Chapter Thirty-Three: The Ball from Hell

Alice:

Ivory tugged at the black leather corset, her nimble fingers tying the sleek orange ribbon. Tracing the carved leather, the big leather skirt hung off of my hips. An orange lace floated over the solid leather, Ivory sitting me down on my bed. Pulling out her make up bag, her small bump grazed my arm.

"How are you holding up, Ivory?" I asked kindly, letting her paint my eyelids with a shimmering gray eye shadow after the heavy orange eyeliner. "You look great. I feel bad that you are my lady-in-waiting. You had a higher title than m-" Cupping my face, her perfectly made up face was inches from mine. Grinning ear to ear, her next words shaking me to my core.

"I didn't stage a hostile takeover to get to where I am." She joked tenderly, twisting my hair into a complicated side bun. "Your face was made for side buns. I followed you because I wanted to. You straightened out my Renky and now we are expecting. I am so thankful for you. Might I add that Hell is running like a well oil machine now. We have never had such amazing trade. You deserve this." Placing my crown on my head, she pulled on a pair of elbow length gloves. Stepping back, she spun around to show off her shimmering ivory gown. The shiny material hugged her petite form, her hand resting on her bump. Rapid footfalls echoed down the hall, Cobalt skidding in. Spinning around in an ornate midnight black suit with crisp orange edges, Sy ran in with the same matching suit hugging his slender but muscular build. Well, didn't they look handsome? His hair had been pulled back into a flawless half up half down style, his crown resting on his head. Renkin called out after him, his ivory suit shimmering as much as Ivory's. Donning the second in command metal, he fiddled with the medal proudly. Tracing the raven shaped metal, Ivory bounced up to him. Cobalt smashed into my skirt, his hand reaching for mine. This boy had stolen my heart at first sight, his happiness would always be my main goal.

"Where are the girls?" I queried with a warm smile, picking up Cobalt. "Does your father have them?" Before he could answer, his father entered in with the girls. Wearing silky black dresses with orange ribbons, he was beaming with pride. Looking the best in his scarlet velvet suit, his black dress shirt made him look snazzier. Cobalt hopped out of my arms. Running out of the room for a second, he came back in with a box. Draken shuffled in with a handsome navy suit showing off his good looks, the two of them stepped up with Sy. Curious as to what all of this was all about, my attention had been captured.

"We present you with a gift from the three of us for all that you have done." Cobalt gushed excitedly, opening the box to reveal another box. "Sorry about that." Opening the next box, tears welled up my eyes at the most beautiful pumpkin jewelry set. Crouching down to Cobalt's level, a kiss on the top of his head caused a tender blush to rise to his cheek. How could he be so freaking adorable!

"The metal work is amazing. Draken, your skills with gems is impeccable." I complimented with my real smile, fixing Cobalt's hair. "Do you mind doing the honor of putting my necklace on? I can handle the earrings." His shaking hands clipped it onto my neck, my steady hands putting on the matching earrings. Hugging in my motherly manner, this was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Seeing them so happy made it worth it, my heart pumping away.

"I shall never take it off." I proclaimed proudly, scooping him up. "I take you made the wish of instant healing with the wish of this particular gem, Sy. Don't lie, I know you like the back of my hand. Thank you." Kissing him hungrily, a deep scarlet painted his cheeks. Sliding his hand to my waist, he refused to let me go. Kissing the top of my head, a bit of his stress had melted away. Renkin cleared his throat, his worried look telling me that it was time to get going. Setting Cobalt down, Sy took the twins. Taking a deep breath, my introverted self was seconds from having a panic attack. Walking downstairs, all of us stopped in front of the doors. Gathering my wits, I pushed the doors open. Striding to our thrones, sharp whispers passed through the well dressed crowd. The rumors were harsh, the words cutting me up. Ignoring them, Hell had to be run after all. Taking my place in front of my throne, a dagger whistled in my direction. Catching it in between my fingers, I flicked it in the direction of the assassin. Cutting the tendons behind his knees, he dropped to the floor. Crying out in pain, the little asshole had more hurt coming his way. Sauntering up to him, the others quivered in fear. Picking him by the collar of his ragged robes, his simple white mask clattered to the floor. Tracing the unfamiliar mark of a snake around two blades, he had come from an illegal gang. Slamming him onto one of the spikes, he hung by his shoulders. Why couldn't one thing go right, damn it!

