A/N: I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for your reviews they mean so much to me. I would also like to send a shout out to Bambibelle84 for designing such an incredible cover art for this story. I was going to wait until I posted the Chapter to change the picture, but I had to do it before – it's just that good. Hopefully my writing will match how awesome the cover art now is. Thank you again.
CHAPTER TEN
ADAM inspected the invitation, noticing the fine details of silver-engraved writing against the tan coloured backdrop. Someone had took a lot of care to align the words just right to make the words form a gown, and to also pick the perfect font that mixed modern with old times. Even the red seal seemed awfully formal for a Host that wasn't named, and for an event scheduled to take place tonight.
"So, can we go?" Sage asked excitedly. They were all huddled in the kitchen of the Sanctuary, waiting breathlessly for Adam's approval.
"This isn't much notice," Adam started to say.
Cynthia, who had been quietly contemplating the invitation to the Ball since she had opened it, knew her husband was not too keen on making certain haste decisions. The last time they had gone out to a Ball was before their fourth child was conceived, and the idea of going out again allured her. She couldn't even remember the last time she had a slow dance with Adam.
"Also," Adam continued, "it's not like we can find appropriate gowns and suits in such a short time."
Cynthia chuckled. "I'm sure we can manage something. It doesn't start until eight tonight"—she looked down at the gold watch she wore on her left wrist—"and it's only two now."
A delighted smile came across Nora's face. "I once designed an entire Angel outfit from scrap with rubbish clothes found at Whitmore College, and spruced it up thanks to Pinterest. I'm sure us girls can manage."
"See?" Cynthia said. "I can take the girls out and we can do some shopping. And as for you boys, I'm sure it won't be that hard to get a tailored suit for this evening."
"It sounds like you want to go," Adam said, looking directly at Cynthia.
Cynthia gave Adam a small smile. "When is the last time we went out?"
Adam knew it had been awhile, but there was still things that bothered him. "Even if I did agree to go we know nothing about this Ball. Doesn't the timing seem a bit…odd?"
The room went quiet, and Callum let out a disappointed sigh.
"Wouldn't that be all the more reason to go?" Barron asked. "To make sure this isn't a threat?"
"Like a recon mission, but with dance and food, and alcohol," Jonas added.
Adam looked at everyone in the room. He could see in their faces, even at the chance that they could all be walking into a trap that they still all wanted to go out for the evening.
"Fine. We can go." He sighed in defeat, hoping he made the right decision.
The women erupted with an excited scream. Adam watched as Nora and Mary Louise whispered something to each other, and his heart sank.
"There's just one other problem," Adam said, his eyes looking directly at Nora and Mary Louise. "The theme of this Ball is 'Modern Victoria Era.'"
The excitement in Mary Louise and Nora's expression changed.
"Great," Mary Louise huffed. "A party sponsored by homophobia."
Adam nodded his head. "I'd understand if you two don't want to go."
Nora exchanged a look with Mary Louise. Normally, they would have chosen to forgo the night, but if, at the odd chance, it were a trap, losing two Heretics wouldn't be wise.
"It's fine," Nora said. "This wouldn't be the first time we were prohibited from showing physical affection toward each other."
"Then we'll decide on pairings later," Adam said. "Right now, we should make sure we are ready to attend this damn thing."
LONDON, 1877
MARY LOUISE made her way toward the slaughterhouse her family had owned. She was the youngest of four, having three older brothers that would one day run the slaughterhouse, and continue the family business. It was very rare for her to be beckoned to the slaughterhouse, her father used to say it was no place for a lady, but if her father wanted her there, it was best not to ask questions or keep him waiting.
She pushed the door to the slaughterhouse open and made her way inside. The smell of the dead animal carcasses and old blood assaulted her nose, and she tried her best to quell the uneasiness in her stomach. She wondered how her father and brothers could spend all day in here without wanting to be sick.
"Father," Mary Louise called out to what seemed to be an empty place. "Father, I'm here as you requested."
Her eyes began to wander toward the various tools used to slaughter and clean the animals, so they could be sold in the market during the day. Their business had become a household name, and it was known for having the best cuts of meat.
