Page 18 of The Sins of Silas (The Otacian Chronicles #2)

Chapter Eighteen

LENA

“ L ook at you, Ginger Snap.” Roland's eyes roamed over my body from his seated position on my bed. His gaze lingered on my exposed hips, then on my breasts.

It was now evening, and we were getting ready for the circus Dani and Leroy had raved about. I felt a little scandalous wearing this outfit, but at the same time, I'd never felt more confident. The maroon, off-shoulder dress hugged my body pleasingly, my thighs peeking through the slits on either side, and I’d be lying if I said my ass didn’t look nice. But with the black under-bust corset sinching my waist and pushing my breasts up…well, they are what stole the show.

His lips curved into a sinister smile as he stood. “You look…”

I ran my hand over my collarbone suggestively. “Look like what?” I asked sweetly .

He bit back his smile, eyes trailing along me another time. “You look like…” He gave me a mischievous grin. “Like I’m going to have trouble keeping my hands off you.”

I grinned back, and his eyes went half-lidded as he drew me close by the small of my back. I gasped softly as he pulled my mouth to his, and after a slow kiss, I smiled against his lips.

“I feel the same way,” I purred.

He chuckled lowly. “I'm not even dressed yet,” he whispered. He was still wearing his outfit from earlier today.

“Then get dressed.” I lightly slapped his ass, and he bit my lip. When he withdrew, I stared up at him, studying this face that I once despised.

“What?” he mumbled, then pecked my lip again.

“I just would’ve never guessed…any of this.” I kissed him slowly. "I wanted you dead last month."

“You never wanted me dead,” he murmured over my lips. “You saved me, remember?”

My smile grew against him, and then I pulled away. “We're going to be late. Go get dressed.”

He groaned but conceded. I waited on the edge of the bed while Roland changed in the bathroom, him wishing to give me a grand reveal.

I wonder what this Freak Show entails…

I hoped we weren’t falling into some trap. Dani and Leroy had been nothing but kind, but Warlocks and Mages had a history of butting heads. I didn’t want to think the worst of them…perhaps they were just kind-hearted people. Those still existed, right?

I slipped on my black heeled ankle boots, which I had purchased earlier. Well, technically, Silas purchased them. I wasn't used to wearing heels, but thankfully, they were thick enough that I felt mostly fine when I walked in them. I still feared tripping and humiliating myself.

I sighed as I stood, practicing my walking skills as I made rounds across the room.

Why am I walking like something's up my ass?!

Okay, fine. I didn't walk great in heels. How princesses did this on the regular was beyond me.

“Well? What do you think?”

I turned at the sound of Roland's voice, and my eyes nearly fell out of my head when I beheld him. His hair was freshly styled, and his suit was a dark grey, hugging his body in all the right places. He looked so…elegant.

He looked exceptional.

He tucked his hands into his pockets, giving me a shit-eating grin. “I look sexy, don’t I?”

I bit my lip as my eyes greedily roamed over him. “Gods… so sexy.”

My smile turned playful at the sight of his reddening cheeks. I'd come to learn that when I was shameless about my attraction to him, it made the overly confident man turn bashful, just for a moment. I relished in it, and found it made me even more attracted to him.

He held out his elbow. “Well, shall we go then, Ginger Snap?”

It was dark when Roland and I stepped outside, the stars illuminating the night sky. I thought of Mother as I observed them, hoping she was doing well up on the mountain. I couldn't let my thoughts linger on her, or I'd cry.

Elowen's mouth fell open, her eyes lighting up as she admired me. “My Gods, Lena!” she exclaimed. “You look incredible!”

Everyone turned to look at me, Elowen's words prompting their curiosity. My cheeks heated as I met all their surprised faces.

But it wasn't until I beheld Silas that my heart stopped. That the world around me stilled.

My lips parted, a soft exhale escaping me at the sight of him. He was wearing a sleek, raven suit. It was gothic—regal. It was low in the front, exposing his muscular, tanned, tattooed chest and the very beginning of his abs.

