Page 54 of Potion of Deception (Potion of Deception #1)
ONE OF US IS A LIAR
V iolette’s head was occupied with dreams about the warm bed which waited for her in the inn as she was pacing her way near the river.
She even tripped over a tree root sticking out of the damp ground – the drowsiness was swept away in a blink.
Her eyes switched to the root and made her question how she managed to miss such a big let.
Perhaps she really needed to make a heist if she wanted to go back to resting in the soft sheets before the ball.
And no more dreaming, with her luck next time she'll find herself standing in the middle of the river.
The swirling fog obscured the surroundings.
The sound of the wet grass, newly coated with dew, rustled softly while the sun barely woke up, still sweeping away the remains of the night.
The damp ground near the river stained the soles of Violette's boots, their tips covered in water drops.
She got closer to the edge of the river, searching through the stones for any sign of the forest fairies.
Her walk lasted for half an hour when she started to realize it might take longer than she'd wished.
She yawned, passing a little wooden bridge.
Her eyes laid at the water surface as she finished examining the space – no signs of magic.
Though she wasn't about to give up, after all, the forest fairies weren't something rare to see.
Last time she met them on a walk through the city park before her work shift.
It was a nice distraction as that day promised to be extremely busy – the Week of Enchanting Sales just started and she knew it'd be a really tough few days of bargaining and complaining with some stubborn customers. Good thing she was not less persistent.
Twenty more minutes passed by and, as she believed, her eyes finally found a place where the fairies held their celebrations last night. A few stones glimmered with the gold freckles and the clear surface of the water was strewn with sparkles, shimmering with signs of charms.
Violette quickly scooped the dust from the nearest stone in a flask and took another one in reserve. Nothing made her happier than knowing that she could finally go back and flop in the bed to meet the wondrous world of dreaming.
The time after flashed by in a moment, one blink and Violette was already standing in front of the mirror, looking at her reflection.
She was still in her regular violet dress with black lace, thinking how to change it to make it up to the level of a noble ball gown.
The dress she saw yesterday in the town broke the surface in her mind.
She really liked its skirt and the neckline seemed quite fitting to her likeness.
She'll definitely take notes for her own design but she might make some adjustments and she wasn't about to betray her favorite color, so the dress unquestionably had to be in shades of purple.
She should look elegant and she'd like to keep the style of her homeland fashion.
She whirled in a spot, scrutinizing her current dress and finally the picture in her head came together.
One sway of the magic wand in her hand, a few more and her dress started to transform into something completely new.
The skirt lengthened and hit the ground, adding a few dark tulle layers to make it more bouffant and regal.
She left the silhouette simple and delicate.
A tight bodice close fitting to her waist with lilac ribbon at the back created an imitation of a corset, the front remained a heart-shaped neckline trimmed with the exquisite black lace.
Her neck had been wrapped in a silk dark lilac ribbon with a silver pendant.
The cherry on the top appeared to be the long sheer black gloves reaching her shoulders where they connected to the bodice, leaving her collarbone exposed.
Her hands sparkled in the dim light of the lamp as she admired the work that was done.
Her eyes found her reflection in the mirror – she looked magnificent.
The dress wasn’t adorned with a multitude of petticoats or elaborate designs, but it was perfect for her and the occasion.
She put her magic wand in a hidden pocket, then walked up to the table where she left the Vampire Slayer.
Her fingers froze above it, eyes reflected on the blade and then she sheathed it, hiding on the thigh.
She smoothed the wrinkles on the skirt and looked in the mirror again. She was ready. She hoped so.
The hall appeared to be empty. The inviting light of the candles illuminated the living room.
Violette trailed her steps near the window – the moon shone in the sky brighter than usual.
A clear sky spangled with stars and the beautiful constellations, plugging something warm and familiar in her chest.
When her mother died, Violette found her peace in the star embroideries, looking for her between the million lights on the dark firmament, seeking her advice. Any signs she’s there and watching her. But even now, staring at the sky, all she could see is the blackness that separated them.
