by Lola Gabriel
“I couldn’t start tomorrow even if I wanted to,” Gia protested weakly.
“Why not?” Allegra asked distractedly, her eyes fixated on the feast before her.
“I have to give notice to my jobs—”
“I already did that for you.”
“You what?” Gia screeched, attracting the attention of the nearby guests, who cast her a reproving look.
“Yep,” Allegra confirmed. “Tonight was your last night, anyway.”
Gia cocked her head to the side, a soft tendril of hair falling across her cheek as she blinked uncomprehendingly at Allegra.
“That’s impossible,” she said. “No one has even brought it up.”
“That’s because they don’t remember,” Allegra replied smoothly. “But tomorrow morning, when you don’t show up for work, they will.”
Gia groaned, realizing what Allegra had done. She had blocked their recollection of her notice until she was gone.
She’s definitely a sorceress. A damned good one.
“What?” Allegra demanded. “If you’re that against it, you can return to your shitty jobs tomorrow, and the spell will hold indefinitely. No one will be the wiser. I’m not trying to run your life, Gia, I’m just trying to help you get a leg up.”
Gia didn’t know what to say. It seemed like she’d had to struggle her entire life to escape the confines of being poor, both inside the Hollows and on the Sunside. She was never good enough to get ahead in the smallest way; her powers were too weak, her personality too meek. There was not enough money for her to properly educate herself, and without an education, she could hardly find a decent job. It was a vicious circle, one she had resigned herself to long ago.
And suddenly, this vivacious, caring, incredible woman was offering her a step up, a way to move forward, and she was dismissing it with a fight.
Am I crazy? I should be throwing myself at Allegra’s feet and thanking her, not giving her grief for watching out for me!
Maybe it was the way she had come to help that bothered Gia.
“What do you have on them?” Gia asked curiously. “What are they afraid you’ll expose?”
Allegra grinned and leaned in confidentially. “Lilith was a lunasnuff whore for eons. Trojan was her pimp and supplier. They are hardly in any position to cast stones when their houses are made of such fine glass, you know. A good sneeze will send it crashing into a billion pieces.”
“What?” Gia was sure she had not heard properly. “She was an addict and a prostitute? And he was her pimp?” Even saying the words felt funny on Gia’s lips, and she turned her head back to look at the couple. They had already moved on, probably because they knew Gia was learning the truth about them.
“Not all the poor take the high road like you did, Gia,” Allegra chuckled. “In fact, most don’t. I think that’s why I feel so protective of you. There’s an innocence you have that we don’t see much down here.”
The words were filled with emotion, and Gia’s cheeks grew warm as she met Allegra’s eyes. “What happened? How did they get out of it? How did they get so high up that they work in the palace?”
“Well,” Allegra said, “if I tell you that, I won’t have the upper hand, will I?” She was joking, of course, but Gia knew that was the most she was going to learn about Lilith and Trojan, and she was fine with that.
“Why are you helping me so much, Allegra? I mean, you barely know me.”
“I think I have gotten to know you quite well,” Allegra protested, her crystalline eyes widening to mesh with Gia’s. “Anyway, it doesn’t always take time to learn about someone. Usually it’s a gut feeling, which goes a long way. First impressions really are everything.”
“I know, but still…” Gia insisted, unsure of why Allegra would go to such great lengths to assist her after just a few short weeks of knowing her.
“Maybe it’s a little selfish,” her friend confessed. “But I’m looking forward to working with you. My boutique is just on the opposite side. We can have lunch and do our nails together!”
There was an infectious childish excitement in Allegra’s voice. Gia couldn’t help allowing herself to be happy with what the blonde had done.
Suddenly, a trumpet sounded, followed by the tinkle of harp strings, and a voice boomed out from the speakers.
“Fellow immortals, please stand at attention for our treasured guest of honor.”
A murmur of appreciation flowed through the crowd as all eyes turned toward the stairwell. Gia’s breath caught in her throat. She suddenly felt light-headed—it hadn’t occurred to her that she might see one of the princes that night.
“I didn’t know he was coming!” she gasped, her eyes wide with shock. “I—oh!”
“This is his home,” Allegra reminded Gia with a soft laugh. “Just relax. Didn’t you notice his brothers have been circling the room?”
Gia had not noticed at all. She wouldn’t even know exactly what any of the Parkers looked like if she saw one face-to-face.
Allegra nudged her in the ribs and pointed at a stunningly handsome man beginning to descend the seemingly endless stairs toward the mezzanine.
“Ladies and gentlemen, His Royal Highness, Prince Lennox Parker, Ruler of the Hollows and CEO of Amarok Industries.”
“All hail the conqueror!” the crowd chanted as Prince Lennox approached the railing, waving charmingly with a white-gloved hand.
He was dressed in a waistcoat that belonged to another century, a gold sash emblazoned over his chest. A sword stuck out of a sheath at his broad hips. He looked over the crowd until his gaze rested on Gia, who found herself staring into the greenest set of eyes she had ever seen.