His jet-black hair was styled back, and his own lips parted, his gold eyes flaring as he took me in. He trailed his stare over every inch of me before settling on my eyes, never leaving once they locked with mine.

Silas had always been beautiful to me, but as he stood right now, he had never appeared more flawless.

I couldn't look away. I needed to look away.

“…Lena?”

I was vaulted back to reality at the sound of Dani's voice. I whirled my head at her. “Sorry, what?”

She laughed. “I said, are you guys ready to go?”

Dani looked incredible. She wore a flowy blue mini dress with a white stay, the sleeves of the dress off-the-shoulder and puffy, just like mine. The hue of the dress's fabric matched her hair, which was currently tied up in a pony.

“Yes,” I nodded, smiling shyly. “Yes, we're ready.”

She clapped. “Alright, gang! Let's go!” She leaned in close and whispered, “Told ya that corset was hot.”

My arm was still linked with Roland's as I walked. Every time I dared a glance in the Prince's direction, his jaw clicked as if he was holding himself back from returning eye contact. His arm was interlocked with Erabella's, and I despised the envy I felt seeing her wear a sapphire blue dress—both of them modeling Otacia's colors.

That could've never been my life…I had to remember that. It was inevitable that falling in love with the Otacian Prince would leave me heartbroken. It was inevitable that he would marry a princess…that he would forget me, that he would move on.

Merrick shot me a worried glance over his shoulder, and I winced when I realized my emotions had risen. I mouthed, “Sorry.”

Dani led us down stone steps to a line formed behind a door, one that seemingly led underground.

“Where are we heading?” Edmund asked, eyes narrowed at the security guard granting people access behind the door. He wore a white suit, which paired adorably with Elowen's blush, ruffled dress.

“The Show is through that door. It's held beneath our kingdom,” Dani answered, but her eyes were on Viola. “You look great,” she complimented.

Viola's purple eyes widened for a moment. “Oh…thank you.” She smiled. “You do as well.”

Viola really did look stunning, but that wasn't new for her. The shade of her eyes against her deep skin was mesmerizing, even more so with the white dress and violet corset.

“I love your buns, Vi,” Elowen admired. “ Makes me want to grow out my hair.”

Edmund ran his fingers through Elowen's pink pixie. “You could put teeny buns in here.”

She snorted. “I suppose. I don't think it would look as cute as Vi's.”

“It would be adorable,” Viola assured, and we all moved forward in the line.

Roland glanced over his shoulder, grinning at Hendry. “I never got to ask, how was that MILF?”

I shot a glare at Roland, then curiously looked back at Hendry, who was shaking his head. “Nunya,” he replied.

Hendy's ensemble was light grey, and still, despite a fancy occasion, he kept his hair over his brows. His eye contrast was more apparent in the evening, his blue eye shining bright.

“C'mon,” Roland whined. “I gave you all our juicy details.”

My head snapped to his, and Roland broke out laughing.

I went to unlink our arms, and he pulled me in close. “I'm teasing, Ginger Snap.” He leaned in to whisper in my ear. “I don't kiss and tell—I told you that.”

“I can't stand you,” I hissed back in his ear, and when he kissed my cheek, I smiled.

Silas kept his back to me.

Twenty minutes passed before we were accepted and led through the door. A scarcely lit, stone hallway was what we trekked through for another ten, and my nerves increased with every step.

Plenty of people had entered before and after us, all giggling in anticipation, murmuring amongst themselves.

Silas was visibly tense, and he kept Era close to his side. I scowled at her from behind, not that she could see me, not that she deserved it.

“Alright,” Dani said excitedly, just as we were reaching another entryway, this one enclosed with a thick, red velvet curtain, another soldier keeping guard. “You guys ready?!”

I swallowed, and all of us remained silent. Dani's smile was wide, her eyes trailing over us all, before she sighed, her eyes rolling.

She stepped beside the curtain, her hand grasping the fabric. “Welcome to The Freak Show.”

With a dramatic pull, Dani opened the curtain for us, and I froze, my breathing stalling just for a moment before I rushed forward.

