Disclaimer: These characters (Cassie and the Circle, etc.) were originally created by L.J. Smith. They all belong to her creative genius. However, the plot of this story and a few new characters are my own creations. I'm not making any money off of this, so please don't sue me.
A/N: Here it is, the first chapter in the sequel to The Prophecy. Let me know what you think!
Diana blinked rapidly. Within a matter of seconds she had gone from standing in the rickety, old boathouse on Pier 26, to a brightly lit foyer with marble floors, a dual arching staircase, and a three story ceiling. The effect was startling. Diana placed her free hand to her chest, but she didn't have long to catch her breath.
Bastian released his grip on her other hand and stalked away, his footsteps echoing on the shiny gray marble. Diana tried to see where he was disappearing to but suddenly there was a small crowd of people around her, buzzing about and blocking her view.
"This way, madam," a short and rather rotund woman said. The older lady ushered her down a side corridor and into a doorway that was on the right.
Diana had no choice but to be led by the arm, the strange women still milling about. Once inside the room, their harried manner continued and they began to poke and prod at Diana, lifting her arms and turning her chin as if giving her a thorough inspection.
"What's going on?" Diana asked, straining to be heard over all the chatter in the busy room.
But no one paid her any attention. The women continued to hurry about, exiting the room several at a time, and returning with big bolts of fabrics and other materials. Another lady was making notes on some sort of strange colored-paper.
Before she knew it, Diana was being whisked through another doorway. It was a bathroom that could be featured in a palace. The room was almost bigger than the entire first floor of her house on Crowhaven Road. It contained a very large tub filled with warm, sudsy water and the women were already ushering her to take off her clothing and bathe.
Diana wanted to refuse, but after she hesitated for a moment, a stern looking woman stepped forward and Diana had the feeling that she would be forced to comply if she didn't cooperate. "Okay, okay. I'll do it," Diana said, as she hastily unbuttoned her shirt.
The water smelled like lilac and juniper and Diana quickly scrubbed her skin and washed her hair. With all of the bustle, Diana had not even gotten a moment to truly consider what had just taken place. But now that she had a few minutes to sit uninterrupted, the reality was setting in.
She was no longer in New Salem. She was somewhere else entirely with Bastian.
That evil snake.
She was far away from home and everyone that she loved. Would she ever get to see them again? Would her father be worried about her?
Tears began to flow freely down Diana's cheeks.
But at least I saved Cassie, she thought.
Her thoughts were interrupted as the door to the bathroom flew open and the short, round woman entered. "Time to get dressed," she said. She paid no attention to Diana's tear-streaked face.
Once again, Diana found herself being hurried. The flock of older women was back and they began drying and her hair and helping her into a white corset and hoop skirt. A beautiful gown of white satin was pulled over her head next and someone began applying make-up to her face after that.
"What is all this?" Diana asked, but no one responded. This time Diana was sure that they heard her question. The women simply chose not to answer her. Diana sighed in frustration.
A few minutes later all of the women filed out of the room, leaving Diana by herself. There were several high back chairs and one couch nearby but Diana did not sit. She was too anxious to stay in one place. Instead she began to slowly pace across the large oriental rug. There was a full-length mirror in a gilded frame on the far wall and as Diana turned her head she caught her reflection in it.
"Goddess," she murmured. Her pale hair had been pulled into an elegant chignon, emphasizing the soft curve of her neckline. The long satin gown had an A-line cut, which showed off her narrow waist, and a gorgeous cathedral length train trailed behind her.
Before Diana had a chance to wonder any further there was a brisk knock at the door and a middle-aged man with light brown hair entered. He was wearing a black tuxedo, complete with a bow tie and white gloves. He was carrying several black velvet boxes on a silver tray. He set the tray down on the only table in the room, then he turned to Diana and bowed.
"My name is Wesley," he told her. "I am at your service. Please, allow me." He opened the first of the three black boxes on the tray. It contained a diamond bracelet, which he fastened around her wrist. The next box contained a silver necklace with a large diamond pendant and Diana allowed Wesley to gently fasten it at her nape. The final box contained matching earrings.
"Congratulations, your Highness." Wesley bowed again before leaving the room.
What? Diana was completely bewildered.
When the short woman entered the room again, Diana would no longer be ignored. She reached out and placed a hand on the woman's arm.
The older woman looked up at her sharply.
"What is going on? I demand an answer." Diana used her strictest voice, hoping it would stay steady and hide the terrible anxiety that was threatening to overwhelm her. "Where am I?"
"You're in the west wing of the castle, ma'am. We're preparing for the wedding."
"The wedding?" Diana repeated.
The woman nodded eagerly.
Suddenly, it hit her. Diana looked down at the white dress she was wearing. "I'm the—I'm the bride?"
"Why, yes, ma'am. You've come to marry the young master," the other woman paused, her gray eyes widening slightly. "Haven't you?"
Diana suddenly felt sick. "I will do no such thing!"
