Chapter 6: Flicker in the Dark 2

Sophia smiles as she looks at Mon, looking so effortlessly handsome in his blood-red suit. His hair is slick back. She is clinging to his arm as they descend the grand staircase.

"Damn!" Letizia exclaims.

"My... my... my~ you are a sight to behold!" Chealsy says excitedly as she fixes Sophia's dress.

She's wearing a body-hugging blood-red velvet gown with a sweetheart neckline. Her long black hair is also slick back.

"Hah! That's too obvious for you to say," Mon proudly says they all laugh.

"I thought, it's just a meet and greet, why do you have to dress up?" Camille asks.

"They suddenly set a theme. I don't know~ they got pretty excited I guess. When I told the organizers that they are coming, they changed to Twilight Saga kinda thing," Sophia explains.

"Did I hear--- they?" Stephanie asks to confirm.

Then...

"Oh my god!"

The ladies exclaim as they watch Jason in a black suit, black ragged jeans, and black leather shoes. The only thing different is his tucked white polo--- four buttons open, exposing his chiseled chest.

"Our blood definitely runs in him," Mon says, shaking his head.

"You look delicious!" Primrose exclaims.

"Thank you~," Mon says while flashing his charming smile.

Primrose grimaces.

"Not you! You were so cool and dashing before you squealed like a woman last night," she says. The ladies laugh. Mon sulks.

"Ahhh... don't sulk, Damon. You are still adorable... just don't be around snakes!" Chealsy consoles. Jason smirks. Then, he looks at his wristwatch.

"Tsk! Ain't we going? Don't waste my time!" Jason scolds pointing his finger at Sophia.

Sophia suddenly becomes excited when she sees the signet ring on Jason's finger.

"It fits you really well," she exclaims as she holds his hand.

The ladies check his signet curiously and playfully.

"I never received a present from you~," Mon says in a sad voice.

"See you later," Sophia says to the ladies, ignoring his statement.

Envy and excitement are apparent in the eyes of the students as they enter a candlelit room.

A luminous moon shines above the stage. Round tables are scattered around the room.

"My lords, Ms. Lopez--- your table awaits," one of the organizers tells them as he points at the table on the stage beautifully decorated.

Sophia thanks him and they leave for their table.

"What's wrong?" Sophia asks Jason, who looks so uneasy on his seat.

"I dunno. I just feel uncomfortable~"

"Maybe it's the cross behind you--- UNCLE!" Mon says, provoking him with his nonchalance.

Jason glares at Mon, comfortably sitting with his legs crossed as he tastes his red wine.

"Guys~ not now!" Sophia mutters.

They all keep quiet when the emcee speaks.

"Good evening, welcome to our meet and greet party. Before anything else, help me welcome our special guests for tonight, lords Archie Damon and Jason Kian~"

They clap. There are mixed emotions in the room. Some are excited, but some are fearful. Most ladies scream while most men sigh in disappointment.

"The purpose of this occasion is simple--- to meet new friends and form new alliances. There are games prepared for you. I hope you all enjoy the rest of the evening."

As the party starts, the giant doors are opened. The room is flustered as they see the other lords entering.

"Hope you don't mind us crashing your party!" Ben says as he brushes his hair back with his hand.

The screams. The joy. The fear. The wines and artificial fog. They are all intoxicating.

"I thought, you said you are NOT coming!" Mon casually says as the four of them sit down.

"We thought so, too. But someone nags us," Ron replies. Jay clears his throat. Leo grins.

"Maybe this is why I feel uneasy," Jason mumbles.

"You? You feel uneasy? It's probably the cross behind you!" Leo teases.

"Tsk!" Jason says while gesturing to punch him.

"Enough!" Sophia grunts.

"You are not supposed to be here. So, you behave or you're out!" she warns.

They agree.

"Now, may I request everyone to go to the dance floor, one woman should be sitting alone!"

"I will dance with Jason," Jay suddenly says.

"What?!"

"Huh?"

"Ei?"

They react, amused, and surprised by his action.

"Tsk! I'd rather dance with that lady than to touch you!" Jason sardonically says. Then, he gets up and goes to a group of women, who scream at his presence.

"Why did you do that?" Ben asks. Jay gives a winning smile. Then, he explains.

"Look at what happened. He's~"

"Good evening, my lords!" a lady says with four other ladies behind her.

"What do you want?!" Leo grunts.

"Well, the dark prince says that you might need a company," one other woman explains.

The lords look at Jason smiling wickedly. He raises his wine glass as if making a toast.

"Hmmm... no ladies should be left alone--- my lords! You have to grant their wishes!" Sophia says as she stands up and walks down the stage and mingles with other students.

The lords don't have any choice, but to dance with them. The hesitant lords eventually enjoy changing partners on the dance floor and with all due respect, they have the groove.

Some of them are flirting with other ladies. Jay goes back to their table, where Jason already sits at.

"How's your dance?" Jason teases.

"Interestingly happy~ THANK YOU!" Jay replies without masking his irritation. Jason chuckles. Jay looks around.

"Sophia went to the restroom," Jason feeds Jay's curiosity.

"Are you afraid that I might snatch her from you?!" Jason asks, daring Jay with his eyes.

"Hah! As if!" Jay answers.

"Then, why are you here?!"

"None of your business!"

"What if I tell you that I like her, too?!"

Jay smirks and laughs.

"Interesting! You DON'T like her~ you just HATE the idea that she loves me--- UNCLE!"

"Tsk! Very well, if you are that confident, stop crossing my way to her, mighty lord Jay Harrison! Next time, I might step on you!"

They exchange an intense gaze. Jay holds his glass tight--- so tight that it shatters with some fragments cutting his palm.

Jason looks as Jay's blood slowly drips from his fist. His heart pounds hard as his breathing deepens. He clenches his hands as sweat starts to form on his hairline. Everything turns black.