Mary Louise stood for a little while longer, calling her father one more time. She was about to turn to leave, when she saw a glimpse of her father standing behind her, holding a shovel in his hand. Her mouth opened to say something, but in flash, she saw the shovel swing toward her, and the last thing she saw was a hanging animal corpse as she hit the ground, before everything went black.
When she regained consciousness, after some time, she found herself upside down, hanging by her feet. She thrashed against the chains, confused as to what was going on. Her vision was still blurry, and it was difficult to see upside down, but she could make out the members of her family.
"Mother," Mary Louise called out with an anguished cry, as tears rolled down her cheek. "Help me. Please." She could feel her blood rushing to her head.
Her Mother, all of 5'3, with wispy blonde hair and the same blue eyes, made no movement.
Her father's muscular 6'5 frame came into her view. Her brothers took after him, all being around 6 feet tall. They also had his dark eye colour and ashy brown hair, and the only thing the four siblings had in common was that they all inherited their father's sharp jawline.
Her father tilted his head sideways, looking at Mary Louise with disgust. "You're an abomination. To this family. To this Coven."
"I don't understand," Mary Louise cried.
"You're a Siphon freak of nature," Her eldest brother, Ephraim spat.
"We saw you Siphon power from an Amulet," Noah, the last son to be born, said.
"No," Mary Louise said. "No, that's not true."
"But it is!" The second son, named Samuel, yelled. "And we will not tolerate this! You do not have any magic of your own!"
Her father put his left arm up, silencing the boys. "I should have known something was off with you. My only daughter, and you turn out to be a Siphon!" He was holding something in his right hand, something she couldn't make out, until he flicked his wrist, and lashed her body with a whip.
"Luther!" Margaret said, as Mary Louise screamed out in agony.
Luther turned to face his wife, as if this was the only way to deal with a Siphoner. As if this had to be done.
Luther turned his attention to his eldest son, handing the whip to him. Ephraim smiled wickedly as he took it, gripping it tightly in his hands.
"No!" Mary Louise begged, but the crack of the whip drowned out her cry, and a wave of pain overtook her body as the whip made contact with her skin.
"Siphon freak," Ephraim said as he handed the whip to Samuel, who when finished, passed it on to Noah. By the time Noah had hit her with the whip, her skin had cracked, and she could feel the blood dripping down her body.
Luther looked pleased at his sons as he took the whip from his youngest. He looked at his wife, who seemed conflicted over this. We walked over to her, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"If the Gemini Coven found out we had a Siphoner, we would be out casted. This is for the best." Luther grabbed Margaret's hand and placed the whip into it, gently closing her palm. "Our daughter is a freak. Only God knows what else is wrong with her."
Once Luther stepped aside, Margaret slowly made her way over to her only daughter.
Mary Louise was queasy, and in pain, and tired from the ordeal. Her eyes could no longer focus on her Mother. "Please…" She said in a bare whisper.
Mary Louise watched as her mother extended the whip, and the moment the whip contacted her skin, she lost consciousness again.
WHITE marble greeted the eight of them as they entered the massive Gala, which was decorated with gold streams that covered the ceiling from start to finish. There were at least a hundred other people in there, not including the wait staff, which held trays with appetizers and champagne flutes as they walked through the crowd.
Adam seemed to notice that these people seemed to be just as skeptical as he was, but they all showed regardless. Maybe Jonas was right, He thought. Maybe the promise of free food and drink were enough to gather all these people here.
Cynthia entwined her arm in Adam's. "Do you still think this is a trap?" Cynthia was wearing a nice, off white dress, and Adam had to admit she looked absolutely stunning. Maybe a part of him had missed their frequent outings when they were younger.
He loosened his shoulders. For tonight he wouldn't be so pessimistic.
"You boys clean up well," Cynthia commented, which caused Adam to laugh. They all had picked standard black and white tux, with black ties. The only one who was different was Callum, who choose a bow tie instead. Somehow, it was so him.
The women, on the other hand, and really out done themselves. Sage, for instance was wearing a Burgundy color lace dress that hit just below her knees. Nora was wearing a dark, strapless, purple dress that fell just above her knees. Mary Louise wore a light grey, strapless, dress that fell just above her ankles. Cynthia had lent them jewelry and they all had curled each other's hair.