"But the guests have already started to arrive. People have been waiting hundreds of years for this event," explained the woman.
"Well, they can keep waiting, because I'm not marrying anyone!" Diana folded her arms across her chest.
The other woman gasped. "No one goes against the young master."
"We'll see about that," Diana said.
The woman scurried from the room, shaking her head nervously.
Wesley arrived moments later. He stood formally in front of Diana with his gloved hands at his side. "Prince Bastian has been notified of your refusal to proceed."
Good, thought Diana.
Wesley cleared his throat before continuing. "And he wishes to inform you that you agreed to be his 'completely.' If you do not marry him at the present time, then your agreement is void. You will be returned home and Prince Bastian will be more than happy to escort your friend Cassandra to the Dark Realm, where she and her soul will be parted."
Diana cried out in horror.
No! He can't be serious! He can't do this!
Wesley seemed impervious to her reaction. "The choice is yours. And you have exactly one minute to decide." He pulled an old fashioned pocket watch out of the vest of his tuxedo and fixed his gaze on its round face.
The seconds ticked away.
"Thirty seconds," Wesley warned. "Fifteen seconds."
Goddess!
"Okay!" Diana cried out. "I'll do it."
Wesley nodded once. He slipped the pocket watch back into his tuxedo before turning away.
This can't be happening. This can't be happening! Diana's thoughts were racing through her head. It felt like she hadn't even been here—wherever here was—for more than an hour. And now she was being forced to marry Bastian—the Prince of Hades—against her will!
This was insane! And it was all happening so fast!
Suddenly, Diana felt like she wasn't getting enough air. The room began to shift around her field of vision. She knew she was hyperventilating, but she couldn't help it.
I'm going to pass out, she thought. I can't do this.
Her knees were beginning to buckle.
"Easy now," said a female voice from beside her. She could feel a warm steadying hand on her elbow. "Take deep breaths."
Diana did as she was told. After a few moments, she could feel her grip on things returning. Her heart was still racing, but she no longer was on the verge of collapse.
Diana looked up to see who had come to her aid. It was a girl with carrot-red hair and a smattering of freckles across her nose. "There now. You're ok." She smiled.
Diana had not seen this girl before. "Who are you?" she asked, incredibly grateful to see a friendly expression.
"I'm Ginger," she replied. "Don't laugh." She gestured to her hair.
"Thanks, Ginger," said Diana.
"I'm not supposed to be in here," Ginger said, "but I got a glimpse of you when I was walking by and I just had to do something."
"I won't tell," Diana told her.
"So you're the one who's marrying the Prince, huh? I heard you were pretty, but I didn't know that you were this beautiful." Ginger smiled again. "I can see why he fancies you."
"I wish he didn't," exclaimed Diana, her panic rising again. "I can't-I can't do this..."
"Pardon me for saying so, Miss, but I can see that you are very upset," Ginger began.
Upset was an understatement. "Terrified," Diana said.
Ginger's lips tightened into a grim line. Then she nodded. "That's to be expected, I guess. The Prince is-well, he is what he is…" Her voice trailed off.
Diana could feel the tears starting again. Oh, Goddess, what am I going to do?
Ginger patted her on the back gently. "But maybe he'll surprise you. His mother was an angel, you know. The real thing."
Diana scoffed and tried to wipe some of her tears away.
Bastian was no angel.
"What are you doing in here?" The short woman had returned and she snapped at Ginger with the threat of authority.
"I was just leaving, Ms. Thurston. I was only helping the lady here for a moment." Ginger let go of Diana's arm and began backing away.
"You have no place interacting with the likes of her," Ms. Thurston scolded.
"Yes, ma'am," Ginger replied, her eyes downcast.
"Please, she meant no harm," Diana said.
"Hmph." Ms. Thurston placed her hands on her hips and waited until Ginger had left the room. Then she turned to Diana. "It's time." The short woman gestured to the door.
Oh, Goddess… Help me, please.
Diana had no idea how she managed to place one foot in front of the other. She was filled with so much dread inside that her limbs felt like they were made of lead.
But somehow she would do this. She would do this for Cassie. She had no other choice.
With that thought in mind, Diana forced herself to continue down the marble tiled corridor with Ms. Thurston leading the way. They stopped in front of two large mahogany doors.
Ms. Thurston moved off to the side and two young men, dressed in identical tuxedos with white gloves, stepped forward and opened the doors.
For Cassie, Diana thought, then she raised her chin defiantly. Bastian had forced her hand, but she would never be his 'completely.'
He would never own her. Never.
Diana stepped through the doorway and stared straight ahead. Her usually soft green eyes were hard and fixed. She paid no attention to the hundreds of people who rose to their feet as she passed, her long gown trailing behind her on a carpet of thick burgundy velvet.
The music was harder to ignore. Faint strains of a melody that was beautiful, yet chilling, drifted through the large cathedral. And to Diana's surprise, she thought she recognized it from her father's collection of opera music.
