"Hey," Eleanor forcefully ripped the covers off my bed, exposing me to the cold air. I had hoped to sleep soundly for a while before the ball and the mission that would take place, but apparently, my roommate had other plans. "Tonight is the ball, and I am not having you mope in this room any longer!" She dragged me over to her vanity and started washing my face. "Everyone must attend, and I am not going to be responsible for you missing it. I even got a dress fitted for you, and I shall not have my work wasted."
Fixing my hair and getting me into the dress she got me, I was a bit stunned to find her taste to be so scandalous. The red Victorian dress with its intricate black corset was unlike anything I had ever worn. The corset cinched my waist tightly, accentuating curves I never knew I had, while the rich red fabric flowed elegantly around me, making me feel both regal and daring.
Eleanor's hands moved deftly, applying makeup with a skill that left me in awe. She painted my lips a deep crimson to match the dress, and her fingers worked magic with the brushes, highlighting my features in a way that made me look almost unrecognizable. As she spun me around to face the mirror, I gasped.
"Look," she said, focusing intently as she applied the final touch of lipstick. "I don't know what's happening to you, and I don't really want to know either, but the dance is special to everyone here. Saya received the blue rose from the phantom earlier today… the phantom could be at the dance, and we are all looking forward to it."
I stared at my reflection, hardly believing the transformation. The girl in the mirror looked confident, alluring, and ready to take on the world. "Why do you look forward to seeing the phantom when the girl he picks will never be seen again?" I asked her seriously, still trying to process my new appearance.
She sighed and looked at herself in the mirror, fixing a stray hair. "It's romantic…" Her eyes fluttered to the idle thoughts in her head. It was not so surprising that I would think she's an idiot. After a few more things attached to my hair and face, with a silk shawl over my shoulders, she led me out of the room and towards her group of friends, and we headed to the ballroom.
As Eleanor led me out of the room, we joined a group of her friends, all dressed in their finest attire. The excitement in the air was palpable as we made our way to the rose garden. The garden was a serene haven, bathed in the soft glow of lanterns that cast a magical light on the vibrant red roses. The fragrance of the blooms was intoxicating, mingling with the cool night air.
We paused by a particularly lush rose bush, and Eleanor plucked a few blossoms, deftly weaving them into our hair. The red roses contrasted beautifully with my brown hair, adding a touch of natural elegance to my already transformed appearance. I felt a sense of camaraderie with the other girls, all of us sharing in this moment of beauty and anticipation.
I wasn't particularly interested in dancing; my mind was focused on finding Saya and discussing the mission. As we approached the large doors, they were opened for us, and I drew in a breath.
The sight that greeted me was nothing short of breathtaking. The ballroom was a vision of opulence and elegance, bathed in the soft glow of countless chandeliers that hung like sparkling constellations from the high ceiling. Drapes of sheer fabric cascaded down the walls, their subtle hues shifting with the light, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The floor was a polished expanse of marble, reflecting the twinkling lights above and the vibrant colors of the guests' attire.
Taking small steps forward, I scanned the room, recognizing few faces from class. By chance, I spotted Saya with her new group of friends. I was also searching for David and the others, but they were nowhere to be seen.
"Sorry, ladies, I will be leaving you all," I announced. They protested, but none stopped me as I made my way towards Saya. "Saya," I called out, and as I approached Saya, I couldn't help but admire how radiant she looked. Her dress was a vision of delicate elegance—a light pink gown that perfectly complemented her slender frame. The dress had short sleeves and a darker pink trim at the bottom, adding a subtle contrast that highlighted its intricate design. A bow at the back accentuated her waist, and the white lace details at the hem added a touch of vintage charm. She wore matching pink shoes with straps around the ankles, completing the ensemble with a graceful touch. Saya looked genuinely happy, her eyes sparkling with excitement, and for a moment, she seemed like a princess from a fairy tale, ready to step into a magical night.
"You look wonderful tonight," I complimented her, feeling a sense of awe at her transformation. Her cheeks flushed with a soft blush as she tried to return the compliment, but before she could, the room began to fill with chatter as someone whispered that the phantom was here.
"The Chairman?" She spoke quickly while trying to take a look and I questioned what she meant by that statement. She only stopped because I took her hand in mine to have her answer me. "Haji and I gave it thought with David that the Chairman was a chevalier." She was sure of it, and I was a bit baffled that she'd come to such a conclusion, and I was not informed.
"…when were you going to tell me this information?" She looked hesitant and I retracted my statement quickly and took a breath. "Alright. With this information, the Phantom we have been hearing is a chevalier, and that very chevalier is the Chairman?" She nodded meekly. I let her lead and we both searched for the supposed phantom coming in and found our supposed target.
"Not him." Saya turned with a disappointed look and walked back to her small group of friends. Leaving me behind to find the chairman I didn't even know about till now.
"I see how it is…" Managing my irritation and walking away, I stood amidst the grandeur of the ball, my red Victorian-styled dress with its intricate black corset making me feel both regal and mysterious. My eyes traveled the scene, trying to decipher who was friend or foe amidst the crowd. The gaggling of girls carried over, catching my attention as I turned to see what the fuss was about and I saw him approaching.
The man was remarkably handsome, his white suit and blonde hair exuding an elegance I had never come across. His eyes met mine, and I swear the whole world just stopped. My feet stumbled when I went to step off to the side, but a hand caught me swiftly by the waist and my flailing hand.
"Mademoiselle," he said, gently pulling me onto my feet. I felt enamored by his voice, a rich sound like smoothed velvet that seemed to hypnotize me. "Are you hurt?" His eyes examined my frame, and with every flicker of his green eyes, I felt my body heat.