“My Gods,” I breathed.

My eyes trailed the expansive setting before me—a kingdom beneath a kingdom. Because we were underground, plenty of warm, golden lights scattered about brightened the place—lamp posts, twinkle lights, and more.

Straight ahead was a large stage, and I almost collapsed at the sight of animals I had never seen before.

“You can imagine what those animals really are,” Dani murmured into my ear as she stepped beside me.

“Holy shit,” Roland whispered.

Tigers. Monkeys. A damn elephant, for fuck's sake. People were filling the hundreds of seats that surrounded the large stage, and my eyes caught the ringleader readying for the show.

“Logan is the ringleader?” Merrick questioned .

“That he is,” Dani replied.

The overhead light on the stage was bright. “Mage light?” I whispered.

“Yup,” Dani laughed. “Brilliant, right?”

I stumbled forward a step, tilting my head as I studied the surroundings. Food vendors were scattered about, and various games were set up, people already trying to win the small prizes. I heard a loud ding, and when I peered to my right, a man sitting above a tank of water was plunged into the liquid by someone chucking a ball at a bullseye. They roared with laughter as he was submerged.

“This place is remarkable,” Elowen said with tearful eyes, covering her smile with her hands.

There were two large tents on either side of the stage. The one to the left had black and grey stripes, and the one to the right was red and gold.

Dani angled her thumb to the black and grey. “That tent is the Adult Only tent. Think exotic dancers, fun cocktails, and…private rooms.” Her grin grew as she pointed at the other. “And the red and gold? That is where our 'freaks' work.”

Silas raised a brow at her. “Freaks?”

She peeked around, then leaned close to him. “Us Warlocks,” she whispered before pulling back. “In one night, many of us make enough silver to last for the month. The workers shift themselves, not enough to give ourselves away, of course.” She snorted. “One of the girls gave herself three breasts. You should see how much she makes.” Her eyes flicked to the tent. “We've had some wonderful souls wander here, though. Those with real deformities and oddities are the ones who started this show. We've given them a home, a community, and a livelihood after the original one was ransacked by Faltrun.” Her eyes sparkled when she faced us again. “Anyway, they are the real stars of the show. We never judged them for how they were born, nor do they judge us.” Her eyes trailed our group. “Who wants to check it out with me?”

Roland's hand popped up. “Me!” His eyes shot to mine in question.

“Have fun,” I laughed. “I think I'm going to check out the animals first.”

Roland gave me a wink, and Hendry and Edmund decided to join along, Edmund's arms going over both men's shoulders before halting.

“Merrick, join us!” Edmund insisted.

My silver-haired friend blinked, and then he let out a breathy laugh, strolling toward the men and Dani.

“I want to check out the animals too!” Elowen said. “I'll meet up with you later?”

Edmund blew her a kiss. “See you soon.”

I watched as the guys and Dani wandered over to the red and gold tent, my eyes eventually sliding back to the large center stage. I was mesmerized by the dancers who were now moving their bodies on the steps leading up to the stage, at the animals that, to the human eye, appeared just as that. The humans here had no idea so many Warlocks occupied this space.

I ambled forward, weaving through the numerous bodies that wandered the large open space. I couldn't believe how tall the ceilings were for being underground.

“This is incredible,” Erabella murmured beside me, her head craned upward to view the hoops hanging from the ceiling. The crowd roared as acrobats began their aerial performances.

It was captivating to watch their dark and twisty movements, their faces exhibiting no fear as they spun so far from the ground. The crowd 'oohed' and 'aahed' as the performers dared flips.

“I would love to do that,” Elowen murmured. “Can you imagine? I bet it feels exhilarating and entirely freeing being up there.”

“Or petrifying,” I joked. “Then again, for us, we could use a forcefield if we fell.”

Elowen shrugged, eyes glued to the acrobats. “Perhaps they have a spell for that…if they are indeed Warlocks .” She made sure to mouth that last word.