"Just try and enjoy the night," Cynthia laughed as they pushed their way further inside, passing Barron and Nora.
Nora gave Cynthia a thumb's up, noticing Adam had relaxed a little, and she returned it, before they disappeared into the crowd. Nora glanced up at Barron, who seemed to be a million miles away, and she could tell he was looking at Jonas and Sage, who were not too far ahead of them, laughing away.
"Does Sage know you like her?" Nora asked, which caused Barron to refocus his attention.
"What?" He said in confusion, which caused Nora to roll her eyes.
"Oh please, it's so obvious."
Barron suddenly became defensive. "It's just not fair. Every time there is a mission, it's Sage and Jonas. Always. You wouldn't understand."
"You're right," Nora said somewhat sarcastically. "I mean, how could I possibly understand having my arm wrapped around someone else's when I want to wrap it around the person I am in love with?"
Barron sighed apologetically. "I'm an ass."
Nora smirked. "First step is admitting it." Nora turned her head to spotting Mary Louise and Callum near the back. Mary Louise looked lost, as she did with most parties, and Callum was too excited to even know what to do.
"Do you think it was a good idea to pair Callum and Mare together?" Nora asked, which caused Barron to laugh.
"Probably not, but I'm sure they'll have a good time."
"SO…this is…nice…" Callum said, trying to break the tension.
"Is this your first ever Ball?" Mary Louise smirked.
"I wasn't too popular…ever, so going to fancy dances was something I was generally excluded from."
"You aren't missing much," Mary Louise said. "Balls are only enjoyable if you spend it with the one you love. Otherwise, it's just…pointless."
"I guess you have a point," Callum said. "So then why did you agree to come? Aside from the off chance this might be a trap?"
Mary Louise blushed. "I was hoping I could sneak a dance with Nora."
"I'd sneak a dance with you anytime!" A random male said as he approached Mary Louise and Callum. His breath reeked of free champagne.
"I beg your pardon!" Mary Louise said with anger in her voice, and Callum, thinking fast, grabbed two flutes of Champagne from a nearby waitress and quickly handed one of them to Mary Louise.
"Sorry, but this woman is extremely taken. Have fun killing your liver!" Callum said as he moved Mary Louise along in case she decided to go all Carrie on the guests.
Mary Louise seemed to have calmed down once they had moved away from him. She took a sip from her champagne, and made a face. She had better.
Suddenly, and without warning, a trumpet began to play, causing everyone to stop talking. In the middle of the Gala was a large, white marble staircase. It seemed an odd place to have it, but it drew everyone's attention.
An older man suddenly appeared. He was dressed in a classic Victorian outfit, and once the trumpet stopped playing, he unraveled a scroll he held in his hand.
"On behalf of the Hosts for tonight's Ball, I would like to extend my most sincere gratitude and thanks for all of you showing up and attending this event on such short notice.
"Without further ado, please welcome your hosts for this evening of food, wine, and dance."
A younger man suddenly appeared at the staircase. He was handsome, and about 6'feet tall. He had blue eyes and brown hair, and he was dressed like a Prince from a fairy tale. He waved at everyone below before he took a couple of steps down, turning his attention back up.
Within a moment, a beautiful woman with fair skin appeared, wearing a dark green dress that contrasted her green eyes, who wore a sparkling crown that was fastened on jet black hair that was half done up in loose curls. People gasped at her beauty, and some had begun to whisper that she reminded them of Snow White.
Mary Louise caught a glimpse of the girl and in shock, she dropped her champagne flute to the ground, drawing unwanted attention by the people near by.
Callum could see that something was not right. "Are you okay?"
"No," Mary Louise finally spoke, but she wasn't answering Callum's question. "This isn't possible."
"What's not possible?" Callum asked as he turned back to the black haired woman. He couldn't make the connection.
Nora, who had heard the champagne glass drop with her vampire super hearing, saw Mary Louise's conflicted look. With her super hearing she heard Mary Louise say, in a bare whisper, the name Victoria.