A/N: Welcome to my Kuro fanfic, whooooo! Don't have much to say, other than I hope all of you enjoy it! A review would be wonderful tooooo. :)
I see him across the floor, leaning against one of the gold-brushed pillars. They are reminiscent of Grecian times, which plays upon the silver embossed mask he has over his face. It seems he can't take his eyes from me, but I don't mind. I know what he is.
Demon.
I need his services, and the only way to successfully ensure contract is to seduce him. It's easier said than done – I've been told demons detest human affection and happiness, so it'll be quite the task to get him to mark my skin in contract. But I'm worth it – my task is worth it.
His burning red eyes sear through the holes cut in his mask and lock onto mine, daring me to move or even to breathe. I know he can see the specific gleam in my eye when I turn away, lifting my chin and squaring my shoulders. Its day one of masquerade season, after all, and there are plenty of other demons on the dance floor to attract.
I have always been especially perceptive, so it isn't difficult to determine it's his eyes on my back. He won't be looking at my dress, though. It's my soul he's interested most in. Tonight I've worn one of my favorite dresses; it's mint-green with diamonds and glittering beads sewn across the bodice, dripping down on the full skirt. Its strapless, showing off my shoulders as is my trademark. My dark brown hair is curled and halfway pinned up to my head, letting me wear my mask easier. My hair hides the satin ribbon that ties the mask to my face, and delicate ringlets frame the mask.
I reach up and tuck a lock of hair behind my ear, risking a glance over my shoulder to the demon against the pillar. He isn't there anymore, surprisingly, to my disappointment. A figure brushes close by me – a flash of black and silver. Butterflies spring up in my stomach when I realize who it is. The demon, placing his hand on my shoulder and pulling me closer.
"Would you care to dance?" The demon steps back and places his right hand over his left breast, waiting patiently for my answer. I can't very well refuse his offer if I want his help, so I take his white-gloved hand and allow him to lead me onto the dance floor.
An orchestra expertly plays one of Mozart's sonatas, inspiring the couples on the floor to turn in an elegant waltz. Skirts brush against the floor, hands intertwine and hundreds of masks flash before my eyes as the demon turns me in a circle, leading me effortlessly into the identical waltz performed by everyone around us.
I wonder what it is about his eyes that have my heart beating quicker than usual. I'm sure he can hear it – especially when his eyes flash almost mischievously. I notice how his tuxedo is a little less understated than the rest of the ones worn by other men; the only distinguishing factors are the brilliantly polished silver buttons and the matching silver chain looped around one of the lower buttons and stuck in his pocket.
The demon leans in until I can feel his mask brush against my ear. "Do you have a name, mortal?" His voice is a low murmur, but I can clearly hear him. His voice is like liquid fire; deliciously velvet and sinking into my bones.
"Valentina." I reply smoothly. I know the etiquette with demons – and I know a shy personality is not the route to go. Even if my voice hints at confidence, I'm shaking inside. It's what I wanted, but knowing a demon has shown interest in me is still enough to make my blood go cold. Everyone knows it's the deepest sin to make a pact with a demon and invite him to do your bidding, but it never stops the ambitious.
Low laughter meets my ears. "Courage – I like that."
"Do you have a name, demon?" I flip his question and ask it to him, hoping it increases his opinion of me.
The demon laughs again, sounding faintly amused. "My name is whatever you decide it to be."
I roll my eyes behind the mask, knowing he can't see. "Tell me your past names, and I'll choose one to my liking."
"My past names are many: Heracleos, Alban, Xierothea, and most recently Sebastian."
"Sebastian," I echo. "That one isn't difficult to say."
"Sebastian it is, mistress."
I pull my head back, intending to give him a scathing look to show I'm not amused. My breath catches when I see his eyes – violet roils within their depths and the pupils have been reduced to mere feline slits. He's frightening me now, and perhaps he senses it. Sebastian closes his eyes and when they open once more, red has returned to replace the disturbing violet.
His hand tightens around mine and the hand on the small of my back feels impossibly harsh. Sebastian is testing me, and I must not fail. I quickly replace the fear in my eyes with a carefully cultivated neutral expression; one that will most certainly erase his doubts.
"We've no connection yet, demon. It's Valentina to you."
Sebastian's laughter relaxes me. I've done well.
"But I know it is what you desire," he tells me. "You desire a contract with me. You want me."
