Page 30 of Dark Captivation

Truth be told, I had been eyeing one last blackberry cream donut, but Malek called, asking us to return as soon as possible.

The way Ferina was driving, I’d expected to return to see the palace engulfed in flames. Avoiding the traffic, she mainly took the sideroads, digging up gravel and revving up her engine through quiet neighborhoods.

The palace came into view and there wasn’t a puff of smoke to be seen, and after clearing the gate, we careened down the driveway.

Malek greeted us at the front door, wearing a black suit and bowtie and wow did he look good in a suit. He was the image of sophistication with his once wild black hair tamed into a sleek and gelled down style.

Malek’s eyes twinkled as we strolled up, hopping out of the car. “How did the training go? Learn any new moves?”

Ferina’s face reflected concern.

“She was excellent. We went over emergency exit drills and practiced several tactical maneuvers for fighting off both water and fire-based incantations. She was an amazing teacher,” I volunteered.

“Well done.” His nose wrinkled as he praised his sister with a look that said he was proud of her.

“Now it’s time for your surprise. I’ve prepared a dress for you in your room. Once you’ve changed, I’ll have the driver pull the car around.” His hands clasped behind him.

“Right this way.” He offered me his arm.

“Wait, isn’t your sister coming?” I looked back to see Ferina take out her phone and start watching something on the screen.

“Ha! Mally sent a message that he would rip into me like the mage if I third wheeled on another one of your dates,” she shot me a mischievous grin and Malek narrowed his eyes at her.

The moon was rising fast and Malek was dressed like a man ready for a party; but just what kind of action did he have in mind? The last time we were alone, he’d left me so hot and bothered, I might have given myself to him if Ferina hadn’t arrived.

“I said nothing of the sort.” Malek flipped up his collar. “A gentleman would never threaten his own sister.” Malek said in a superior tone. “You must have misunderstood what I meant.”

“Sure, I did.” Ferina gave a fingerful wave goodbye as Malek took my arm and we went into the palace.

“You kids remember to use protection! Safety first!” Ferina shouted at the top of her lungs. Malek took a few calming breaths as we started toward the staircase.

I gripped my sides, fighting back a laugh. With their sibling rivalry this fun to watch, who needed TV?

Ferina was way off base though. I was entranced by Malek’s smoldering, hot gaze last time, but now I’d seen his tricks and knew what to expect.

This time there wouldn’t be any touching of any sort between Malek and me. I was going along with this for one reason and one reason only. To get to know him better so I could pry into his secret past.

In my room, a flowing red dress was laid out for me on my bed, with matching red heels perched on the floor beneath it. Once I’d gotten ready, Malek and I left in a chauffeur driven car.

The ride was short, lasting about twenty minutes. The car rolled up in front of a grand concrete structure. It almost reminded me of the palace, but this wasn’t as big and had a full parking lot out front. The building was a pristine white, glistening under the moonlight. It had a dome like shape, with four equidistant towers jutting out of the structure. Though smaller than the palace, it was massive, with golden columns at the entrance and bright flood lights beaming up at the sky, illuminating the night.

“The surprise is that we’re going to a ball?” I rolled down the window, watching the well-dressed demons line up at the grand entrance way.

“Close, this is the Riviera Opera House. The nicest stage show venue in Demon City.” He shimmied along the back seat, peeking out of the window.

“Stage show? You mean we’re going to watch an actual live performance?” My mouth gaped as I maneuvered to face him, my eyes going wide.

All my life I’d heard about operas and plays and I always dreamed of seeing one. But without a single stage in my pack and Alpha Prometheus forbidding anyone from leaving the Packlands, I thought I would never get the chance.

“Same old Sunny.” He looked pleased with himself, and he leaned back, nestling in his seat. “See, I told you I know what you love.”

Excitement plucked my heart strings, I could barely sit still as the car pulled up at the entrance and we exited.

Inside the opera house, we were welcomed by marble statues of naked people and roman style pillars that created the illusion that we’d been flung back in time.

The air was sweetened by caramel popcorn as we wandered through the concession stands. Long lines of guests snaked from the concession stand’s cash register to the theater’s entrance, everyone intent on getting their food before showtime.

“Don’t worry, we won’t be joining it. Dinner will be brought to our sky box during the show.” He pointed to a private theater door on the left, with two large built security guards manning it. “That’s where we're going.” He whispered in my ear and a flame caught under my skin as his lips grazed my skin.

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