Linked Souls

Chapter 27

Chapter 27: Long Night

I barely recognize myself while staring in the mirror. The elegant scarlet off-shoulder mermaid style gown fits perfectly to my body and highlighting my shape. It doesn't have any embroidery that makes it even more graceful in the eyes. My usual black hair is now highlighted with brown and in a messy bun form.

I gasped. I can't believe that I am gawking at myself right now. It doesn't look like me at all – or it does and I'm just exaggerating about my description.

"Stunning," Lady Merryl mumbled.

I spun around while feeling my gown. I don't know why I suddenly wish Brix could see right now. I wanted to know his opinion and how I look like in his eyes.

What would he say if ever? Would I impress him?

"Freaking hell—" Napalingon ako sa kararating lang na lalaki. Nakaawang ang mga labi ni Erikson habang nakatingin sa akin. "Jesus, Astra! Who gave you permission to slay tonight?"

I felt uncomfortable all of a sudden. Erikson was looking good in that black tuxedo. He was also wearing a pair of diamond earrings on both ears. I was about to compliment him too when Lady Merryl interrupted us with ahem.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your thirst look at my model, Mr. Erikson Nadija but..." Nakapamaywang na hinarap ni Lady Merryl si Erikson. "Who also gave you permission to come in here? Get out. Like now."

"I am assigned to look after her," Erikson responded, still gazing at me.

"You look good, too," I mouthed which made him smirk.

"Not in my dressing room." Hinawakan lang ni Lady Merryl ang dibdib ni Erikson ay tumalsik na agad ito palabas. "Goodbye, Hotty. See you around." Saka na niya sinarado ang pinto.

Humarap siya sa akin nang may malawak na ngiti. Inamoy niya ang kanyang kamay na pinanghawak sa dibdib ni Erikson. Suminghap ito at saglit na nagpula ang kanyang mga mata.

"Pwede mo bang ipaubaya sa akin ang lalaking 'yon mamaya, Astra?" Lumapit sa tukador si Lady Merryl at kinuha ang kulay pulang pabango na kanina niya pa pinapaligo sa katawan ko. "He's annoying as hell. Hindi ka mag-e-enjoy kung may nakabuntot sa 'yo."

Lumapit siya sa akin at winisikan ako uli ng kanyang pabango.

"Do your thing," I supposed.

He giggled as he pushed me back in front of the mirror. Muli kong nasilayan ang aking sarili. Mula sa pumipitik na reflection namin ay nakita ko ang pagngiti ni Lady Merryl.

"Astralla Martin," he called my name as he ran his hand through my back. "You sure will slay everyone tonight, leaving their lips slightly separated and craving to have a touch of you, no doubt to that. But... honey, I don't need to smell your blood tonight."

I sniffed, trying to swallow the intense feeling. Parang ngayon lang nag-sink in sa akin na makakasama ko ang iba't ibang klase ng bampira sa clan na ito.

"I know you smell fresh and tempting as hell but do us all a favor." He put his lips near my ear as though he really wanted me to remember whatever it is. "Your blood smells war and wrath, a curse to everyone. I want you to save us all by not spilling a drop. Let this night be a peaceful celebration."

That confirmed my thoughts.

"It's Brix who assigned you here," I muttered.

Natatawang humiwalay ito sa akin. Lumapit siya sa tukador at nilagyan ng panibagong kulay ang kanyang labi. Hindi ko mapagtanto ang sense of fashion nito, napakakulay at tila walang patutunguhan.