Chapter-47 Team Of Three

The sun had long since set, casting Frederique's apartment in hues of deep indigo and soft amber glow from the single lamp in the corner. The scent of rain lingered from earlier, mixing with the faint perfume left behind from her shopping trip with Selora. The elegant white gown now hung neatly in her wardrobe, yet Frederique still felt its ghost against her skin... a reminder of the unfamiliar power she'd felt wrapped in frost-white silk.

Selora lounged on the couch, legs crossed, perfectly composed in a midnight-black ensemble that clung to her body with deliberate elegance. A single slit ran up her thigh, baring just enough to command attention without surrendering it. Her fox-like features, alluring and sharp, were half-hidden by the way she rested her cheek lazily against her hand.

"Three days. Three nights. No killing. No eating." Selora's voice was smooth, but her eyes glinted with challenge.

Frederique, seated stiffly in the armchair across from her, blinked.

"What?"

Selora's smile widened, lips painted a wine-dark red.

"You heard me, dear. Your task is to do... absolutely nothing. No biting. No claws. No teeth. This is a protection mission. We guard. We do not hunt."

Frederique opened her mouth to protest, but a soft knock interrupted her.

The door swung open.

Lira stepped inside.

Frederique blinked, momentarily speechless.

Lira had never looked like this. Gone was her usual playful, half-messy charm. Tonight, she was draped in a violet dress that seemed made of molten velvet, the fabric shimmering with every step as if catching some invisible light. A delicate golden chain sat around her neck, and matching earrings dangled from her feline ears. Her hair, loose and flowing in golden curls, framed her face in a way that was almost... no, entirely... intentional.

"Wow." Frederique's voice barely escaped her throat.

Lira winked.

"I clean up nice, huh?"

Selora's voice was all satisfaction.

"Stunning as always, my dear. You're late, but I'll forgive you since you look divine."

Lira flopped onto the couch beside Selora, folding her legs beneath her and smirking.

"Figured I'd match you. It's not every day we break in a rookie properly."

Frederique stiffened.

"Break in?"

Selora chuckled.

"Don't be so dramatic. It's a standard mission, one Lira and I have handled dozens of times before. Frankly, the only thing interesting about this job is you."

Frederique frowned.

"What do you mean?"

Selora's violet eyes narrowed in amusement.

"Before you joined us, Eirlys was our third. And, well... "

She waved a hand.

"You can imagine the joy that was. Cold. Arrogant. Functional, yes. But ice belongs in a glass, not a team."

Frederique blinked.

Lira snorted softly.

"Eirlys is great... just, you know. Like working with a winter storm. No warmth, no fun."

Selora leaned closer, voice lowering to a purr.

"But you, Frederique? You're fresh. Interesting. Dangerous in all the right ways."

Frederique felt her face heat, but Selora's gaze never wavered.

"Which brings us to the mission."

Selora reached into the black clutch at her side and pulled out a folded parchment. She set it on the coffee table between them.

Frederique unfolded it carefully.

The words were precise, written in a swirling, elegant script marked with the Night Court's seal.

Assignment: Three-Day Protection Detail

Location: The Velvet Veil

Objective: Ensure the safety of all patrons and staff for the duration of three nights.

Threat Level: Moderate. Hostile factions have made vague threats but no confirmed danger.

Restrictions: No violence unless provoked directly. No supernatural feeding within the premises.

Frederique blinked.

"The Velvet Veil?"

Lira grinned.

"Classiest brothel this side of the city."

Selora nodded.

"The owner is... let's just say destructive enough that most threats won't dare face him directly. But his enemies might try to strike through his establishment. Our job is to make sure they fail. Simple."

Frederique's stomach twisted.

"And the staff? They're human?"

Selora's expression softened, but only slightly.

"Mundane, yes. But they know what we are. They've chosen this life, and they're paid handsomely for it. You don't need to protect their delicate sensibilities... just their bodies."

Frederique nodded slowly, absorbing the weight of it.

"Clients?"

Lira twirled a strand of her hair around her finger.

"Mixed. Mundane and Changeling. Some come for pleasure. Others for secrets. The Veil serves both with discretion."

Frederique exhaled.

"And you're sure... I won't have to... ?"

Selora held up a hand.

"No eating. No fighting. No teeth. If anyone stirs trouble, I will handle it. You? You're there to watch. Observe. Learn control."

The words stung more than they should have.

"I can control myself," Frederique muttered, jaw tight.

Selora's smile was too knowing.

"We'll see."

The night arrived far too quickly.

Frederique's dress was a masterpiece of otherworldly elegance, a vision in stark, unnatural white that clung to her body like woven moonlight. The fabric shimmered faintly under the light, as if threads of silk had been laced with the essence of frost itself. Its neckline plunged just enough to be daring without losing refinement, a perfect balance between allure and power.

The bodice was sculpted to fit her perfectly, emphasizing her waist and flowing seamlessly into the long, smooth skirt that brushed the floor, split high on the left to reveal a glimpse of her pale leg with every step. Embroidered patterns of silver ivy curled along the hem and up her sides, subtle but unmistakable... a whisper of beauty rather than a shout.

Her hair, once a dull brown, had taken on a striking scarlet shade, rich and vibrant like burning copper. Her skin had an unnatural glow, the faintest hint of iridescence, as if kissed by something beyond mortal vitality.

Jewels adorned her ears... silver with tiny blood-red rubies, matching the delicate bracelet on her wrist. Her lips were painted deep crimson, matching her nails, bold yet elegant against the pale canvas of her skin and gown.

The dress was expensive, delicate yet powerful, and it made her look both dangerous and divine. A predator in silken armor, radiating the beauty of something not quite human but undeniably captivating. When she moved, the dress whispered, brushing the floor like a secret waiting to be revealed.

Tonight, she wasn't just Frederique. She was Frideria too... hunger wrapped in elegance.

She looked... untouchable.

Selora appeared behind her reflection, arms crossed, violet eyes approving.

"Perfect. You look expensive."

Frederique rolled her eyes.

"That seems to be the theme."

Lira's voice chimed from the doorway.

"You are expensive. Get used to it."

They made quite the trio as they stepped into the night... Selora all fox-like grace in her midnight silk, Lira a splash of violet velvet, and Frederique the pale ghost between them.

The Velvet Veil awaited.