"Brave words for one of Hell's minions," I say back. By this time the orchestra has moved on to a piece more lively and I'm in no mood for energetic dancing. I remove my hand from his shoulder and step back, meeting his eyes one last time before cutting through the crowd.
My heart is racing – things are playing out just as I had hoped. It doesn't help to quell my fears, though, for knowing just who Sebastian is and what he is capable of is unnerving, to say the least. I feel eyes on me and sense they're Sebastian's, but I have to keep my attention away from him. It's the next step; now that I've made my interest known, I need to draw him in with my own personal brand of charm and beguilement.
Sebastian is the perfect demon for me. This much is obvious as he's the only one who has shown me any interest out of all the demons present. Usually, that is the clearest indication of a supernatural match. I weave through a crowd of other women, all dressed in their finest. I think it's a pointless move – I'll save my finest gown for the last night of the masquerade. This is only the first dress of three for tonight, and my first mask to boot.
The clock booms seven times – time for the women to make a disappearance. I grudgingly leave the ballroom and down the hallway to where I've stashed my two dresses for the night behind a suit of armor. The second dress is a pale blue satin, impossibly tight around my chest and pushing my breasts up and together to create cleavage.
The demon Sebastian will like this dress, I think.
When the women return, the ballroom has changed. New tapestries replace the old ones and the columns are swathed in white gossamer fabric, illustrating a sort of delicate forest glen. The lighting has dimmed and tinted pale green, adding to the effect. We haven't changed our masks yet – that comes later on in the night. I can't see Sebastian… but I won't admit to myself that I've been looking for him.
A man comes up to me and asks me to dance, but he's human. I have no interest in his advances, but it won't be polite to tell him no. I let him lead me to the dance floor and follow his moves, trying to ignore the way his hand creeps down my lower back uncomfortably. I'm about to push him away and possibly smack the mask off his face when a pair of white gloves curl over his shoulders.
"I think I shall take it from here." The man is pulled elegantly away, but it's hard to miss the way Sebastian's fingers are digging deeply into his flesh.
My brow lifts curiously when Sebastian takes his place, effortlessly melting into his shoes.
"Sebastian," I glance away, making my greeting seem nonchalant. I wonder if I've angered him, for the hand holding mine tightens.
"You have fire in you," he retorts, studying my face. "Spirit."
"Don't you demons like that sort of stuff? Confidence and bravery?"
Sebastian chuckles, spinning me in a smooth circle under his arm and back to the dance. He is an excellent dancer, I will admit; it's quite possible his effortless grace comes from being a demon. I'm annoyed that he hasn't responded to my comment, but then again I see all the answer I need in his eyes. Outlined in violet, his pupils dilate rapidly.
I look away.
These masquerades have but one purpose – demon attraction. Held every year around the fall solstice, it is the time for bonds to be created and lifelong pacts to be made. This is my first year attending; never before have I had the need for assistance from someone like Sebastian. But this year is different – I need him. Once he knows of the tasks I have lined up for him, I know he will be more than happy to oblige. Demons love carnage and destruction, don't they?
"Tell me why you need service," Sebastian murmurs. His voice is muffled behind his mask, but I can hear him clearly. It's as if everything around us has fallen to silence, left only with the sound of his voice.
I tilt my head back, meeting his eyes bravely. "There's still three days of revelry left – who says I'll form contract with you?"
Sebastian's laughter is dark and tainted, sending a shiver of apprehension down my spine. His black hair frames his mask when he straightens back up.
"There is no telling, mistress. But as I am the only demon who has asked for a dance, I'd say the chances are quite favorable."
It's as if his words have turned the tables. Another man steps up to his side and taps his shoulder, wearing identical white gloves like Sebastian's. His hair is thick, wavy and blonde and his lavender eyes burn – demon.
"May I cut in?" His voice leaves me with no doubt. A human man could never hope to achieve such a melodious sound in his entire lifetime.
Sebastian looks annoyed, but he can't say no. Its demon etiquette during these things – every demon must have his or her chance at a contract. This new demon takes my hands and spins me in time with the lively music now played from the orchestra. I'm still in no mood for lively dancing, but I've never spoken with this demon before so I'll give him his chance.
His mask is frightening, as most demons' are. It depicts a twisted face, screaming in agony with one side resembling charred burns. I'm frightened of this demon, but if I let him see it he'll torment me with it.