"Ah, no, I'm fine," I managed to say, though my mind was racing. I couldn't move my feet away and didn't know what more to say. I had never been so baffled by a single man. Why was this one so different? I shuffled a step away from him, trying to act like nothing happened, but my heart was beating too loud and I could hear nothing else.
"Care to dance with me?" he asked, extending his hand.
I felt a slight flush rise to my cheeks as he led me to the dance floor. The world around us blurred, and it felt as though we were alone, dancing to the waltz in perfect harmony. His movements were graceful and assured, guiding me effortlessly. In that moment, nothing else mattered but the enchanting man before me, not even the mission. And his scent. Gods, he smelled good. I could make out lavender, iris, and vetiver. It was intoxicating being near this man.
"Thank you." Guiding me along the dance floor effortlessly as I tilted my head in wonder why I should be thanked, his lips pulled to a charming smile.
"For what?" I asked.
"Taking my hand." As though it was the most pleasurable thing I've done for him as he spun me slowly around, I felt my feet stumble a bit as I had not danced before.
"Sorry…I haven't danced before…" feeling foolish now as this man expertly swayed and moved to the waltz, he shook his head. His hand pressed a little harder on my waist and I was brought into him a bit more as his face leaned close.
"I will lead you." His voice was low it sent shivers down my spine in a good way.
The tempo changed only slightly, and he so effortlessly guided me along as we danced, and I felt like we were the only ones in the ballroom once more. All the other sounds just drowned out, and oddly enough I didn't care. His touch was the only thing I could focus on.
"You are rather skilled monsieur." Hearing him chuckle as we danced to the tune with such ease as if I danced with this man a thousand times before, my dream began to come through. Distorting reality as the ball setting became snow white and the guests became shadows in the background. I bit my lower lip to refrain showing him my discomfort. The dance floor began getting crowded, my head was now full of unfamiliar bodies and sounds that I cringed.
"Mademoiselle?" He rubbed his thumb on my lower jaw and I could barely see him from shutting my eyes so tightly. I thought my knees had buckled, but it was actually him who held me up with such ease that I found it strange that a man could do so easily.
He didn't care of the way it looked, his hands swiftly glided down my thigh and I was being princess carried out of the ballroom. Few people stared, but none questioned it. In a matter of a few heartbeats we were outside on one of the balconies and he gently sat me down on a bench.
"Konella?" Him calling my name made my breath cease. I reached for his arm, clasping onto him as I stared into those mesmerizing eyes to how he knew my name.
"How do you know my name?" I questioned. His eyes spoke words to me. Sadness hid behind them, but also something more. "Answer me."
His fingers brushed a stray hair off my face, gently caressing my ear down my jawline and beneath my chin. I stared at him in wonder, but I wanted answers and was ready to stand up before he pressed his thumb over my lips.
"This is no dream…" he whispered. Unsure if to himself or towards me. There was something strangely familiar with this man that I felt my body crave for his touch. He seemed to be doing the same as his hands kept tracing my face and looking at me like I've been lost to him.
"…how do you know my name?" I let out, more of a whisper and plea than just a mere question. His lips pulled to a smile that crinkled the corner of his eyes and a small dimple formed. Rather than answering me, he leaned closer and pressed a soft kiss on top my head that sent butterflies throughout my body. My core tightened like never before.
"I know everything about you." His voice held such desire. I clutched at his suit as my head filled with voices that started ringing in my ears. "To have you in my arms again feels like a dream. One I wish never to wake from." He spoke endearingly. His hands moved down my arms and to my hands as he kissed my fingers. His lips—those tantalizing lips—I felt such a desire to have those lips on my own and shut that down quickly.
"Ow…"
Pain exuded from my head and I was being crippled by the onslaught of images and voices happening to me. His hands took hold of me, swiftly picking me up again in his embrace and I felt that we were floating—No—jumping?! He jumped off the balcony?!
"Worry not, I'll bring you home." He stated coolly.
I didn't have the strength to shove him off. Rather, I clutched onto him and shut my eyes to focus on the now than the images that flashed through. His steady heartbeat kept me focused though. I was grasping at straws trying to stay sane. When he finally stopped jumping, returning to the garden where the red roses bloomed, he held me easily in one arm and plucked the rose Eleanor placed in my hair and undid all the work she'd done.
"There you are," he smiled knowingly. Running his fingers through my hair and undoing everything. He helped me stand upright, but my knees were weak and I braced against him. "Konella…" speaking my name in such a sultry voice that my heart gave in to it, I looked at him and forced my eyes to stay open so I could see what he knew about me so tenderly before his lips pressed the corner of my mouth like a tease. I groaned quietly. Desiring him to kiss me right. But not knowing why I wanted him to do so to begin with. Then his smile became that of a man who'd found something. He kissed my forehead, neck, jawline in a flutter of kisses that it was driving me mad with desire.
"Who are you…?" My voice cracked. His eyes on me like he was engraving his stare into my soul.
"…you and I have a remarkable past." His lips kissed my fingers again, but this time he rubbed them thoughtlessly like there was something missing. His brow only knitted for a brief second before entwining our fingers together. "I will replace all that you've lost. Konella, Mon Amour, you've come back to me at long, long last." My heart was thudding so fast now I could burst.
Repeatedly I felt my head being tugged and pulled apart, until something in me snapped. I only recall reaching for something to hold onto as the ground spun beneath my feet. Pain igniting my skull so wickedly that all matter of sound was gone, my vision blurred. The sensation of arms holding onto me was the last thing I recalled before completely rendered unconscious.