Page 19 of Ashes to Ashes

Ashe obliged, half expecting a tingle or zap as the necklace settled back into place.

“Look into my wings and see the version of you the world will now see so that you are not taken off guard.” Lily folded her silver wings forward, allowing them to act like a mirror.

Her red hair curled softly, its bright hue shifting to a white-blonde color that shimmered like platinum. Her ice blue eyes were gone, now a mesmerizing shade of emerald green, framed by long, sweeping lashes that seemed to glow against her porcelain skin. A pair of short silver horns grew from her forehead, casting shadows over her features as they arched back gracefully. A tail sprouted from beneath her dress, slithering across the floor like a living thing as it flicked playfully behind her. The sensation of scales crawling up her spine was unexpected yet oddly comforting. Ashe inhaled sharply as small wings burst from her back, silver feathers sprouting from beneath her skin and unfolding with a glorious snap before spreading outwards with an audible rustle of sound. She could feel the air around her change—not just the temperature or thescent but also the taste of it; everything became richer, more potent. They didn’t hurt at all—these changes—instead, they filled her with a sense of power and freedom she’d never known before. It was intoxicating.

The ratty, dirty shirt and dress were gone. A midnight blue gown clung to her every curve and seemed to glimmer with specs of silver. It plunged down, exposing part of her breasts, a sweetheart shape with nothing but her bosom to hold it up.

Lily stepped back, shifting her wings to their normal place. “There you are,” she said softly, “a beautiful creature hiding in plain sight.”

Ashe’s heart raced, but she knew this was the only way. To secure a kiss, she would need to be more than what she always had been.

CHAPTER 10

Ashe stepped into the grand ballroom, her mouth nearly dropping open as she looked around in awe.

The extravagant decorations left her speechless. It was as if the very walls themselves were alive with opulence. Shimmering chandeliers cast a soft, golden glow across the room, illuminating the intricate tapestries adorning the walls. Each piece depicting a scene of envy or desire, each woven gaze and embrace more enticing than the last.

The ballroom itself was a work of art—crystals hung from the ceiling like shimmering stars, casting rainbows on every surface below.

As the strains of a string quartet filled the air, guests in elegant gowns and tailored suits floated gracefully around the room, sipping champagne and nibbling on delectable hors d’oeuvres. The sweet fragrance of roses and lilies mingled with the savory aroma of perfectly cooked steaks, creating an intoxicating atmosphere that left everyone feeling enchanted.

The room buzzed with gossip and spiteful whispers as they sipped their champagne and nibbled on delicacies. Roses and lilies intertwined their scents with the aroma of perfectly cookedsteaks, creating an intoxicating blend that permeated every corner of the ballroom.

Ashe couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy as she scanned the room at the beautiful demonic creatures and mortals alike, all of them more beautiful and alluring than the last. This was a world she’d only ever dreamed about. A world where power was king and beauty ruled.

As she walked through the crowd, she kept to the shadows, not wanting to draw attention to herself. As much as she longed for it, she knew it was too dangerous in this den of vipers. No, it was better to observe and learn before making any rash decisions. She circled the room, sticking close to the walls, her eyes darting from one conversation to another, her keen ears picking up on whispers and tantalizing gossip.

Envy and jealousy oozed from every pore of this place, a palpable poison in the air that Ashe could practically taste.

As she circulated among the guests, her disguise as the demon holding firm, Ashe couldn’t help but fall prey to the very emotion this realm thrived on. Everywhere she looked, there were creatures more beautiful and alluring than she could ever imagine being. Their gowns seemed to shimmer and flow like waterfalls of jewels, each more extravagant than the last. The music swirled around them like a living thing, urging them on to dance and mingle while she did her best to stick to the wall and seek out the prince.

Her father’s words rang in her ears, “Envy is a disease of the heart, Ashe. It will consume you if you let it.”

But as she watched the demons swirling across the dance floor, their wings gracefully fanning out behind them like dark, velvet ribbons against the night sky, she found herself longing for just a taste of that kind of freedom.

“You look as though you are missing something.” A demon who appeared human save for the fork in his tongue as he spokehanded her a glass of champagne. “This is no party to stand along the wall. Not when you are as you are.” He took her hand and placed a kiss on top of it before whirling away.

If it is that easy to gain a kiss perhaps, I will be gone from here in no time.

As she sipped her champagne, trying to blend in, Ashe couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to rule this realm. To feel the adoration and respect that these demons craved like air itself. To have power over life and death in her hands.

Stop it right now. You are here to free yourself, not drown in their world.

The longer Ashe stood and watched, the more she found herself falling prey to everything that this realm was. The whirlwind of colors from gowns and the sounds did nothing to distract her from the stunning beauty of it all.

Dresses swirled and glittered as the guests danced to the music that filled the air. Beautiful women and handsome men flirted and laughed, their voices blending together in a melody of excitement and joy. The room vibrated with energy, fueled by the lust for life that seemed to consume every demon here. Ashe looked on with longing, her eyes hungrily drinking in the scene before her.

Ashe’s heartbeat quickened as she watched them, their playful banter making her ache for companionship she hadn’t known in so long. The scents of all the perfumes mixed together in an intoxicating cocktail that made her head spin. Everywhere she looked was beauty—and not just in human form. Even the demons seemed to take her breath away as they behaved in a manner so humanlike. But Ashe knew that there was darkness lurking beneath it all.

“You’ve never been to one of Leviathan’s balls before?” A red demoness asked, standing beside Ashe. Her voice was like honey dripping from her lips as she swayed closer. “You must tell meeverything you think about it.” Her eyes glowed with curiosity tinged with malice.

Ashe forced a smile on her face but shook her head. “I’m not one for parties,” she lied. “I find them quite overwhelming.”

It wasn’t entirely untrue, being surrounded by such opulence made her stomach churn with nerves and anticipation. She couldn’t help but feel out of place in her dress compared to the others wearing extravagant gowns adorned with jewels and feathers, showcasing their sinful nature.

“I assure you, you fit in better than any I’ve ever seen.” A red hand with only three fingers grazed down her arm. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say the prince would snatch you up the moment he lays eyes on you.” She let out a wistful sigh. “I’m never the lucky one.”

Ashe couldn’t help but laugh weakly at the woman’s comment as her heart raced, “If I am lucky enough to have the attention of Prince Leviathan. I shouldn’t complain,” she said, trying to hide her true feelings of anxiousness towards finding the prince and stealing his affections.

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