"You're too charming a woman to be here tonight," the demon tells me, his eyes flashing. "What could a young woman such as you possibly need with a demon?"
"I don't think I'm at liberty to share that information," I tell him smoothly. I keep my voice light and humorous, knowing he can't see the smile underneath my mask.
"No, I don't suppose you are." The blonde-haired demon snorts, shaking his head. "I hate when butterflies refuse to be caught."
I glance away, feeling my skin prickle uncomfortably. I think I liked being called 'mistress' more than a butterfly. This demon laughs, but it isn't the same sound as Sebastian's. Granted, it is as dark as his, but with less amusement and more threat. I won't lie – I'm scared of this man. I know he won't be the demon I ask to make a contract with, simply because being around him now is putting me on edge and making me fear for my life.
But if this demon can to that to his potential master, then what would he make my enemies feel?
That thought is tempting to say the least. Certainly Sebastian is frightening, but this second demon is downright terrifying. His appearance is memorable, as beauty usually is, yet there is something underlying that aesthetic appeal that automatically makes me want to recoil in trepidation.
Three minutes into our dance and I'm already considering this demon instead of Sebastian.
"Are you like all the other demons too? Do I have to give you a name?"
The blonde-haired demon shakes his head. "No. I have a name, and refuse to be given another."
"Well then, what is it? Your name?" The demon stares straight into my eyes unabashedly, studying my soul inside. The lavender depths of his eyes seem to swirl hypnotically, and I am only saved when a dancing couple brushes by too closely and nearly knocks me off my feet. Annoyed, I glance away to see it is Sebastian, whirling with another woman. She is laughing with joy, but his eyes are on mine.
There is a warning in them. Does Sebastian know this demon?
"Ash," he interrupts my thoughts, bringing my focus back. "And you are Valentina."
I hesitate for the briefest of moments, quickly pulled back into the dance by Ash's impatient arms.
"How do you know my name?"
"I am a different kind of demon, Valentina. I don't need words to tell me what I already know." Ash's lavender eyes flick away, surveying the ballroom. "There are twenty different demons here in this room tonight – seventeen men and three women. By the end of the masquerade they will all have found souls to claim, just like your eager one."
"There's no way you can know who will make a contract and who won't," I retort sharply, calling his bluff.
"Oh, but there is." Ash gently traces his finger down my throat and along my collarbone, following the movement with his eyes. Goosebumps rise on my skin and I fight the overwhelming urge to run, forcing my skittish feet to concentrate on the dance steps instead.
The music comes to an end and I politely excuse myself from Ash, feeling like my controlled movements aren't quick enough. I know he's watching my retreat with those unsettling eyes – they're worse than Sebastian's. Lavender eyes aren't normal in any sense, and it only helps me know he isn't human. A couple of women linger near the table bearing refreshments so I join them, hoping to blend in and disappear. At this moment I don't want any demons looking at me; not Sebastian and certainly not Ash.
I lean against a gossamer-swathed pillar and tilt my head back, breathing deeply to try and slow my heartbeat. I never expected two demons to show interest – its luck if even one glances your way. While there is no denying the outer beauty of a demon, the true attraction comes to what they can do. Nothing is impossible for a demon; no task too challenging, no fight unwinnable. You could ask a demon to turn himself into a teacup and he'd find a way to do it, all for the sake of the contract.
The contract is infinite, and orders are absolute.
I overhear the women tittering amongst themselves, gossiping about a few of the demons on the floor. It's completely crass to think some of them are here to score a demon simply for selfish purposes; guardians, housecleaners, lovers. My reasons are much more concrete and worthy.
I let my eyes wander over the people in the ballroom. The orchestra has taken a break and now chatter fills the air from the dancers. It's easy to spot the three female demons Ash mentioned – they're scantily clad and surrounded by ogling, drooling men all vying for her favor. I can hear the disapproving tones in the voices coming from the cluster of women near me, and it brings a smile to my face. I'm starting to get tired of my mask and I want to take it off, but I can't until the mask change is brought about.
The women are required to change dresses three times a night and masks only twice, so for the sake of comfort and sensibility I've toted along four half-masks; ones that will only cover one side of my face. It lets me breathe easier and isn't against the rules, because the demons can't see my whole appearance. The point of the masks, see, is to lure a demon with nothing more than the appeal of your soul. Many demons are often pulled into contract with nothing more than a pretty face and tempting body, so the masks and masquerade dresses are used to cover up those usual attraction techniques.
