Page 76 of Sold to the Devil
Mattheo reassured me that I wouldn't have to do anything until I was ready, and I'm grateful to him for that.
We haven't revealed the truth about Jones's death to our friends. They're bound to find out one way or another, since the Dark Mage sent us a letter informing us of a meeting the day before we resume classes. That's today, Sunday.
The boys have already left, waiting for us at Leroi Manor. Arthur thought his mother might need help preparing for the meeting she's always organizing.
Carmen being a second mother to each of them, the boys did not hesitate to volunteer and accompany the young blond home, eager to lighten the matriarch's schedule.
Early in the afternoon, Matt and I get ready, him donning an all-black suit and me a long black robe with long, puffy sleeves. A very basic outfit, but it's enough to meet the Dark Mage.
I put on my black heels and tie my hair in a high ponytail. My makeup is also simple: emerald green eyeshadow, black mascara and red lipstick. I'm checking myself in the mirror to make sure I look presentable when I see Mattheo coming up behind me. He places his hands on my waist and pulls me back against his chest.
“You look divine, my angel,” he whispers in my ear before moving his lips against the skin of my neck and kissing it lightly.
Goosebumps rise on my skin and shivers run down my spine. My cheeks turn a soft pink and my lips curl into a shy smile.
“You too, Matt.”
He asks if I'm ready, and as I nod, the unpleasant sensation of being crushed by a powerful force makes me gasp. I close my eyes for a few seconds to push the feeling away before opening them again, my gaze settling on the magnificent Leroi Manor. It's still elegant and as beautiful as the last time we were here, but my stomach twists painfully once I see the gardens.
Everything isdead.
There are no more flowers, the trees have lost their leaves and look diseased, the grass is so dark it looks like it has been burned.
The manor itself seems darker than I remember, and I can feel the dark magic emanating from its walls. I'm used to it, but this is different. It's overwhelming, it seems to be trying to seep through my skin. I've never felt the call of darkness like this. It's drawing me into its embrace, and the scariest part is, I have no desire to run away. On the contrary, I'm dying to succumb to it.
I'm brought back to reality by Mattheo's hand lightly squeezing mine. I hadn't noticed he let go of my waist to intertwine our fingers.
“Let's go,” he whispers.
I nod and follow him to the entrance of the mansion. Carmen opens the door for us, a small smile on her red lips. She hugs me before doing the same to Mattheo, who awkwardly hugs her back, clearly uncomfortable.
“Oh, how are you, my dear children?” She asks softly.
“We're fine, Carmen, thank you,” I smile shyly and relief floods her features.
The boys appear behind her, their usual cheerful expressions gone. They're all wearing black suits similar to Matt's, and their hair is neatly styled. It's quite unusual to see them like this; they're always so carefree in their dressing. They look me up and down with slight smiles on their faces, and I roll my eyes teasingly.
“Hi guys.”
They answer in unison, making me laugh softly. Enzo comes over to me, grabs my hand, forcing me to let go of Mattheo as he spins me around so they can get a better look.
“You are truly magnificent, beautiful!” He smiles with all his teeth.
“All right, Berkeley, don't touch my fiancée,” Mattheo pushes him away, frowning, his gaze dark.
His arm wraps around my waist and he pulls me to his side, holding me protectively and possessively while glaring at the boys. I roll my eyes, amused by his stupid jealousy. He knows perfectly well that nothing will ever happen between any of the boys and me.
Carmen tells us that it is time for us to join the Master in the reception room and our faces lose all joyful emotion, becoming impassive.
In front of the Dark Mage, showing anything other than coldness and a thirst for murder can cost you your life.
Darkvis sits at the head of the large table, his murderous red gaze fixed on us as we enter. We move behind our assigned seats, bow respectfully, and he gestures for us to sit.
Mattheo sits right next to his father, I sit to his right. Enzo and Theodore sit in the chairs next to me, while Cameron and Arthur sit opposite us. Our eyes remain fixed on the black wood of the table, waiting for the Master to give us permission to speak.
“Ah, children,” he mumbles hoarsely. “It's a pleasure to finally see you here.”
I swallow the lump that has formed in my throat. I have no reason to be afraid of him; I have completed the first part of my task after all. But I know I will receive the Trace tonight and I know it will be painful. However, it doesn't matter; I must remain strong and impassive in front of the Dark Mage.