"I think you should tell me who hired you." I snarled with a cruel smile, sick of everyone trying to kill me. "I only want peace for everybody but I have every right to kill you for trying to kill me. Spill the tea, my dear friend." A defiant grin spread across his scarred face, ruby eyes hiding many secrets. Spitting in my face, everyone gasped in shock. Noting a couple of odd reactions, one snap of my fingers had them in chains at my feet. Did they really think that I this fucking stupid!

"We won't tell you a damn thing." He barked with a widening grin, chills running up my spine. "Have a nice time dying." The doors burst open, a demon with a black skeletal mask spun a smooth curved blade made of demon bones. Venom dripped from underneath his mask, a pit growing in my stomach. Summoning my blade, one swift cut had half the material on the floor. Cutting off the assassins' heads, his wicked laughter made my face pale beyond the ghosts. Did he kill his own people? Stepping back, he snapped his fingers. Cold hands held everyone in place, a cage of bones dropping over everyone else. Shaking my head, this couldn't be happening. Death, I was so sick of death.

"They are dunces." He groaned with a crazed grin, pointing his blade in my direction. "The rumors are true, your majesty. I would like to introduce myself as Bloodsky Vampa. Today I will be your reaper on behalf of Ginger, my little sister. She couldn't make it due to some complications at home. I have a feeling that they have everything to do with you." Playing with his wild snow white hair, he leaned forward. Worn leather covered his tall muscular body, the good foot over me was not going to give me the confidence I needed. A snap of his finger had everyone's mouths sealed shut with invisible magic.

"We can't have the crowd helping you out." He mused darkly, resting his blade on his shoulders. "Let's make this an official duel. The winner gets to keep their life." Offering me his hand, Sy shook his head in protest as I shook his hand. Renkin disappeared from his place, his broken expression meeting mine. Taking a step back, tears welled up in his eyes. Choking out the words proved difficult for him, his eyes refusing to meet mine. What the hell was his problem? I had to do this to prove myself for my people.

"Ready, set, duel!" He shouted through a wall of tears, Bloodsky cutting me up immediately. Falling to the floor, my wounds refused to heal. The duel must have rendered the wish useless, his sword raised over my head. My vision blurred, the pain making it impossible to move. Blocking it last minute, black energy swirled around me. Choking on the blood clogging my throat, he had narrowly missed the vital organs. Black energy built around my boot, one kick sending him into the wall. Bits of pumpkin crumbled over his head, his maniacal fit of laughter sending chills up my spine. Struggling to my feet, the fact that my wounds refused to heal frustrated me. This bastard was twice as fast as Renkin, my only hope of healing was to win the duel. Watching inky dots splatter onto the floor, my blood loss was immense. Struggling to stay on my feet, my blocks were clumsy at best. Death, I didn't want to die again. Cobalt and my twins needed me. Hell, my family needed me.

"Where is the all powerful queen now?" He teased icily, smashing me onto an iron spike. "Look at you hanging like a good girl for me." Glancing around at the horrified people, Sy looked seconds from becoming the demon fox. Spinning my blade underneath my arm, it pushed me onto the floor. Inkiness pooled around me, my limit had to be broken to beat him. Screaming with utter frustration into the air, I needed to get stronger. Stepping on my head, his heel dug into my neck. Crying into my blood, it wasn't going to end like this. One thing had to get me out of this, Sy's disapproving face flashing in my mind.

