Page 73 of Riftborne
“It was pure luck, honestly. We had a cancellation,” the woman whispered. “Follow me.”
She opened a door, and a shimmering light flooded the small lobby.
Shock ran through me as we stepped through. It was as if we had entered a valley covered in luscious grass in the middle of a mountain range. Stars shot across an endless black sky and a maelstrom of bodies danced in the middle of the clearing. The music was similar to what they had played in the Grove, but faster and more aggressive. It pulsed throughout the entire space.
In the middle of the sky was a massive flower that glowed in a kaleidoscope of colors. Mist spiraled off of it.
Clearly Illusionists were at work here.
And that’s when I finally smelled the beguiling hint of jasmine sifting through the air. My body relaxed, becoming heavier.
Individual lounges lined the perimeter, each with their own fire pit that sparkled in shades of red, blue and purple.
We followed the woman in complete awe as she led us to a setting at the end of the line. Three black velvet sofas created a U shape above the grassy terrain.
“Here’s your table for the night. If you desire refreshments, just throw one of these into the fire,” she said as she handed Osta a small pouch.
We all shuffled towards the couches, slipping onto the soft cushions.
“I hope you enjoy your evening.” The woman winked before turning and making her way back through the field.
“Oh. My. Esprithe be damned…” Raine said, shaking her head in awe.
Osta was already tearing into the pouch, digging her hand in to reveal the contents. She pulled out a small amber crystal.
“Shall I?” she asked, wickedness creeping into her eyes.
“What else are we here for?” Briar clapped, jumping in his seat.
Osta held her hand over the fire and dropped the crystal in. After a few moments, a golden-hued smoke billowed from the pit, and the fragrance of burning copal filled my lungs.
“I can’t believe we’re actually here.” Osta sighed. “After yesterday, this type of distraction is exactly what I need.”
“What happened yesterday, love?” Briar sat up, placing his elbows on his knees.
Osta’s eyes darted towards me.
“Her boss fired her,” I said flatly.
“Because I made some suggestions to a design she was working on. The fabric she wanted to use made no sense for the structure of the blouse,” Osta said with exasperation.
“If these two pieces are any indication of your talent, it sounds like she should have been working foryou,” Raine said. “How do I sign up for the next gown?”
Osta’s cheeks flushed as she smiled shyly. It was a rare response from her.
“I’d love to make something for you, truly. I’m just not sure how I’ll have access to the same materials now that I don’t work with a seamstress,” Osta’s eyes became glassy.
From the depths of the party, a man adorned in sparkling yellow robes approached, holding out a tray of shimmering, golden vials. The four of us exchanged confused glances.
“Erm–I think you might have the wrong table,” Osta said nervously, brushing away the premature tears and straightening in her seat. “We haven’t ordered anything yet.”
“We provide the cures for desire and revelry. Our cocktails are delivered upon the assessment of a group’s collective need,” he stated simply, urging the tray towards us.
“So what is this, then?” Briar asked, curiosity spilling over his features.
“What the group needs,” the man said.
Raine reached out and grabbed a vial, followed by Briar. Osta shot me an apprehensive look, but slowly pulled one off the tray and handed it to me before taking the last one for herself. The man bowed and sauntered off into the darkness.
