the seven devils [completed]

chapter thirty

The girl bit her lip, then turned her face away from him swiftly, not wanting the boy to have the same reaction as Icarus to her diminishing appearance. A part of her knew that Tom could appreciate beauty objectively, and that he might find himself disappointed in her look of dismay, and her heart could not take the throb of rejection.

She stepped with Icarus into the ballroom on the ground floor, and her eyes widened to the size of teacups when she saw the grandeur of the event. High ceilings were covered in chandeliers that dropped of crystal, and they had been charmed to display swirling galaxies and stars. The room was decorated with extravagant ornaments, long swirls of snowflakes, and icicles. Waiters walked across the room, with platters full of delicious appetizers, and an orchestra played effortlessly in the corner of the room.

"Lovely, is it not?" stated Elladora as she stopped by the pair, looking at them with jealousy from the corner of her eye. The girl was wearing her signature devil red, hair pulled in a tight bun with flowers dangling from the center. She gave Icarus a small smile while completely ignoring Varya, then proceeded to walk forward, Nicholas Avery by her side. The boy gave the Eastern witch a taunting smile as he passed, so volcanic in nature, and Varya barely caught a glimpse of the knife in his boot as he walked.

There was a sense of finality taking over Varya as she scanned the room, and she knew that tonight things would change for her, she just did not know how yet. She glanced at Icarus, who was serene and composed, and wondered if the boy would still be by her side at the end of it all.

"I ought to find Lopheus Evergreen," said Varya, and detached herself from Icarus at once, suddenly being able to breathe better. The boy gave her a confused look, probably having expected at least a dance before his date succumbed to her masochist tendencies, but besides a frustrated sigh, he did not try to stop her. There were things he could not control, and the hurricane of Varya Petrov was one of them. Sometimes, it was better to let forces of nature just run their course, and wait patiently to clean up the mess.

Varya walked the floor eagerly, eyes scurrying over every corner until they found a boy sitting by himself next to the glass doors that led to the garden, champagne flute in his hand. And when their eyes met, she knew she had found the notorious Lopheus.

He was around her age, perhaps a few years older, and he had striking blonde hair, although nothing compared to that of a Malfoy. He was skinny, exceptionally so, and was wearing his dress shirt with a few buttons open, no tie whatsoever, carrying a devious smirk that all of Riddle's followers seemed to have. His arrogance was more evident when he pulled out an unlit cigarette, and with a swift motion, let it burn as he dragged from it aggressively.

"I do not think the Rosiers would appreciate if the smell of tobacco stuck to their walls," said Varya as she approached him pridefully, arms clasped before her.

Lopheus puffed his cigar, then blew the smoke towards the ceiling, smirking as it flew upwards. Then, he gave her a once over, "Varya Petrov, I presume, such a delight to finally meet you. That boy, Lestrange, has been going on and on about your lovely self. I must agree with him, although I will say this— you are no delicate flower, and it is actually your sadness that brings you admiration."

Varya gave him a smile, although it was not the sincere kind, then took the cigarette from his lips and crushed it on the floor, "Have you Americans no manners? It is impolite to smoke in the presence of a lady. Perhaps, you will find the gardens to be a more suitable space."

The boy understood her message— they needed to talk in private. He gestured for her to walk ahead once he opened the door, and they stepped outside in the December air, closing the entrance behind them. They put some distance between themselves and the party, and only stopped walking once they were sure they were beyond everyone's hearing capability.