"Break my limit." I wheezed, coughing up more blood than I should. Unlimited power coursed through me, an evil darkness tempting me to go on the other side. Alarm widened his eyes, my increased power burning every cell in my body. Struggling to my feet, an inky blackness dying my veins. Black vines whipped around me, a frustrated groan bursting from my lips with every miss. The stability of my magic was wearing thin, the spell glitching out. Hiding behind a column, I returned to normal with no powers. Cursing to myself over and over again, my wits were going to get me out of this. An idea struck me but it would burn me as well. Alas, that didn't fucking matter. Who was the idiot bleeding out? I was that fucking idiot. Why didn't I say no?Sending my blade away, it would be of little use. Digging in my boots, I pulled out a mini pistol. Loading it with Holy Water bullets, a kiss to the metal extended it into a decent size rifle. Poking my head out, he was nowhere to be seen. Where was the bastard in horror movies when you couldn't find them? Grinning ear to ear, my arms protested as I raised my gun at the ceiling. Finding my target, the safety clicked off on its own. Aiming for his hand, his cocky grin fell at me tugging on the trigger. The kick back smashed me into the column, the bullet tearing into his hands. Dropping his sword, one shot from my gun shattered it into tiny pieces. Rising to my feet, he dropped down in front of me. Smashing his chest with the but of the rifle, he skidded across the floor.

"People or demons aren't your playthings, you fucking bastard." I chastised him with every step towards him, the muzzle of my rifle pressing into his chest. Unloading all the bullets into his chest, his body began to decay. Tossing the useless rifle to the side, malice glittered in his eyes. Stabbing my leg with a Holy Water soaked dagger, a steady stream of curse words flooded from my lips. Black smoke curled from my calf, inky drops splattering the floor the moment I ripped it out. Falling on top of him, horror rounded my eyes at the face underneath the mask. Raw muscle poked through wide gashes, the dagger sliding through his skull with ease. Twisting it in his brain, shrill scream after scream bounced off the wall until he was no more. Winning the duel, my wounds began to heal. Feeling off, the amount of people I had to kill lately have been too many. Kicking the dust around, I placed my hands on my hips. Scratching the back of my head, I must have looked a mess as his traps all faded away. Renkin shot me a death glare, the tension between my family and I seemed a little heavy. Bowing to my guests, they didn't deserve this. Why couldn't I be a better queen? Why did I have to keep killing? It wasn't his death eating at me but my parents. Shooting them was hard, wet tears soaking my cheeks. Every cell told me that I deserved to die, the desire burning bright for a moment.

"I apologize for what happened." I stammered anxiously, flashing them my brightest smile. "I am excusing myself to get cleaned up. Enjoy the party." Snapping my fingers, the room repaired itself as I exited. Swing music began to play, the drums hiding my footsteps. Running up to my room, I slammed the door shut behind me. Sliding into the bathroom, my shaking hands turned on the steaming water. Dropping some herbs into the water, I peeled off what was left of my gown. Sinking into the water, the handle rattled. My action was going to piss everyone off, the crippling depression tearing into my heart.

"What a fucking shit show!" Renkin shouted through the door, Sy joining in by cursing on the other side of the door. "Shut up, Sy!" A scuffle had threatened to begin, the response I chose was to completely sink underneath the water. There was too much noise, my anxiety going through the roof. Popping my head back up, the brothers were arguing away. Everything was my fault, just like it always was. Stepping out, my fingers curled around a fluffy towel. Drying myself off, the next step caused dread to bubble in my gut. Throwing on my robe, the lock clicked on its own. Draining the tub, the hangers groaned as I climbed into the closet. Closing the door, no one needed me right now. Picking up my brush, every snarl was met with protest. Brushing out the last one, my quaking hands twisted it into a lower bun. Fixing my bangs, the image of his face twisted in horror flashed in my mind. Burying my face into my palms, the images of my dead parents haunted me. Sobbing uncontrollably, the dam had burst. A furious Sy opened the door, his face softening at my condition. Clutching me close to his chest, Renkin backed out with his hands up. Why couldn't I stop crying? They treated me so horribly but yet I felt like a monster.

"Thank you for saving us all when we couldn't." He whispered sweetly in my ear, his lips kissing the top of my head. "Renkin will get over it. You don't have to g-" Putting my hand up in the air, my people needed to see me. Walking into our room, at least a dozen gowns taunted me. Sy popped up behind me, his hand running up my thigh. Tracing his fangs along the nape of my neck, his other hand rested on my flat stomach. Slipping out of my downward spiral, sex seemed so tempting right now.

