Page 13

Chapter Ten

Luna Island

Cordelia

The sky burns orange as we dock, the sunset casting long shadows over Luna Island.

From the edge of the ferry, I can see the outline of the main strip–festival flags in hot pink, neon green, and blue whip in the wind.

LED lights flicker on along the beach stage, and a massive ferris wheel slowly spins above the treetops like a crown.

It’s beautiful.

I wore a see-through. white, sleeveless dress that’s slit down both sides, star-shaped boob tape covering my nipples, a white thong underneath, and gold arm cuffs to finish the look.

My knotless braids tumble down my back as I glance at Chase who’s dressed in nothing but white linen pants that are hanging loosely off his hips.

His brown waves are tied in a glitter-dusted man bun, and his sheer white top is open to show off his ink.

Then there’s Tate. The emo child.

Black cargo shorts, combat boots, and a mesh black crop that shows his nipple rings along with his ink.

His long, black hair is pulled back by a black bandana.

Looking good enough to eat, eyes heavy with satisfaction, or maybe it’s the champagne, but something about the way they look at me makes my skin prickle.

Hunger lingers in their gazes, but something else is beneath it.

Something even unfamiliar to me.

I walk past them as I make my way towards the end of the dock, where a group of festival workers stand along with armed security.

Music blasts from the stage as “NOTION” by The Days plays.

People gather together, laughing, dancing, and some, nearly fucking.

My body hums with excitement as we get closer to the VIP check-in passing.

It’s all moving too fast... It’s pure chaos here. There’s a woman who is on all fours, licking a glittery substance from the floor as the man beside her holds his head in the palm of his hand.

Shaking and laughing.

“Over here,” Chase says, pulling my attention from the madness and focusing on checking in.

We begin to check-in, and I notice the men at the gate are armed–nothing alarming since there’s nothing but rich brats on this island. Yet, the sight is slightly unnerving. Neon green wristbands are placed around our wrists.

“VIP three nights,” The short guard says as he hands Chase some vouchers and a packet with what looks like strips of LCD drugs in the shape of little mushrooms, and another packet that contains a pink glitter dust-like substance.

“Complimentary drugs with the tickets. This is going to be fun,” Chase muses as he removes a sticker from the strip and places it on his tongue. Walking over to Tate, he frowns.

“Just for the weekend. Do drugs. Let loose and hive.”

Ahh... the slogan of the Summer Time Madness musical festival.

Take the drugs. Let go. Give into the vibe.

It didn’t take much to convince Tate to open his wicked mouth and even less to convince me.

The music makes the island feel alive as we walk towards our villa that’s nestled between the forest and beach front.

Chase had it all figured out–one of the perks of selling yourself to the right devil, I suppose.

“Let’s go check out the ferris wheel, maybe find some food,” I say as I toss my bag onto the large California King size bed in the middle of the room.

Talk about luxury. The villa inside is beautiful.

All gold accents, no windows, just open spaces with an outdoor shower, a heated pool, and smack in the middle, the large bed decorated with plush white blankets.

Truly beautiful, the amount of work put into something like this. But considering the money you have to pay for it, we should see if it’s worth it. The ocean breeze slides through the villa like a secret shifting the trees. I swear I can feel them recognize our presence.

The vivacious greenery calls to me like a siren. My feet move of their own accord, and my hand reaches out to touch the large palm leaves. So green, so healthy, but I pause when I spot the small orange and white filaments that remain frozen in time on the stem.

Could it be? “Cordy, let’s go,” Chase’s voice rings from behind me, making me retreat and walk towards my guys.