Black Frost Winter: The Black Seasons Book Two by Lenai Despins

Author:Lenai Despins [Despins, Lenai]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Independent
Published: 2020-12-13T06:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 8

The sun had set by the time Alexia followed Chloe out of the dressing room. Curtains of night had been pulled over the windows of the Opéra Magique, suffocating the natural light of day.

As she exited, Alexia paused at the wall that had transformed so monstrously the day before. It was exactly as it should have been, alight with nothing more than the soft glow from the chandeliers overhead.

“This way,” Chloe said.

She turned away from the foyer, leading Alexia deeper into the heart of the building. They passed portraits and sculptures that Alexia was dying to ask about, but Chloe’s pace made it impossible, forcing her to soak up the building in silence.

Soon they reached the bottom of a staircase worthy of a place on the Titanic. The detailing on the handrail was so exquisite, it seemed unworthy of human touch.

“Everything in here is so beautiful,” she said, feeling the impressive curvature of wood under her palm.

Chloe’s shoulders bobbed indifferently.

“You get used to anything with enough exposure.”

Alexia considered her words, but had no time to respond before they reached the landing of the first floor.

Ahead, two massive doors blocked the way forward. With the confidence of someone who lived there, Chloe pried them wide. The ballroom beyond took Alexia’s breath away. Following the baroque style of the opera house, a gilded ceiling rested above walls sculpted to perfection. The room’s size was unnecessarily exaggerated by the plethora of ornate mirrors that circled the space in a loose resemblance to a fun house. Round tables dressed the carpet, each covered with pressed linen. On the one closest to them rested a silver bucket with the neck of a champagne bottle peeking over the rim. Two glasses were set beside it.

Alexia scanned the room again, searching for a waiter. When she found no one, she asked, “Where did you get this from?”

“I had reception bring it up.”

“Does everyone get these privileges?”

Chloe raised her chin, sending her hair to cascade down her back. “I don’t think so.”

Alexia understood. It was Chloe the crowds came to see. She was the one that the Opéra Magique owed a large portion of its revenue to. Without a further word, they drifted over to the table and slid into plush dining chairs. Alexia twitched at the loud pop of the champagne, causing Chloe to laugh as she filled both glasses.

“Really Chloe, I shouldn’t have any.”

“You’re not actually going to make me drink by myself are you? Just have a taste. I’ll finish yours if you don’t like it.”

Knots formed in Alexia’s stomach as she took the glass with a nervous hand.

“I’m only having a sip.”

The principal dancer clicked her nails against the iridescent flute.

“I don’t think you have anything to worry about. You were great today.” Chloe narrowed her eyes just enough for their almond shape to disappear in a harsh line. “So great, I may need to watch my back.”

The words were complimentary, but threat was hidden in their tone. Alexia tugged at the collar of her sweater.

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