"What are you doing?" I gasped sensually, the man would have to wait. "We have a ball to attend, Master." Clasping my hand over my mouth, things were okay with us or so I hoped. His pants were already on the floor, his fingers dancing around my swollen clit. Melting into his arms, he lined himself up. Jamming himself in, a finger snapping locked the door. Trying not to cry out, my trembling fingers gripped one of the shelves. Every wild buck sent a new wave of pleasure through me, his name bouncing off the walls. Shoes dropped to the floor, his arms carrying me to the bed. Laying me down gingerly, he traced my new scars. Confused by his actions, his fingers lowered my robe gingerly. I hated those things, the locked memories of every single one haunting every second of my day.

"I hope you don't mind me taking you, your majesty." He teased with a hungry kiss, his fingers tracing my bare skin. "How could I leave this treat untouched?" A knock interrupted him, Ivory's voice coming through the door. Jumping off the bed, he tugged on his pants. Unlocking the door, he let her in. Shoving him out, Ivory snatched a carbon copy of the original gown. Winking in my direction, she helped me tug it on. Redoing my makeup, everything was getting to me. Noticing my pained expression, her dainty hands cupped my face. How did she look so angelic right now, her gentleness was a far cry from Renkin's frustration.

"Everyone wants to meet you after that show of power. You should know by now that demons love a strong leader." She chirped jovially, helping me to my feet. "Let them meet their queen." Guiding me downstairs, cheers erupted the moment I entered the ballroom. Sy rushed up to my side, unable to keep his hands off of me. Taking me into the center of the room, the music began to play again. Spinning around the room, nothing could shake this uncomfortable feeling. Glancing over at his father playing with the girls, the room began to spin. A tiny hand tugging on my dress snapped me from my minor panic attack, an eager Cobalt shook at my feet. Cobalt was my gift from Heaven, him being alive making the murder of my parents worth it. Clearing his throat, he bowed in my direction.

"May I steal this dance, your majesty?" He choked out oddly, his hand waiting patiently for mine. Accepting it with my real smile, we spun around the dance floor. Everyone watched with joy in their eyes, Cobalt loving every moment of it. The next song began, Sy watching me plop into my throne. Watching everyone enjoy themselves, my fingers began to scratch the top of my hands. The leather groaned with every scratch, the noise becoming too much. His father slid the girls into my arms, shooting me a wink.

"I think it is bedtime for the girls." He suggested blithely, providing me a quick break. "Balls are hard to get used to, especially after a major show of power." Wincing at his words, the twins reached for my sore breasts. Sitting on the armrest of the handle, his strong hands patted my shoulders. Something felt so warm about him, my heart wishing that he had been in my life this whole time.

"I think it was spectacular but you might want to let Renkin chew you out tomorrow. Do that for me, 'kay?" He commented sincerely, checking my temperature. "I saw you break your limit earlier and that can really destroy your body if you do that too many times. Be careful next time." Joining the party, he mingled with ease as I crept upstairs to put them to bed. Pulling my breasts out, they suckled away. Finishing up, they cooed away in my arms. Changing them into their silky nightgowns, exhaustion weighed on their eyelids. Humming a lullaby, their sweet snores told me that sweet slumber had stolen them away. Tucking them into their cribs, I crashed onto the bed. Every emotion soaked the bedding, the image of my dead parents flashing in my head.

"Go away!" I shouted into my pillow, wanting this feeling to disappear. "Go away!" Balls, I hated balls and talking to people. What was the fucking point! Evil lurked in every corner of Hell and I was throwing a party like an idiot. Laying on my back, the skirt took up every inch of the bed. Jumping to my feet, it felt amazing to tear off the skirt. Tugging on a leather skirt, the matching leather jacket met my eyes. Sliding it on, this outfit was much more comfortable. The hem of my skirt floated around halfway up my thigh, everything feeling slightly better. My whole outfit was black, and it felt just right. Letting my hair down, my natural waves cascaded down my back. Wiping off the ridiculous makeup look, I donned a simple cat eye. Adjusting everything, I ran into Sy on the way out. His breath hitched at my outfit, his brother rolling his eyes. Running downstairs, Sy couldn't keep his hands off of me. Walking up to the stage, these demons needed an update to their playlist. Summoning an electric guitar, I whispered something into the drummers and bass guitarist's ears. Luckily, they knew what song I wanted to play. Here's to hoping that they liked it.