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“I know. We were.”
“Can you stand going back out there? Your adoring public awaits.” Right. We have more things to do.
We loiter for a few more moments together as we dress back in our original costumes. There are no other words shared, just touches. A long embrace.
Hand in hand, we walk out to more rounds of applause, guests touching our shoulders, reaching for our hands. Many shout invitations to join them at their table.
Evan ignores them all, leading me up the staircase to the upper level. More rooms and alcoves line the cave walls above, looking more like VIP rooms than below. One in particular stands out near the back, curtained off and guarded by more gold statue-men.
“Where are we going?”
“I have to meet with the city leaders, the Matron.” He holds my hand tighter, a question. I nod, letting him lead us in.
Large, plush couches ring a luxurious rug. Every seat is filled but the two nearest the door. Evan guides me to the podium at the top of the room first, bowing slightly to the gold plated woman there.
“Herald. It’s so good to see you.”
“Thank you. Welcome, Heaven.”
“May I introduce the star of the show?” He presents me.
“Delighted. Congratulations, my young demoness! You put on an amazing show. I’ve never seen anything like it. No one has. You’ll be the talk of the town for years to come. Well, in certain, quiet circles.” I can almost hear the wink in her voice.
Because it’s become evident that no one is allowed to talk about this event outside of this event. Not openly.
Most of the population doesn't even know about it. Or they don’t know what it means, who runs it. The few hundred who are invited understand that the deals and promises made this night are sacrosanct. Almost holy, sealed and binding.
“Now, if everyone is gathered,” the Matron of the Ball entreats, glancing around the room, waving for the various men and women to rise. “In this room, and only here, you all are unmasked, yet remain unnamed. Are all of the members of Sanctum Harbor’s leadership present?”
“Aye.” The broad-shouldered man in a spartan costume removes his helmet, revealing a rugged face I recognize. Xavier Clive.
“Present.” A nasal, whiny voice sneers. A skeleton of a man in a dark green suit slips off his serpent mask, revealing a gaunt, goateed face, eyeing the room like he can’t abide being here.
“Of course. Get on with it.” The mayor is already unmasked, flipping a dueling cape over one shoulder impatiently. Other members of their entourages stand back behind the couches, lining the walls, waiting for their bosses to conduct the commencement proceedings.
The Matron looks around, evidently pleased with the unmasking. Apparently, she doesn’t have to participate.
“Excellent. Please be seated.”
I glance at Evan as we take ours, outside the circle of leadership.
“Now, most of our agenda has already been addressed, so I won’t keep you much longer. However, before the grand finale event, I understand the mayor has a motion?”
“Indeed, I do.” Vanderberg stands, pasting on a fake smile, taking in the room. “For a very long time, since the founding of our city, we have remained isolated. This has served us well, in the past.”
“Damn right,” Clive mutters, garnering a glare from the snake in the green suit.
“Be that as it may, I have invited a very honored, special guest here tonight to give them a taste of what we have to offer here in Sanctum. Consider it a goodwill gesture in anticipation of their joining our ranks.” He waves to the butlers framing a side door.
“What is the meaning of this?”
“Mr. Devonde, the meaning is that this will be the first outside induction into the Sinful. A chance to spread our reach into new markets. Other cities.”
Murmurs of outrage rustle along the walls, other whispers hissing excitedly.
“The fuck? This is just asking for trouble…” X growls.
The Matron raises her hand, her body language uneasy. “This is… unprecedented. But I have been instructed to allow this visit. Though I am wary of who you’ve exposed us to, Mayor Vanderberg.” She gestures, and the doormen comply, opening the ornate wooden door.
