Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Sanctuary characters.
Despite everything else that happened during one of her shows, for Lilith, the opening music and the expectant hush of the crowd was her favorite moment. It was in that span of a breath that she set aside all worries, fears, pains, and desires. She simply...existed...becoming one with the song that gently caressed the ears of the audience.
The soft light of the spotlight made the dress shimmer, throwing off a rainbow of colors that dazzled the eyes and pulled delighted, "ahs" from those watching. Her face was hidden in shadows for the first part of the beginning to create that aura of mystery as Jaison began his narration.
"Once, long ago, in lands that have been forgotten, there dwelled a magical creature known as the Songbird. This elusive creature was coveted by man for it was said that when a Songbird sang, long life and fortune would come to the one hearing it."
The softness of the music slowly shifted to one of a single drumbeat, thumping as a heart would. Lilith prepared herself for her cue which would not be long in coming.
"Alas, many thought that the Songbird was just a myth. But some still believed. It was that belief which drove Lord Wanten to search far and wide for the bird of legend. After many years and much loss, he stumbled upon a grove filled with unknown trees. The trees were growing, blooming, and dying, all without being touched. Fearful, Lord Wanten turned to leave but was stopped by the clear piercing sound of a single note."
Lilith opened her mouth and let the trill of her one note fill the air, the sound so pure it brought gasps of surprise from the spectators. Pride filled her. These humans were responsive to her talent. That was good. It would have saddened her if the songs from her soul did not reach them.
She sang three more notes in quick succession and the atmosphere of the room changed. Yes, this was going to be a great show.
Will sat in his seat, mesmerized by the sounds he was hearing. Glancing around, he noticed that he wasn't the only one. He was reminded of the mission when he caught a glimpse of Magnus's frown.
He turned his attention back to the stage for the lights were starting to get brighter. His mouth fell open and he stared in shock at the girl in the golden cage. It was her hair that caught his eyes first. So many different colors that he almost thought it was a wig. Yet, the way she tilted her head, and the flowing movement of her hair, confirmed its realness.
Will wanted to see her eyes but he was too far away. He wondered if they were as distinctive as her hair. He wanted to know her and that thought caused him to stiffen. He should be more objective. Mama Buntah was right, there was something strange about this girl.
He caught Magnus giving him a sideways glance and he nodded. She returned her attention to the stage and so did he. He pushed away any feelings that made him desire the beauty on stage. They were here to figure out this Abnormal and falling for her power was not part of the job.
Lilith took a moment to try and breathe. They were in the second half of the performance and her happiness was fast waning. Only dread filled her. The part she hated the most was coming up.
Haddock only made her perform when he felt he would benefit from it. She had to be well, and not sick, to perform. Because he starved her so much, and so often, she couldn't be used effectively, limiting the amount of money he could make off her.
She pulled her thoughts back in at the loud drumbeat that signaled the finale. Her stomach churned and her mouth started to go dry. She forced her words past her lips as Jaison, in his role as Lord Wanten's adult son, implored the Songbird to grant his father the gift of immortality.
The roaring of her inner demons was threatening to drown her in guilt and fear. Yet, a small part of her purred in anticipation. That part scared her beyond reason. It was the aspect of her that enjoyed what was about to occur.
She tried to stop herself but she had no control. Her mouth was moving and she was saying her last line. "Come to me, Humans, and let me give you immortality."
The collective rustling as the audience eagerly leaned forward was a knife to her gut. Stopping the performance was not an option. Master Haddock hovered to her right, out of sight, but the feel of his steely gaze on her was constant.
"Yes, beautiful goddess, give us life!"
Despite herself, Lilith smiled seductively and inclined her head in the direction of the speaker. "Are you sure, Human? All gifts have a price. Can you pay it?"
"For you, babe, anything!" the man vowed.
His fellow attendees tittered but were just as eager to chime in with their own remarks.
"Then I shall honor your request."
Inside her soul, a small voice screamed denial but the part of her that enjoyed making humans pay stayed firmly in control as Lilith opened her mouth and let out a nails down a chalkboard sound that pulled confused and pained screams from the audience members.
She had to stop this. Wanted to stop this...but her mouth opened and a second pealing sound emerged. Everyone in the audience suddenly stiffened, unable to move. Lilith glided to the middle of the stage, her hair blowing about as if dancing in the wind.
"Humans, I grant you immortality."
She let out a third note and the screaming began as the note changed to one of coaxing, almost lullaby-like in its melody.
"Come," she ordered and opened her mouth to reveal two rows of razor sharp teeth. Lilith took a deep breath and sang one high, crystal clear note.
All hell broke loose and deep in her heart, Lilith wept.
Will and Magnus had been enjoying the show when Will noticed the abrupt shift in the songbird's posture. He leaned over and whispered to Magnus, "Something's wrong. Maybe we should warn people."
Magnus shook her head no but then they both jumped, and flinched, at the ear-shattering notes that the girl on stage suddenly released. Will slapped his hands to ears to drown it out but it wasn't any use.
"Will, look!" Magnus had to shout for him to hear.
He stared intently at the attendees and saw that they were immobilized by the girl's song. He scooted forward to touch the child in front of him. He jerked his hand back in surprise when everyone started screaming.
He glanced over at Magnus and saw her shock as the screaming abruptly tapered off to whimpers when the song changed.
Will was ready to act when the girl's cold "Come" washed over the room and the people in front of him began convulsing. And then, he saw something that defied imagination.
White mist streamed out of the humans' noses, mouths and eyes and into the air above their heads. Will watched in horrified fascination as the mist formed into the shapes of the humans it had come from. It swirled about and then coalesced into one giant cloud above the audience.
"What in the bloody hell?" Magnus whispered when Will scooted closer to her.
He didn't have an answer, not that he believed Magnus wanted one.
The girl's voice was soft but the command was clear. "Come!"
She opened her mouth wide and Will saw the razor sharp teeth from where he sat. What was she going to do?
He got his answer a few seconds later.
The hovering cloud sped toward her and then into her mouth! He gaped and stared while she swallowed the "mist".
If he hadn't seen it, he wouldn't have believed it. He was still in disbelief as he watched the girl frantically inhaling the "mist".
"My god, she's taking their souls," Magnus hissed.
Will startled and tore his gaze away from the girl and to the audience. He realized that Magnus was right. Those in front of him had slumped to the floor unmoving. No rise and fall of their chests...nothing.
What in the hell was this girl who could so easily take life? Will didn't know what to do or how to help the trapped humans. If he and Magnus made a move, it would blow their cover. Yet, he couldn't just let people die. He started to stand but froze at Magnus's hand on his arm.
One hard shake of her head no and Will almost rebelled. He didn't get to do anything because a scream of pain from the girl shattered the silence and brought him firmly back to the present.
What could possibly happen next? The answer wasn't long in coming.