Magnus Bane looked about his party with great pride. It had been many years since he had last thrown a party and even longer since he had held one of this magnitude, not including his wedding which had been on a caliber all its own. Magnus had decided that since he was back in Paris, he might as well celebrate. He had chosen an old dance studio for the party and had requested semi-formal attire for the evening, so most of the attendees were wearing well cut suits and gauzy sinuous dresses; whereas he himself stood out wearing a custom black tux with sequined lapels, sequin stripes down the sides of his slightly too tight pants, and matching black sequined shoes.
He smiled now at all the mingling downworlders, while the mirrors down the walls reflected not only multicolored lights but the fangs, muscles, and mischief of his guests. Most of the downworlders were leaning against the handrails along the walls deep in conversation, while some, mostly fairies, were gliding together in the middle of the dance floor. Now that Georges, a French vampire, had left Magnus alone after dribbling on about some dull chandelier he had just acquired, Magnus thought he should perhaps join the fairies on the dance floor to liven the party up a bit.
Magnus turned to look at himself in the mirror before setting out for the group of twirling fairies. He was pleased to find his startling makeup intact and was running a hand through his long black hair to settle the straight locks when he paused. The room had gone silent; only the music could be heard. Magnus had thought just for a moment that his guests had just suddenly disappeared, but he quickly realized he could still see people behind him in the mirror; their heads turned toward the doorway. Magnus began to turn toward the door slowly, unsure of what he might find. What he saw was a beautiful young woman walking toward him, her heels clicking on the wooden floor.
Magnus was taken aback sharply by memories of Camille, but this was not her. Camille had been platinum, but this woman was all bronze. She wore a snug bronze off-the-shoulder sequined dress cut down to her navel with a slit almost up to her hip and matching sequined shoes. Magnus could see, in the mirrors, her bare back which revealed a large cherry blossom tree tattoo. Her ears held glittering brown gemstone earrings and her brunette hair was pulled back in a variety of knots. It was her cold ancient eyes, Magnus realized, that had reminded him of Camille.
"Magnus Bane!" she exclaimed in a pleasant voice as she continued walking toward him, "How could you hold such a lavish soiree, in Paris no less, and not think to invite me? I had hoped you would remember how much I enjoy parties." The entire crowd seemed to be holding their breath waiting for Magnus' reply.
Magnus smiled kindly at the woman. "Mira," he breathed, "It has been years. I didn't know you were in Paris, but if I had I can promise you would've been first on the list." Mira smiled wide at this response revealing white pointed teeth.
Her swaying hips came to a halt as she stood in front of Magnus. "I'm glad you came, we have much to catch up on." bellowed Magnus as he laid a kiss on the back of her tan hand.
Mira tore her hand out of Magnus' leaving him to raise an eyebrow as he straightened his back. "Now Magnus, is that anyway to greet your sister?" Mira questioned as she grabbed Magnus and kissed him full on the mouth.