When I realized Silas was nowhere to be found, I quickly scanned the space, sighing in relief when I spotted him. He was still near the entrance, leaning against the stone wall with his arms crossed. Though he wore a scowl on his face, I could read the emotion in his eyes.

He was fascinated. Not only was the show already more impressive than anything we’d ever seen, but it was inspiring how the Warlocks had come up with ingenious ways to support themselves.

“Let's get a closer spot!” Viola pushed.

The girls started moving toward the seating. “I'll meet up with you guys,” I laughed, my eyes flitting back to Silas. “I'm going to get grumpy to join us.”

Erabella scrunched her eyebrows, then muttered, “Good luck.”

I threaded through the bodies again, and he caught my movement toward him almost instantly. “Impressive, huh?” I asked with a smile once I reached him.

He gave a slow nod, his eyes taking in the surroundings once more.

“You’re worried,” I noted.

He narrowed his eyes at me. “Should I not be?”

I laughed through my nose, crossing my arms. “There are hundreds of humans here. I doubt the W's will try anything.”

“How can you be so trusting?” he hissed, anguish in his gaze. “These people view both our kinds as enemies.”

I raised a brow at him, then glanced around the space, surveying the humans having the time of their lives and the Warlocks, those in human form, having fun alongside them. When my eyes moved back to Silas, he gave me an eye-roll.

“I like to believe I have good intuition,” I said softly, and he stiffened, glancing at me again. “You didn't want to check out the tent with the guys?”

His frown deepened. “No.”

I sighed, and my head pivoted when I heard thumping coming from the black and grey striped tent, cheering emulating from within.

I spared another glance at him. “Will you check out the adult tent with me?”

His brows raised, his arms still crossed. “You want me to check out the kinky tent with you?”

My cheeks heated, and I bit back a smile as I slapped his arm. His expression softened, a smile begging to break out on his face.

“You shouldn't be standing here all broody. Let's have…fun.”

We stood in silence for a while, and just before I was about to huff in defeat, Silas leaned off the wall, uncrossing his arms. “Fine. Let's check it out.”

I sucked in my lips, eating my grin, and dared to lock my elbow with his. His throat bobbed with the action, and I tilted my head up to meet him. “You know I've never worn heeled anything before?” I glanced down at my shoes as we walked. “I'm struggling to get used to them. My feet already hurt.”

The corner of his lip raised ever so slightly. “I think the whole room can tell you're not used to them.”

My face fell, and when his eyes playfully met mine, I nudged him with my hip. “Rude.”

“You're walking just fine,” he assured, then his brows drew together as we approached the tent entrance. “I'm surprised I never bought you any…”

I snorted. “Can you imagine me back then in heels? I would've laughed in your face if you gifted me some.”

I felt him staring at the side of my face, and when I glanced upward again, my smile fell at the sight of his lazy grin.

“You would've done no such thing,” he murmured. “You would've loved anything I got you.”

I clenched my fists, the vibrating throughout my body overwhelming my motor skills.

Hold it in…hold it in…

Tithara, spare me. I'd had trouble from time to time keeping the flames in…even the ice, when my heart ached. But never had the electricity begged to come out like it has the past couple of weeks.

I swallowed, my eyes tearing away from his handsome face.

“You're right…I would have.” As we inched closer in line, I thought out loud. “What kind of dances do they do at a circus?”

I felt him shrug beside me. “I’d say the real question is, ‘What kind of dances do they do at a 'Freak Show?’”

Only once we made it through the guard blocking the entrance, him marking the tops of our hands with ink, did we weave our way into the tent. We could hear cheering, the music now over, and my eyes widened as we finally made it in.

Another large stage was in the back, currently dark as the previous performers had just ceased their show. The people at the bottom of the pit stood amongst each other, murmuring in anticipation, preparing to dance during the next performance.

As we strode forward, our eyes took in the various people walking about, ordering drinks, or kissing in corners. I sucked in a breath once I noticed that some of the women here were topless.

Silas's eyes remained on me.

I took another step forward, my arms slacking at my sides. “Dance with me?” I asked.

