Page 9 of Queen of Shadows and Roses
The Cyclops was massive—easily over ten feet tall and built like a war god. Dressed head-to-toe in black, his long red hair was tied back in a surprisingly neat ponytail. I had to crane my neck just to see his eye—singular.
And gods, that eye.
Facial symmetry? Nonexistent. Intimidation factor? Off the charts. Was there anything more unsettling than a bodybuilder-sized bouncer with one enormous, unblinking eye? Doubtful.
As Tee gave our names, he nodded with stiff efficiency and murmured into a mic clipped to his lapel. A beat later, the double doors to The Underworld Nightclub creaked open. I stepped through, and he handed me back my clutch, but not before that freaky eye landed on my face—andwidened.
Then he bowed. Deep. Regal. Reverent.
Tee let out an annoyed huff and shot him a glare. The Cyclops quickly dropped his gaze to the floor like a chastened puppy.
‘What was that?’ I whispered to Tee as I strolled over to her.
She raised a perfect brow. ‘It’s probably Cyclops speak for “I’d like to get into your panties”.’
‘Ugh. You’re grim.’
She answered me with a throaty laugh and walked away. I followed her towards another set of doors—she seemed to be au fait with the place—but anxiety still clawed at my stomach. I pushed the feeling aside and blew out a long, slow breath, which hitched when we passed through the next set of doors.
We stood on a balcony overlooking a vast dance floor filled with swirling and undulating bodies. The venue was packed. The club exuded luxury—pure elegance, decked out in gold and purple, the vast expanse broken up by towering cypress trees. The cypress trees, much like the club itself, were pyramidal,their acorn-like seed cones shimmering in the strobe lights above. Black chandeliers and wall sconces—rich in detail—lined the ceiling and interior, twinkling with precious jewels, and pinprick lights threaded between them like stars stitched into the dome.
Cleverly arranged and uniquely designed furniture tastefully outfitted the club, while a rainbow of lights and bouncing tunes revved my soul.
‘This place is unreal,’ I breathed, taking it all in. Tee laughed squeezing my hand as we descended the sweeping staircase. The mingled scents of sweat, alcohol, perfume, and cypress hit me in a heady rush.
We wove our way toward the bar—an immense, glowing centerpiece. Rows of bottles gleamed under the flashing lights, their muted hues refracting like gemstones, while patrons held sophisticated beverages and garnishes in stylish glassware. The eclectic mix of voices and music hummed in my mind.
‘Two lime daiquiris, please, Matt,’ Tee called out.
Matt’s head snapped around, and a grin split his handsome face. ‘Sephy! Tee! Two daiquiris coming up.’ He went to work as my gaze took in the surroundings.
‘Ladies, allow me.’
The confident, velvety baritone made us both turn. The smile Tee was rocking faded like an old memory, and goosebumps raced over my skin as I stared into the freaky violet and silver eyes of the stunning stranger from Kew Gardens.
‘You,’ I whispered.
‘Hey, Sephy.’ He flashed me a wicked smile. ‘Tee,is it?’ He turned to my friend, who narrowed her eyes at him.
‘You know him?’ I asked, incredulous.
‘Unfortunately.’ Tee jutted her chin, her glare sharp enough to cut, while the stranger’s smile widened.
‘Follow me,’ he said smoothly, plucking our drinks from our hands before striding toward one of the VIP sections. Tee made a low growling sound and tugged on my arm as we trailed behind him.
‘Who the fuck is he?’ I whisper-snarled, and Tee blew out a frustrated breath in response.
‘Everyone, this is Sephy and Tee.’ He chuckled lightly on her name, almost mockingly, before gesturing at the circle of people waiting. A few lifted their glasses in lazy greetings.
‘Pleased to meet you.’ The beautiful blonde smiled warmly as I slid into the seat beside Tee and picked up my drink. ‘I’m Sybil.’
‘Hi.’ Tee’s gaze lingered on her. ‘So, I guess you’re an Oracle?’
Sybil’s cheeks bloomed a soft pink as she nodded. ‘I work for Zeus’s company, yes.’ Her eyes darted briefly toward the stunning stranger.
Of course she did. Oracles offered counsel and prophecy; who better to prop up Zeus’s empire of wealth and power?
At the mention of Zeus, my fingers tightened on my glass. Maybe coming here hadn’t been the brightest idea. My gaze caught on the narcissus arranged in a vase before us, and I bent closer, brushing the bloom with my fingertips. Its fragrance—an opulent sensation reminiscent of lush green leaves with traces of hyacinth and jasmine—soothed my nerves and anger.
