"Suck. In." the seamstress said through clenched teeth.
"I am!" I said, with short breath.
"More!" she yelled at me.
"I can't!" I felt her pull at the back of the dress once again, then finally pulled the straps together. She sat down in a huff, quickly ordering a glass of wine from the waiter. I was staring at myself in the mirror. This girl...isn't me. Her beautiful brown hair cascaded down her shoulders. Her hazel eyes squinting as she scrutinized her reflection. A gorgeous white gown was placed around her body. It was tight around her breasts then released in a mermaid-tail dress.
"It's beautiful." I whispered.
"Yes, but it's not the one for you." I heard Madison say. I turned to face her, kind of offended, until I saw what she was holding in her hand, "This one is." She was holding a breath-taking wedding gown that had a v-cut top. It would go around my shoulders then tighten around my breasts. Tightening, once again, around my stomach then once it reached my bottom, it would flare.
"Can I try this one on?" I asked the seamstress. She nodded with an admiring glance at the dress. Well, this dress was a ton easier to get off then put on. I stepped into the other gown that Madison held out then she zipped it up. I heard a series gasps but, when I turned around to see myself in the mirror...I couldn't help but do that same.
I looked beautiful. Like a true princess. When I stared at my reflection, I finally got that sliver of hope that maybe this marriage isn't a bad thing.
"I want this one." I said.
The seamstress grinned, "A wonderful choice, dear."
Suddenly, all the windows around us exploded and glass was flying everywhere. The seamstress's eyes widened before she gave a small whimper and collapsed on the floor. Behind her was a man. He had long blond hair and a face that resembled Evander's. But instead of blue eyes, his eyes were the color of blood. Red.
Fear filled my body. I gulped as I stared at the smirking man.
"'Ello, Princess." he said with a sarcastic bow. His thick british accent filled his voice, "A pleasure t'meet you."
I managed to smile, it wouldn't be smart to show him I'm scared. "I can't say the feeling is mutual."
"Ah, the kitten has claws."
Madison and Kendall stepped in front of me, "Don't you dare hurt the Goddess."
"Me? Oh, I would never. I just want t'witness her power."
"Sir Evander, we are being attacked!" Kendall's voice whispered sharply. Out of nowhere, Evander appeared beside me.
"Ah, hello brother." the man said. Brother?
"Why are you here, Dominick?" Evander said, staring the man, Dominick, straight in the eye.
"Am I not welcome here, brother?" Dominick said. He sighed, "I just want to witness yo' lovey's power."
"You won't have the chance!" Kendall hissed.
"Kendall, stand down." Evander said, calmly.
"W-What sire? He'll kill he-"
"STAND DOWN!" Evander roared. I flinched and looked away. Kendall and Madison's arms dropped to their sides.
"Yes." she whispered.
"Show them, Isabel." Evander said, not looking at me.
"What?"
"I said, show him."
I gulped and nodded. Dominick grinned widely before he snapped his fingers. Suddenly, five pieces of glass were flying towards me at a deadly speed. I couldn't stop them fast enough and they ended slicing my skin in different places. I grinded my teeth and focused at core of all the Gifted's around me. I felt their power buzzing inside of my body. I shoved my power outwards with all I had. Everyone's power dulled besides two. Evander and Dominick.
When I felt my power wavered, 6 more glass shards came flying towards me. I was going to try something I had seen my father do in the past. Hoping that it worked, I focused on the masked man who was sending the shards towards me and narrowed my eyes in concentration. I felt my power sucking his out, along with his life. I drained his power from him and watched as he collapsed to the ground.
"Wonderf-" Dominick began to say but I wasn't conscious to hear the rest of the word.
When I next awokened, I was surrounded by a swarm of people that consisted of: Madison, Kendall, Evander, Liliac, and...Sebastian.
"Oh thank the Gods!" Kendall sighed and fell dramatically to my side, "You're awake!"
I rubbed my eyes, "What happened?"
"You clearly fainted." Liliac said, leaning against the far wall.
"Thanks for clearing that up, Sherlock, but why?"
"You drained to much of your energy when you killed the man."
Then it hit me. I killed someone. I looked at Sebastian then Evander, "I...killed someone."
Evander nodded, "Quite brilliantly."
I felt the tears gather in my eyes, "Are you insane? I killed someone and you call it brilliant?"
"How did she kill him?" Sebastian asked, not looking at me.
"Drained the life and Gift right out of him." Kendall said.
I shook my head, "Y-You sure he's dead? I mean...he may just appear dead..." I trailed, already knowing that it wasn't possible.
Evander shook his head, "You should be proud of yourself. It was a kill that someone at your power-limit should have died from."
I clenched my teeth, "Now I know why you're ruthless. You're sick." I spat. Evander didn't even flinch. Something in his eyes dulled before he bowed and swiftly walked out of the room.
Kendall and Madison left as well but my focus was only on Sebastian.
"Why are you doing this to yourself, Isabel?" he said, after a moment.
"Because innocent Gifteds' would die if I didn't."
"But you might die! Why don't you get that?"
"I took care of myself today, didn't I?"
Sebastian slammed his fist into the wall, "And you killed him, dammit!"
The small words stung me. I did kill him... I am a murderer.
"What else should I have done..." I whispered. I heard Sebastian sigh. His hand stroked my hair as I looked up.
"You couldn't have done anything else. I'm sorry, I just don't like the idea of you doing this to yourself."
"It'll pay off. I know it will."
"You can still leave, Isabel. I can help you." he said, crouching beside me now.
I shook my head, "I'm not leaving, Sebastian. I made a deal."
"Yeah, with the devil."
I shrugged, "A deals a deal, be it with a God or the devil."
"Sire Sebastian, it is time for Lady Isabel to get her rest."
Sebastian nodded, "I'll be back soon." and then he left. I was left alone, once again. Alone in this home full of strangers and killers. Me being one of them.
I closed my eyes and looked at the ceiling. But before I was able to sleep, two quick knocks sounded at the door. I walked over to the door and opened it. There on the floor was a giant box with a fancy white envelope on the top. I felt a shudder, already knowing what the card said. I brought it inside and set it on the desk. Opening the box, I pulled the white wedding gown I had tried on. I unfolded the note that was placed on the side,
The dress you were wearing got ruined by the glass but we were able to get an exact replica. Please look at the card carefully because the decision is yours in the end, if there needs to be any changes. We will be distributing the cards at the Engagement Ceremony, which is in two days so be prepared! :)
-Madison and Kendall
I hung the dress on a hanger and looked at it. This is it. I'm going to be married. Wearing this extravagant gown in this extravagant home. I grabbed the envelope and opened it. It was a fancy and perfect white card with lavender lace around it.
You are graciously invited to the coming together of Lady Isabel Ashworth and Lord Evander Montelone.
This is a very precious and memorable occasion as two souls unite as one. Their Gifts' will combine and you all will welcome another leader.
The ceremony will be held on the 16th of December, 2011 at 8:30 A.M. At 10:00, the Uniting will begin and at 5:00, the reception will begin.
Please be there on time and bring your invitation with you. We hope to see you there!