He seemed taken aback for a moment, eyes darting to the large group in front of the stage.

I snorted.

“What’s so funny?” he asked with narrowed eyes.

“The face you just gave me…ouch.” I winced, my hand going to my chest.

The corner of his mouth went up again.

“Come on,” I insistedas I glimpsed up at the stage, the bar, and the many flammable objects that filled the large tent. “If anyone fucks with us, this tent will go burning down, along with everyone inside it.” I cocked my head to the side, a smirk on my face. “I’ll protect you. Don’t worry.”

My smirk faltered when he responded with a smile that showcased his perfect teeth. I took in a deep breath and held my elbow out, Silas interlocking his arm with mine once more.

We stood on the outside of the group gathered in front of the stage, and my face warmed at the many suggestive outfits surrounding us. Mine was suggestive, I supposed, but it was still tame enough that I could be around kids. Some of these adults, however, were dressed for the bedroom. Or hardly dressed at all.

The crowd began to cheer as the silhouettes of a handful of people began striding on stage, the lighting still off so we couldn't see exactly who.

Silas leaned down. “Are you nervous?” he whispered in my ear as the music started.

“No…” I lied. People started coming in from behind us, sandwiching us closer.

When the lights above finally snapped on, I gasped. Standing atop the stage were men and women with barely any clothing on—the females wearing covers over their breasts that only hid their nipples, the males wearing the skimpiest undergarments.

The sparkly, pink tassels that hung from the women's covers sparkled as they danced.

My jaw hung open. As the music picked up, fast yet sensual, the people around us began grinding against one another. A woman beside us was leaning against a man's chest, her hands trailing up behind her to run through his hair while his hands trailed her front, gripping her breasts.

It was like the dancing at Lost Anchor, only ten times naughtier. The man beside us began devouring the woman's neck, her eyes rolling back.

“So, this is what you wanted to see?” Silas yelled over the music.

My nervous eyes went to him, and after witnessing my expression, he shot his hand over his mouth to hide his smile.

Mine only grew, and I slapped his arm again. “I guess we figured it out—” I yelled over the music before someone behind me thrust into me, causing me to collide with Silas, who managed to catch me before I fell over.

“S-sorry,” I stuttered, looking up at him as he chuckled, holding my arms.

This expression…this smile—was real. It was the first real one I had seen since he came back into my life. The first one that reached his eyes.

I couldn’t help but beam up at him. “This is a little more rambunctious than I was expecting!” I laughed, daring to wrap my arms around his neck. I tried to calm my breathing as he placed his hands on my waist.

“Wild indeed,” he replied with a half-smile, leaning down to speak in my ear. “A bit more rambunctious than the Summer Solstice festival.”

I flushed at the mention of that night. “Well, more than the dancing part of that evening, anyway,” I murmured into his ear.

My breathing faltered when I drew away and saw Silas’s eyes flare, his lips separating slightly.

Was that too much?

His fingers gripped my waist, just slightly, as his eyes fell to my lips.

I was on high alert, more than aware of his strong thigh pressing between my legs.

My heart rate sped up. Silas’s hands slowly slipped from my waist, his fingers brushing the bare skin of my hips, my thighs, through the slits in my dress.

Oh, Gods.

Goosebumps spread from the skin-to-skin contact. My chest was rising and falling, and I didn't even realize that my fingers had slid through the hair at his nape, my other hand now gliding down his bare chest.

His eyes shot to mine, and I couldn't breathe. I couldn't think. But this moment only lasted a beat longer before his hands flew back to his sides, and I instantly withdrew my arms.

“Let’s get out of here,” he muttered, grasping my hand and pulling me from the crowd.

We pushed through the bodies, and I felt like I could finally take a small breath when we exited that area and made it back to the tent's entrance.

“I’m sorry, Silas…I didn’t mean to make it weird,” I insisted once we came to a halt.

He let go of my hand and ran his through his hair. “Lena…” He wet his lips, but as he opened his mouth to talk, Erabella, Elowen, and Merrick sauntered up to us.