La Vestale?
How odd.
Then she saw him. He was standing to the right of the altar and the priest, dressed in a black tuxedo with tails, a black shirt, and black bow tie. His white hair was combed neatly into place. And he was watching her with those midnight eyes.
Diana had never hated anyone in her entire life. Until now.
The surge of hatred rising within her was unlike anything she had ever felt before. As she stepped up to the altar she had a sudden urge to claw that handsome face to pieces.
With a great sense of dignity, she instead maintained her composure, holding her head high.
You will never own me, she thought.
Diana stood silently throughout the ceremony, displaying no outward emotion, and participating mechanically when required. When it came time for Bastian to put the ring on her finger, all of her thoughts flew to Adam.
She had dreamed of this moment her entire life. Marrying Adam, celebrating with the rest of the Circle, living happily ever after…
But those dreams were over now. Sooner or later, she would have to become resigned to her fate.
She would never set foot on Crowhaven Road again.
The weight of the ring jolted Diana back to the present. The fourth finger on her left hand was now saddled with an enormous, square cut rock. The diamond itself was breathtaking and as pure in color as possible. However, the ring's platinum band felt like ice against her skin.
A person appeared on her left and handed her a platinum band. She placed it on Bastian's left hand per the priest's instructions, but would not meet his dark gaze.
At the end of the ceremony, Bastian leaned forward and briefly placed his lips on hers. They were soft and cool. Diana made no move to reciprocate. They walked down the aisle together as hundreds of people clapped from the sidelines.
"I don't expect you to entertain guests on your first night here at the castle," Bastian said. His smooth voice cut through the silence in the marble hall. "So you are free to skip the reception. Ms. Thurston will show you to your chambers."
Bastian must have seen the look of disgust that passed across her features.
"I understand that you are angry," he began.
"You understand nothing!" exclaimed Diana. "I hate you!"
His expression did not change. "I am the same person you befriended in New Salem. I just look different."
"The person I befriended was a lie. You're not Carl! You're not even human! You're evil." Diana's eyes were burning.
"Yes," said Bastian. "I suppose that's true."
"I want nothing to do with you," Diana hissed.
"Too late." Bastian leaned forward. "You did have a choice."
"I'd hardly call that a choice."
Bastian shrugged. "What can I say? I'm evil, remember?" Then he smiled at her, revealing a set of perfect white teeth.
Before she even knew what she was doing, Diana's hand flew toward his cheek. But Bastian was too quick for her. He caught her wrist before she was able to connect with his face.
"Don't try to fight me, Diana," he warned. "You won't win." His bottomless black eyes locked on hers, but Diana refused to look away. After a moment, he released her wrist and then motioned for Ms. Thurston. "Please show my new wife to her room."
Diana flinched at his use of the word "wife." Just the thought of it made her want to vomit. She nearly sighed with relief when Bastian stormed away, rejoining the guests in the cathedral.
The room that Ms. Thurston brought Diana to was upstairs and was lavishly furnished with a four-poster king sized bed, an intricately carved vanity with a mirror, and several high backed chairs. Diana felt incredibly tiny as she entered the ornate chamber, even with her large dress trailing behind her.
To her surprise, there were several adjoining rooms, including a bathroom and a library with floor to ceiling shelves and a wood burning fireplace. The final adjoining room was another bedroom and Diana hastily closed the door once she saw the dark bedding and masculine furniture and realized that it was probably Bastian's.
It wasn't until she spotted the silky white chemise that Ms. Thurston had set out on the bedspread that Diana realized something.
Oh, Goddess.
Tonight was her wedding night.
Three hours later, Diana sat huddled under the thick covers of the four-poster bed. She had discarded the chemise into the bathroom trash can and had rummaged through the closet until she found the least revealing nightgown it contained. It was purple cotton with long sleeves and although Diana was burning up, she had buttoned the front all the way to the top.
Biting her fingernails was something that Diana never did, but she couldn't help but chew nervously on her fingers as she eyed the connecting door between her room and Bastian's. She knew the reception would be ending soon and that he would be heading upstairs before long.
Much to her dismay, there had not been a lock on any of the doors for the adjoining rooms. As such, Diana dragged one of the large, high-backed chairs and placed it in front of Bastian's door. She knew that it wouldn't keep him out if he wanted to get in, but she had to at least try to do something.
Every minute that passed was sheer agony for Diana. It brought her closer and closer to the moment when Bastian would arrive. And then…
Diana closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. Try as she might, she could not steel herself against what she knew was coming.
Oh, Goddess, she thought.
There was no way that she could fight him. He had told her that himself and Diana knew that it was true. But she was not going to give in without a struggle. Even if she died in the process, he wouldn't take her willingly.
As the night grew long, Diana stayed awake for hours, her fists clenched tightly against the sheets and her eyes focused on that adjoining door, anticipating the turn of its knob.
But to her infinite relief, Bastian never came.