strangled yelp slipped free, and I battered his hand away, noticing a few heads turn.
“D-Don’t hurt her.” A wavering voice suddenly ordered from my side.
Turning, shocked, Bee trembled, hands in fists, while her face was deadly white. She looked like she was about to pass out, but gaining both of our attention, she stuck out her chin a little further and spoke again, this time her words were solid. “Take your hands off her right now. Don’t you dare think of hurting her for a second longer?”
Throwing his hands up instantly, Cas passed me a questioning look, one I hoped my slack jaw could answer. “Bee, it's alright. It’s just Cas.”
But she squared him with a stink eye that looked more like a squint. “I know who he is. It’s the stable hand, but I won’t let him hoodwink you.” Reaching out, she pulled me close, trying ineffectively to pull me behind her. “I won’t let you play your games. Go away. Leave us alone.”
Casting me another look, Cas took a step back, folding his hands behind his back. “How about I go get some drinks while you ladies… talk?”
Smiling thankfully, I watched Cas leave and once out of earshot, rounded on Bee. “What the devil was that?”
She was hyperventilating, cheeks flushed a cherry red, while her body seemed to sway with the wind. “He- he’s of the Night Court.” She whispered like it was a dirty secret, lips trembling. “He’s a Summoner.”
“I know, Bee,” I said, still not quite following even as her wide eyes turned to me.
“You… you knew? You mean…” she fumbled, becoming quite flustered and making strange gestures with her hands. “He wasn’t tricking you like the others.”
Warmth slid over my heart, and I dragged Bee into a hug. “No, Bee. I’m very aware of who Cas is. He’s not hiding anything from me.”
“But how can you… be close to him? He’s like them.”
“He is nothing like them.” I snapped, pulling back.
Instantly, I regretted my tone when Bee flinched. Blowing out a breath, I reminded myself of the realm’s prejudice and smiled apologetically at her. “Cas would never hurt me. He was there after we left the Crypts. He's even training me to fight, so that I won't get hurt again.”
Nibbling her lower lip, she looked across the sands to where Cass stood, collecting three slender flutes of blue and gold bubbles. “Oh.” She mused, hitching a half smile. “I just… I was worried you didn’t know, and it was them trying to hurt you again.”
“Bee,” I stifled a giggle at the thought of her trying to protect me and embraced her once more. “Thank you. Thank you for being my friend.”
“Oh, I… It’s okay,” she hugged me back, “If he’s just your trainer, I guess he’s okay too.”
“Yes… just my trainer.” I winced, pulling away with a grin just as Cas crested the sandy dune. “Though he is a dastardly good fuck, too.”
“You’re in coitus with him?” She squealed as Cas handed her a glass.
“Who’s in what now?” Cas hitched a brow, though, from the spark in his eye, I knew he’d overheard.
“Me.” I winked at him coyly, “I was saying how I don’t want to be in this ceremony. Who wants an arch-nemesis?” I gleefully took a drink from him and took a big gulp. Surprisingly, it didn’t taste like champagne, but a more tropical mix.
“Everyone. But I doubt you’ll be chosen, regardless. It’s very rare to have an Ally, but more so to have an Adversary too, right, Briar?” Cas glanced at Bee, including her in the conversation.
“I-ah, yes. Right. Very rare.” Bee blushed, hiding behind her drink. “I should… ahem, get some food for us.”
Bowing awkwardly, Bee hurried away, her blond hair trailing behind her as she span through the crowd, very much in the opposite direction of the canapes.
“Did I scare her off?” Cas murmured, sliding to stand behind me. He was the perfect height to tuck his chin on my shoulder, his free hand around my ribs. “I didn’t mean to. I can leave if you like?”
But his fingers had no such intention as they found my hip bone amongst all the layers. “No, don’t worry.” I smiled, thinking of that fierce, terrified look in her eye. “I think Bee was trying to protect me from being hurt again. You know, because you’re from the dastardly Night Court.”
Cas had the good humour to chuckle, spinning me artfully in his arms. “That I am though. Wicked and deranged. This is all a part of my plan to lock you in a tower forever more, or until your father gives me the kingdom.”
Gasping in mock horror, I feinted a hand to my brow. “You mean to take me to a faraway place, where I can relax, and become lost in my own hobbies and interests while also paying no rent, no taxes, and no one can disturb me?” I sucked in a breath before dropping the act, grinning as Cas did the same. “Do you think we could go tonight?”
“Wouldn’t you need to pack a bag?” He played along.
“Definitely not.” I scoffed, trailing my gaze down his front. Lightly, my fingers pulled at the opening of his shirt. “Did I not mention I have no intention of wearing any clothes ever?”
Cas barked a laugh, his hair shining as the sun dipped behind the forest trees. “Have I told you how insatiable you are?”
“No,” I pursed my lips, sadly. “Only my sweet Calvin truly compliments me, while Credos showers me with sweet words,”
Tugging me to him, the rock-hard planes of Cas’s chest almost knocked the breath from my lungs, but the fire that burned in his eyes promised to steal the rest of it. “I will have you singing my name to the rafters, Zara Johnson.” He whispered, sliding his nose up my neck until he could whisper in my ear. “It will lace across your tongue and brand itself on your lips until it’s the only name you know.”
Biting my lips to seal away my groan, I allowed my voice to become breathy and soft. “Promises, promises…”
Cas growled, a promise of his own, but suddenly Lopez cleared her throat, pulling us from our merriment. Dressed in her familiar black, a chunky gold necklace clasped her throat and her hair curled.
“The sun has set, and the shadows draw close.” She raised her voice, drawing the attention of the crowd. “The Adversary ceremony has begun.”
A ripple of excitement captured the crowd, and I stretched onto my tiptoes to get a better view. Lopez stood on a small dais at the edge of the water. Yet, it surprised me to see no bookstand or Ever Books beside her.
“So, how does this-”
My voice trailed off as the lake rippled, affected by more than just the wind. The shore parted, its inky blackness peeling off a glassy runway that stretched into the shallows. Rising to a length of twenty feet, I gaped in shock as a giant mirror rose, too. Ornate and twisted around its edge, I knew it couldn’t have been there, buried in the sand. It had to have risen from ‘somewhere’ else, but awe trumped logic. Especially when, instead of a reflection, the mirror's surface was a dimmed, shadowed version of this beach.
“Let me guess,” I whispered, the crowd hushed. “You walk through the mirror to find your adversary?”
“See, are you sure you’re from the mortal realm? You could have fooled me.” Cas squeezed my waist as Lopez cleared her throat.
“Here and now, the ink will spread across the pages of your Ever Book, guiding you in your Roles and setting your fate. Here and now, iron and stone will shape the paths to your greatest adversary. Here and now, your fates will be bound together forevermore.”
