Cursed Blood

Dmitri was quick to sweep me away. My skirt moved around me like I was a bell, beautiful fabric glinting underneath the light of the chandeliers. I smiled despite feeling hesitant, resting my fangs against my lips as Dmitri pulled me in. While I hadn't done much dancing before, my natural balance kicked in and I managed to follow his lead without many problems. His right hand rested on my bare lower back, his left hand holding my right. My other hand rested on his shoulder, and I noticed how we fit together even with the wings and the scabbard. As we waltzed to the music, people began to clear away, and pairs joined us. The ball was officially underway as there were less people snacking and more dancing, the pairs forming several circles within circles. Even Queen Amara joined, dancing with one of her elderly advisers. I spotted Rebecca with Charles, and noticed the twins staring at the two on the sidelines. Their expressions were clouded with frustration, and I unknowingly began to pull away until Dmitri stopped me.

"Cloud, just have fun for tonight," he told me, the steps picking up in pace and difficulty. "You can deal with all the problems you have tomorrow. But tonight, just dance. This is your ball, after all. The Prince did this for you."

"As a punishment," I spat, though I did relax a bit. Without even realizing it, I was matching him step for step, and twirled with ease when he spun me. "I didn't ask for a ball."

He chuckled, our steps pulling us past the twins and my father. They smiled at me, though it was weak. I also noticed Janora and Raeni, who were watching me with motherly gazes. I bit the inside of my cheek at the thought of my mother, willing the emotions that came along with it away. Dmitri was right -- this was my ball.

"A demon's ball," I said quietly. "The Prince let the demon girl have her own ball so that everyone can see her and be afraid."

He shrugged. "Maybe that's the case, but they can never control you, Cloud. This is your ball, do what you want with it."

"I want to have fun," I replied simply.

Dmitri winked at me, and my heart did a strange flip. Instead of talking, he began to do an expert pattern of steps, and our tempo increased. We had been in a large circle of dancing pairs, but Dmitri guided us into the center and began to twirl me every few steps. I expected to be dizzy, but an elegant, regal side of me made itself known as I kept up with my mischievous partner. The music grew louder, and everywhere I looked there were eyes on us. Queen Amara and her advisor were soon the only other dancers, the Queen doing the same pattern as us. It was an intricate performance between our two pairs, and before I knew it I was being held parallel to the ground, Dmitri keeping me up in a dip as my wings brushed the ground, causing me to shiver. He smiled sweetly, pulling me up to my feet as a new song began and couples filled the dance floor, leaving us in the center of the usual boring patterns. I was panting, flashes of our dance replaying in my mind. Dmitri stared down at me, his lips parted as if he meant to say something.

Whatever it was, it never got the chance to be said. The twins carefully maneuvered into the center and pulled me away from Dmitri, gushing over how I was suddenly able to dance extremely well. Dmitri was swept to the back of my mind as I was pulled into a group of people I considered friends. Worries were nonexistent as I began to laugh, taking part in the conversations and meeting new Lightbloods, those brave enough to speak with me.

All was well.

Until I bumped into a certain maid, one I had encountered before. The woman had been the maid serving breakfast when I had first eaten with the Queen, and the same maid who had cowered at the sight of me. The second my wing brushed her arm, she screamed, dropping her platter. The drinks stacked on top splattered onto a nearby dancer's pristine creme gown -- red staining the fabric. She shrieked, and the maid was afraid as well. Part of her was afraid of me, and disgusted that she had touched me. The other was fearing for herself as the dancer yanked herself away from her partner and planted herself in front of the servant with eyes that glowed bright white. Musicians grew hesitant, and the music faded away as everyone present turned to stare at us. The trembling maid glanced between my bewildered self and the angered Lightblood, unable to decide which was scarier.

Really? I thought. I'm not the one with glowing eyes right now! I'm not even that threatening!

"You ruined my dress!" The woman shrieked. "This was expensive!"

Terrance and Warren, who were standing just slightly behind me, flinched as the woman began to loom over the tiny maid. Charles, however, looked ready to fight, and so did Rebecca. I held up one hand behind my back, signaling for them to wait.

"Ma'am," I said politely, "she didn't mean to. It was an accident. I startled her."

The woman took one look at me before sneering. "You scare everyone, demon child. This maid should be used to being weak and afraid -- it's no excuse for her to throw wine at me."

I crossed my arms, but knew not to move. Every eye was on me as I stared at the woman, even the wide ones of the maid. It would make my job easier if I could put myself between the maid and the woman, but the second I moved the servant would scream. Rebecca and Charles stayed back, watching me like hawks for another signal. The twins were tense, though I kept noticing that Terrance would be on the far side of Warren depending on where Rebecca was.

He will never trust Darkbloods.

He met my eyes and flinched. An awkward smile appeared on his face.

Maybe he doesn't trust me.

By now, the emotions swirling within me were enough to fire up my power without any intention. I growled under my breath, my claws and fangs itching for a fight. The dancer glared at me, but was oblivious to my anger as she stepped toward the maid, laying a hand on her shoulder. Her eyes glowed brighter, and I heard the Queen gasp as smoke came from the maid's shoulder. Whatever heat was coming from the woman's hands soon began to burn the maid's skin, and she screamed.

"Enough!" The Queen shouted, but the Lightblood ignored her.

The Queen is a healer, I realized, she doesn't pose a threat to this woman. The guards need to be here.

I am a guard. I fight for these people.

Close enough.

Forgetting however the maid felt, I forced myself in between the two of them, shoving the burnt woman toward my brothers. Charles caught her easily, and knocked her out with his ability. I then faced off against the Lightblood woman, the room holding a stillness to it that I couldn't bare with for much longer.

So this is what my ball has come to?

Fine. You want to ruin this for me?

Not on my watch.