Page 57 of Dark Angel

Kora flattens the bottom of her gown with her palms. The plum fabric is rich and warm against her pale skin. Her elegant shoulders and collarbone are bare and on display, showing off just enough cleavage and clavicle. The material cinching in at her small waist before flowing freely around her legs in a bell shape.

She slips on her crimson slippers, the tight bodice digging into her ribs as she bends over.

It's the first official event of the season, which makes her giddy inside.

Descending the staircase, Clarence looks up at her, and his mouth opens slightly. “You look beautiful, sister.” He says as she steps onto the bottom tread.

“Thank you, Clarence,” she pauses, taking in his midnight ensemble, “you look quite handsome as well.”

He loops her arm into his and walks Kora out of the manor. It’s frosty out, and Clarence had already decided on them taking a borrowed carriage to the Ascendancy. Kora’s very thankful for hisdecision, otherwise she’d show up at the ball with purple lips matching her gown.

They arrive at the Ascendancy shortly after leaving their manor, and it’s already bustling inside.

Mortals have their own balls at each other’s estates. This is similar, although only Seraphim are allowed to attend the Ascendancy balls and private soirees. Seraphim like to stick to their own-alike every other kind.

Mixing creatures is frowned upon by society, but it’s not illegal. Ada Clarke was born half Seraphim and half Spellcaster. Some of the older Seraph folk are afraid of her, but she’s nothing to fret over. Her magic seems dormant since she’s never seen using her Spellcaster abilities.

Then there’s Harry Wright, who is part Seraphim and part Shifter. He has the abilities of a Seraphim and can also shape-shift into a hawk. He’s banned from Shifting during training, but otherwise, he’s free to change whenever he likes-as long as it’s not to harm anyone.

Robert and Lucy Bladesmith are waiting outside of the Ascendancy doors, greeting everyone as Robert is the leader and Lucy, being his wife, is always loyally by his side. She welcomes Kora and Clarence in quickly, heat rushing over Kora’s skin in a soothing way as soon as they enter the atrium.

The ballroom at the Ascendancy is unmatched. A mural of Angels playing trumpets and harps on white fluffy clouds is painted along the ceiling, where overly large chandeliers dangle down like elegant spiderwebs of glass and crystal. Polished marble flooring that’s shiny enough it almost mirrors Kora’s reflection when she peers down at it. A full string quartet is set up along one side, and the other has tables crammed with food, sweets, and beverages. This one room is almost as large as the entire Hamilton manor.

Clarence ensures that the two of them make their introductions before finding their friends. He goes off to find Harry and Levi right after they round the room, allowing Kora to greet her friends alone.

“Kora. You look lovely, as always.” Ada Clarke says sourly, pulling a resentful face.

Her best friend, Elodi Andrewson, nods in agreement.

Kora’s never been close with either of them, so she doesn’t take much offence of their patronising expressions. They silently judge every other girl within the Ascendancy around their age. Kora wholeheartedly believes one of them will end up wedding Charles, since they all seem to share the same personality and snootiness.

“You look lovely, Ada.” Kora’s voice is overly kind. “You as well, Elodi.” She blatantly lies.

They’re both dressed in hideous ballgowns. Ada’s dress is white with pink and blue embellishments. She looks like a frosted cupcake. Elodie’s is an over stitch of black frills, green lace and pink silk. It reminds Kora of a watermelon split open.

“We heard you are finally eligible. Do you have your eye on someone special this season?” Ada asks with a twinkle in her sable eyes.

They’re a year older than Kora. Both coming out and announcing their eligibility last season, but unfortunately no man wanted to court with them. Kora can’t blame any of the men. They’re both insufferable to be around for an extended amount of time.

“I am. Clarence thought it was the right time for me,” Kora admits to them, “and I am still looking, I suppose.”

“Well, there areplentyof eligible men.” Elodi states, her voice hoarse as if she permanently has tonsillitis. “There is always the handsome and hilarious Matthew Blackwell, but perhaps you are too close with him already. Lewis Chiswick is another suitor, but his glasses don’t help his appearanceat all.” She says rudely.

“Also, he is too thin and short for my liking.” Ada chimes in.

Kora has to bite down on her tongue to keep herself from slapping the two of them across the cheek in front of everyone.

“Then there is Charles Bladesmith. You know he might be the next leader of the Ascendancy, so that makes him more promising.Wealthy and respected is a good package. Oh, but did you see the new man in town?”

This makes Kora’s hazel eyes widen as she listens closely. Ada and Elodi look around the crowded room until Elodi points him out. “There he is. Jordan Carter. Blonde hair and blue eyes. How can you not fall for that handsome specimen?” She gives a smug grin that makes Kora’s pulse thump unevenly in her throat.

She wants to lash out at them when she catches Matthew’s eyes over Elodi’s shoulder, staring at her with pinched brows.

“Excuse me girls,” Kora says as politely as she can muster before walking up to Matthew and letting out a large expire. “I cannot with those two. You could have come over and saved me from their obnoxiousness sooner.”

Matthew lets out a low chuckle. “You should know better than to get into a conversation with Ada and Elodi. Heck, everyone in London knows that. Mortals included!”

Kora can’t help but snicker, knowing he’s more than right. Those two are always troublesome. “They just swooped me like vultures. What was I meant to do? If you’re rude to them, then you’ll be the talk of the town by tomorrow morning.”

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