Theea
True is false, who is who?
Flora ’s arms are already around me before I can say anything, and I melt into the hug without hesitation. Her warmth, her scent like sweet wine and mischief, the way she just knows—it all hits me at once, and I’m stunned by how relieved I am. I didn’t interrupt. I didn’t overstep. I belong here.I hug her back tightly, grinning behind my mirror mask. You look show-stoppingly stunning, I tell her breathlessly, pulling back just enough to see the gold gleam of her mask, the way her curls catch the lanternlight like fire. ”You look like the a raven melted into the absolutely hottest woman at the party.”
Then I turn to Nikandr and laugh, a bright thing tumbling out of me like it couldn’t be held in. ”And you—positively ghastly,” I declare, voice full of affection. ”In the best way. I feel like I should be asking if you've come to steal my soul or just my drink.”
I open my mouth to explain how I know Niki—how he was the first person I met here, how kind he was when I was lost and overwhelmed—but Flora’s voice is already cutting in, stage-whispering about someone named Astaroth.
I glance over instinctively.
And—oh.
I don’t know who he is, but he’s tall, scarred, and somehow manages to wear menace like it’s formalwear. There's an intensity to him I can feel from here. My pulse skips a little. I’ve never actually spoken to an ancient before, not knowingly. But if Flora likes him, he must be alright.
Before I can say a word, she’s already gliding off again.
Wait.
She knows Bassian? I blink, watching her throw herself at him like they’ve been best friends forever. I make a mental note to absolutely ask her about that later.
Turning back to Nikandr, I soften. ”I’m really glad to see you,” I tell him honestly. ”I’ve been so busy trying to find my footing, I’ve hardly caught my breath with meeting people, let alone seen anyone I know. Have you been well?” It’s not just polite—it’s genuine. I want to know.
curl of lip, swirl of gown