There are many beautiful dresses around me, but I'm too occupied with trying to look preoccupied. Ash and Sebastian are both watching me from opposite sides of the room. The red gaze is strangely unreadable, while the lavender one is filled with desire and malice. It's a wonder those two emotions can mix, but Ash has them both nailed. If I wasn't searching for a demon consort I'm sure I'd be dead by now. Ash's look is threatening, to say the least.
Incredibly enough, two and a half hours have passed since the last dress change. The women vacate the ballroom once again and find their stashed dresses, changing in the hallways with help from one another. My third first-night dress is chocolate brown and delicate white lace, baring my shoulders as usual. It's one of my favorites and sets off my curled hair. I search for the canvas bag that holds my masks; carefully wrapped in silk. I've chosen to keep my mask bag understated simply because the value of what's inside – the masks are all extremely valuable and precious to me.
It's time to withdraw my half-mask. It is shaped as half of a star, revealing the right side of my face. I use the polished armor to adjust my makeup; touching up my eyeshadow, fixing my blush and lining my lips with blood red lipstick, even though only half of my face is visible. I fluff my hair and twine some curls around my finger to tighten them and withdraw a tiny bottle of perfume from the mask bag, sprizting my wrists and cleavage.
When the women return to the ballroom, they glance around for partners to dance with. Most of the human men step forward gladly, so it's all too easy to tell where the demons are. They survey the women and their dress changes, deciding who to single out and ask to dance.
Sebastian is at my side almost instantly.
"How are you able to tell me apart from the others?" I wonder, referring to the other women. "Especially once I've changed?"
"I know your soul, Valentina. It calls to me." Sebastian places his hand back over his breast, blinking slowly. I crinkle my mouth in a half smile, knowing that he can see the gesture now.
"That's funny," I say back, walking away from him to the drinks table. I ladle myself a crystal glass of pink punch and take a sip. Sebastian follows me, his eyes elsewhere.
"Listen to me, Valentina. Whatever you do, you must not make a contract with Ash. He is not who he seems."
I turn around quickly, hearing my skirts rustle. "Oh, a demon? Is that what you meant?"
Sebastian chuckles and reached out to touch my mask, tracing the points of the half star with his fingertips.
"I think I will let you figure that out on your own." Sebastian runs a hand through his hair, fixing his eyes on my mouth. "Those red lips…" My hand automatically moves up to my mouth, fingers touching my lower lip. "The color of passion."
"The color of blood." I insist. The look of surprise in Sebastian's eyes is hard to miss. The roiling violet returns with new vigor; pupils dilating, mouth opening faintly. My eyes are fixed on his mouth – the exhaustion from dancing must be getting to me, because I'm sure I've noticed pointed edges to his teeth. It's almost as if my words have unearthed a new side of Sebastian.
Out of the corner of my eye I see Ash's blonde hair moving toward me.
Sebastian's eyes flick towards the advancing demon and back to me. He holds out his hand in an offer to dance, but I've had enough. I shake my head politely, sipping from my glass of punch and glancing away. Suddenly Sebastian is very close – almost close enough to where our chests touch. My breath catches and the cup in my hand trembles uncertainly.
"I want to be courteous, Valentina, and it's in your best interest if you come with me." His voice is nothing but a private murmur, and I see a gaggle of women nearest me glance over with jealousy in their eyes. Ash is growing closer and closer, and so is my curiosity and desire to follow Sebastian. The tall, black haired demon holds out his hand once more and I place mine in it, allowing Sebastian to lead me away.
He doesn't take me to the floor, where couples dance and twirl like dervishes; instead, he weaves us through the people and around the columns, heading toward the entrance. I get a good feeling I know where we're going, so once we pass through the double doors and step down the stone steps, I pull on his hand to get him to stop.
Sebastian turns and gives me a confused look.
"I know where we're going," I tell him, taking my hand back. "And it's against the rules. We can't go to the grotto until the end of the masquerade, otherwise the contract isn't valid. I'm sure you know that."
Sebastian's laughter takes me by surprise. "That's not where we're going, mistress."
"Stop calling me that,"
The demon merely grabs my hand once more and leads me away again.
A/N: I see absolutely no shame in begging for reviews - REVIEW! 3