The Black Dress (I)

Seraphina stared at the familiar surroundings as she followed Kethan wherever he was taking her. The man was still holding her hand, and because how restless she felt after returning to the exact place from where her life became a mess, she didn't dare to pull her hand away either. Instead, she was almost hanging from his arm as they walked.

They only stopped walking through those never-ending maze like white hallways when one of the five council members suddenly appeared in front of them. It was one of the two women and Seraphina recognized her immediately. To her surprise, the woman politely bowed to Kethan as she greeted the man. "Lord Kethan, this is such an unexpected visit from you. May I know for what do we owe your presence here in our small accommodation."

The amount of respect and clear distance that was shoved in each of her word almost made Seraphina gawk at the council woman. She watched as the woman straightened up and her gaze immediately shifted to Kethan's hand that was still wrapped around Seraphina's. The spark of interest that immediately passed through the woman's eyes didn't go unnoticed by either of the two.

"I'm heading to the Mortal Realm for a shopping spree. I just wanted to let you know so that you will not create any drama later on." Kethan's voice held nothing but coldness as he spoke to the Council woman.

"For shopping?" The woman looked surprised and she revealed the reason almost immediately. "But My Lord, didn't you went for shopping barely two weeks ago?"

"It's not for me." Kethan replied while shifting his gaze toward Seraphina who was silently witnessing the exchange between the two, finally seeing from her own eyes just how much truth was in the little creature's words when it told her about the Afterlife Council being afraid of the Shadow Lords.

A smile immediately appeared on the council woman's lips as if she was very much relieved to know that the shopping was not for Kethan. "My Lord, you didn't have to take on this tiring job. Anything that Ms Winters requires, she can send us a list-"

"If you would have done a better job initially in providing her with the things she needed during her stay in the Shadow City, I wouldn't be standing here right now. Since you useless people can barely do a job perfectly, don't even dare to speak this nonsense in front of me. I'm not here to listen to your suggestions, I'm letting you know that we are going for shopping."

Kethan's sharp voice left the council woman terrified and she immediately nodded her head in understanding. Seraphina, on the other hand, just stared at the man beside her with amazement filling her eyes. She no longer doubted whether the Shadow Lords could control the Afterlife Council or not.

She felt Kethan's hold on her hand tightening before the feeling of whirlwind once again surrounded her. When everything became still this time, she found herself standing in front of what seemed like a boutique in the center of a bustling market street. Even though they literally appeared there out of thin air, it seemed like no one noticed them at all.

As they stepped inside the shop, they were greeted by an endless array of outfits stretched out on racks before them. Most lined the walls in rows that climbed all the way up to the ceiling.

"Hello, hello," a female voice chimed. "Welcome, Lord Kethan. How can we help you today?"

The very next moment, a woman in her late fifties appeared in front of the duo. She was dressed like a fashion expert from head to toe, making Seraphina believe that she might actually find some really good pieces of clothing there.

"My partner here needs some really good wardrobe collection from A to Z." Kethan told the woman who immediately turned her attention toward Seraphina and assessed the latter from head to toe. "Sure enough, this way please."

Seraphina and Kethan followed behind the woman and were led to a private room upstairs. While Kethan took his seat on the lavish couch, Seraphina was made to stand still while some women took her measures and tested the colors that complimented her fair skin tone. Lastly, they even asked about her preferences and it was clear that they all were surprised to find out that Seraphina possessed a rich taste in fashion.

Next started the never ending trials of clothes that left Seraphina exhausted to her very bones. Much to her surprise, Kethan didn't hold back in spending money on her clothes. After buying all sorts of clothes, it was finally turn for testing the gowns, and it seemd like Kethan was particularly looking forward to it.

As Seraphina changed into a gown, she found herself wondering exactly when, or on what occasion, she would get to wear these gowns. One after the other, Kethan rejected nearly seven gowns.

She was about to put on another gown when her gaze fell on a particular black dress. Without wasting any moment to think twice, she put on the dress and a smile immediately formed on her lips when she saw her reflection in the full length mirror standing in front of her.

The dress was made of fine silk. With thin straps and a deep sweetheart neck, the dress hugged her upper body perfectly before it fell into beautiful waves down her waist. The skirt ended right above her knee, leaving half of her long legs on full display. The dress fit her so perfectly as if

it was made just for her.

"Not bad," the familiar voice murmured behind her.

Seraphina spun around to find Kethan standing not far from her with his intense gaze fixed on her.

"How did you…? When did you…? What…?" She shook her head, biting her lip to keep from issuing another unfinished question.

"I started wondering what was taking you this long." He spoke as he started making his way toward her. As he approached her, he grasped the back of her neck before she could even think to react, pulling her body up against his in a move that stole her breath. Sweet sparks zipped down her spine from his hold and his sudden nearness.

"Kethan..."

"What is it, darling? He asked while walking her backward into a wall. "Is there something you want to say?"

"There's nothing." She quickly replied as she planted her palms against his chest and tried to push him away. But instead of moving away from her, he leaned into her more, his hips aligning with hers as he anchored her against the wall.

"Planning on running away?" He asked as he drew his nose across her cheek, his breath fanning her face. "It's late for that now, darling."