Ugh, I just recovered from major writer's block. And I have a cold. Grrr... Don't judge. Without further ado, Chapter 5!
Winter saw the others walk in, the girls wearing the same dress in different colors, nevertheless, looking fabulous. She walked over, almost tripping on her shoe ribbons. She composed herself, putting on her act. In public, she was a ditzy, crazy, little girl, not a rebellious, insane, honest teenager.
"By the stars! You all look amazing!" Winter leaned in a little closer. "Guys, we have a problem. Levana insisted on coming. Keep your glamor up and wait until the ball is over to get Scarlet out."
Cinder nodded before reaching forward and pulling out Winter's fake pink streak. "Don't want to look rebellious, now do we?" She said with a wink while handing it over. "Does Scarlet know about this change in plans?"
"I was sorta hoping Ze'ev would tell her."
Wolf flinched at his name, but nodded. "Whatever you need."
Cress squealed lightly. "Scarlet's about to sing!" She latched onto Thorne's sleeve and pulled him towards the stage. At Cress's words, Wolf disappeared into the crowd, on his way to the stage. Kai pulled Cinder closer and began to dance, like many couples around them. Iko walked over to Winter and threaded her arm through Winter's.
"Don't worry. You're doing the right thing. Listen to what Scarlet is singing." Winter did what Iko told her to, tilting her head slightly to the right. Scarlet was singing a second era love song called A Thousand Miles, originally sung by a second era singer, Vanessa Carlton. It was about missing a special someone, and it suited Scarlet's situation.
"You're right," Winter said, resting her head on her friend's shoulder and they listened to the young woman sing together.
Scarlet had closed her eyes at the beginning the song, but both her eyes were wide open. Her gaze caught Wolf's as he moved through the crowd of people without partners to dance with as she neared the second chorus. "Cause I need you. And I miss you. And now, I wonder... If I could fall into the sky, do you time would pass me by? Oh, 'cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles if i could just see you... Tonight." The song couldn't have been more exact.
Levana was suspicious of the young hostage singing an old love song. Most prisoners would sing about freedom or justice. She walked in front of Scarlet before she disappeared into the crowd. The redhead recoiled, shocked at seeing her tormenter here.
Levana's blood-red lips curled into a cruel smile. "What a show! Such a beautiful girl with such a beautiful voice! Remind me, what was your name?"
"Scarlet."
"Well then, Scarlet, if I am correct, that was a love song, yes?" She didn't wait for a response. "And, in that case, you were probably singing to a special boy. Am I wrong?"
Scarlet's glare was ice-cold. "Maybe, maybe not."
"Oh, you know I'm right, little chick. Just remember, there is love, and there is lust. With a body like yours, the risk is high. Watch how he treats you. And... be careful. Don't let what happened to me, happen to you." Levana's smirk had melted into a sad genuine smile and her fingers were curled around the ring she wore under her glamor and she let the young girl see it before going back to sit on her throne. She watched the young girl ran into the arms of one of her former operatives, Alpha Kesley. She knew the girl was escaping that very night with aid from her own step daughter. And Levana decided she'll let her. Everyone deserved a chance for love.
Cinder jumped when Winter tapped on her shoulder. She was on edge and really wanted to leave before they got caught.
"Cinder, I think she knows. And she's not doing anything about it."
"That's... odd. Why would she let her get away?"
"I don't know, but you should leave as soon as possible."
Cinder sighed before looking around the room, trying to find the rest of get companions. Kai was leaning against a wall, watching the current singer with mild disinterest as he waited for Cinder. Cress and Thorne were off kissing in one corner and Scarlet and Wolf were kissing in another. Cinder rolled her eyes, causing Iko and Winter to let out twin giggles. Cinder rolled her eyes at them this time around before going and getting everyone. Their work was done and it was time to get out of there. "Thank you, Winter. We will meet again."
Before they left the building, Scarlet ducked into a closet neat the exit and pulled out six satchels, one for each of them. "Winter said we should have some backup." Winter said a lot of things, but Cinder never anticipated she'd be such a major part in their success.
Okay guys, from now on, I'll write more than one chapter at a time so during testing, writer's block, and my chorus concerts coming up later in the month, you'll still get your chapter. I'll try uploading once a week. Say bye-bye!