Nervous feelings engrossed her body and mind, sweat covered her hands under the sheer fabric.
She didn't want to be a coward but she couldn't fight the agitation inside.
It was her first ball and she wasn't just a regular guest, not herself.
She was supposed to play a duchess, and something deep inside her heart whispered that this night will not be as successful as she hoped.
Maybe, it's just fear and doubts of the past talking – whenever she is with Dante something bad always happens.
Was it him or was she terribly unlucky, she couldn't calculate. She just hoped she was wrong this time.
Her gaze lowered to the tall trees bathing in the moonlight.
A sudden glimpse of light drew her attention.
She narrowed her eyes, peering into the darkness.
Two dark eyes shimmered in front of her.
The giant figure a few feet away outside – a shaggy monster with pointed ears.
No. Not a monster. A dog . A huge black dog resembling a shepherd looked right onto her.
The chill of fear swept over her – everyone knew what it symbolized – a sign of bad luck.
Violette hadn't believed in most of the superstitions but there were undeniable ones and this one was not an exception.
The black dog which is also known as Tinieblas – a harbinger of darkness and tragedy.
A rare glimpse of such a magical animal was compared to a death sentence.
She blinked and – it was gone, disappeared as suddenly as if it'd never been there.
Her eyes kept looking for the phantom through the window. Was it just in her head? Could her imagination, her nervous state, make it up? She stood there wondering and peering at the mysterious creature, not even hearing the steps behind her back.
“There you are. Didn't know you already came down,” the male voice slipped to her ears, bringing her back from the deep thoughts. And she turned away from the window.
Dante was standing at the last stair, adjusting the cuffs on the dark sleeves.
His attire consisted of a dark blue coat with silver embroidery on the collar and sleeves, black pants and high leather boots.
He looked much more put together than usual, even all buttons of his coat were fastened.
She couldn't say which style suited him more, this or his unbothered way of dressing, however he looked like a noble in this light, perhaps even a prince.
“I decided to get ready earlier,” Violette said with a vacant smile.
His eyes examined her with an appraising glance, raking over the trim on her chest then down to her waist but then he abruptly broke it off, raising them to her face. “Great, then we're ready to go.”
But before stepping outside, she once again looked in the window – nothing.
A black carriage was waiting for them outside; it had been a while since they'd taken a ride in it, not to say that Violette missed it – she still remembered the spinal pain it caused her before .
Dante opened the door and kindly offered her his hand to get inside.
“How gallant,” Violette purred in a sarcastic manner.
Dante decided to remain silent, he looked pretty serious. Was he nervous about tonight as well? She doubted so, however he might not believe in her part of their affair.
The road to the Adrogans family estate shouldn't have been long.
Violette kept staring thoughtfully out the window, the image of the shaggy dog wasn't leaving her mind, sowing a disquietude in her soul.
Was she indeed just imagining it? She no longer knew if she could trust her own eyes.
It could be just a regular black dog, passing by. Maybe…
Dante seemed to notice her distress.
“You are too silent today. This doesn't look like you,” his words didn't immediately reach Violette's consciousness, her mind was flying in the clouds.
She slowly turned her head to him, and blinked, pondering over his words.
“Are you nervous about the ball?” he asked.
“No,” she let out languidly, her fingers toying with the wrinkles on her dress. “I–Do people here believe in bad signs?”
Dante pulled his brows together, surely surprised by her question .
“Depends. Mostly, yes. Because of the old tales people are disposed to believe in some portent or augury,” he voiced meekly.
“For example?”
“As absurd as it could sound, the thunder before an important day…
I don't know, coronation, used to be considered that witches are up to something bad. Or it is believed that crows and eagle owls are servants of the evil sorcerers,” he waved carelessly like it was nonsense.
“Suddenly extinguished lanterns indicate the presence of evil spirits.”
“What about a black dog?”
“A black dog?” His eyes turned into two matte black stones, jaw straining.