He’s looking right at me! Dizziness swept through her, and even though she wanted to lower her head, she could not, her eyes wanting to memorize every feature of his face, even from the distance between them.
Lennox opened his mouth to speak. Gia could see him talking and could feel his voice flowing through her in a mellifluous wave of peace, yet she couldn’t focus on his words.
“He’s beautiful.”
Gia had not even realized she had spoken aloud until Allegra muttered, “He’s all right, I guess. Of all the boys, I prefer Reef myself.”
For the first time since Lennox had entered, Gia reluctantly pulled her eyes away to stare where Allegra was looking. The four other princes stood at the base of the mezzanine stairs, their arms folded over their chests as they glared at Lennox.
Gia could not tell which one was Reef, but she was less concerned with identifying which prince was which than trying to understand why they seemed so… angry.
If they weren’t all brothers, Gia thought, I would think they look like they want to murder Lennox.
But that was ridiculous, of course. Siblings were supposed to love one another, even if they were dragons…
Weren’t they?
5
As Lennox descended the staircase, feeling very much like the royalty he had boasted, he could hardly believe the ways his life had changed in the past month. He was consumed with a sense of power that he had never known before, and when his eyes fell upon his seething brother, he could not help but cast Wilder a smirk of victory.
Mira had delivered on her promise, granting his wish of absolute power, where he ruled the Hollows and absorbed all of Wilder’s companies into Amarok Industries.
The best part of the wish was that Wilder was unaware that he had been stripped of his legacy. No one was any wiser to what Lennox had done. All his brothers knew was that they were forced to live under him as they had once lived under Wilder.
The difference is that I won’t treat them like shit, Lennox promised himself, stepping to the railing to welcome his guests. Even the party itself was something that Wilder would never have done in a million years. Gods forbid he honors the workers, he thought, shaking his head.
The palace’s ballroom was crowded with all the employees and their significant others, and Lennox recognized most of them�
� except the frail but graceful fairy who seemed to be standing center in a flowing cherry gown. His gaze moved from the way the dress accentuated every curve of her slim frame up her neck, across the fine line of her jaw, and over the delicate features of her face.
Her blue eyes widened when they met his own, and for a moment, Lennox forgot to breathe.
Who is she?
He slowly became aware of all eyes upon him, and he cleared his throat, forcing himself to address his employees and household.
“Thank you all for coming!” he boomed jovially. “I literally could not do this without you.”
There was a swell of appreciative laughter from the crowd, and he looked back to the uneasy brunette, who had cast her gaze toward his brothers.
He felt a pang of disappointment as he followed her eyes. Was it possible she didn’t feel the connection the same way he had? It seemed impossible—the sensation he’d had of knowing her almost intrinsically was practically tangible.
“I just wanted to throw this little shindig to show you how much I appreciate each and every one of you for being part of my team,” Lennox said, his attention back to the crowd. “So eat, drink, enjoy yourselves, and know you will each be leaving here with bonuses… unless, of course, you don’t work for me. In which case you will have to settle for expensive champagne and beluga caviar.”
More laughter from the crowd, and they burst into a round of applause.
They love me more than they ever did Wilder, he thought in passing, but his mind was less on his newfound happiness and more on the mysterious fairy in the red dress.
Lennox made his way down the remaining stairs, his eyes scanning the milling guests for another glimpse of the girl, but he was blocked by his brothers before he could actively pursue her.
“That was so warm and fuzzy,” Wilder commented, his tone thick with sarcasm. “How much they love the not-so crowned Prince of the Hollows.”
Lennox gave his brother a tight smile. Power or not, Wilder was still his same, miserable self.
“Thank you,” Lennox replied as if he hadn’t recognized the slight. “I want my people to love me.” It was a lost jab, of course. Wilder had no recollection of his time reigning with an iron fist. Still, Lennox was unable to resist. “If you’ll excuse me,” he continued, brushing through the wall his brothers had created around him.
“Your minions await?” Reef chirped caustically.
Warily, Lennox eyed his blond brother. He was not expecting attitude from Reef. Owen, maybe, but not Reef.
“Something like that,” he agreed, forcefully shoving through them now. They were ruining his good mood, the heady feeling that seeing the fairy with the heart-shaped face had given him dissipating. He would deal with his brothers later. A party was a celebration, not the time to bicker with jealous brothers.
Lennox paused, his heart stopping as he realized he had lost sight of the fairy.
Did I imagine her? he wondered as he looked around, his heart thudding gently in his chest. Was she real?
While he was not prone to hallucinations, he had never been struck by someone so completely on sight. It wasn’t lust coursing through his veins; it was something else, something much deeper than physical attraction. From somewhere in the back of his mind, he heard an echo, someone’s voice for centuries earlier, whispering in his ear.
You have been roaming the high world, searching for something to sate your unquenchable thirst.
Lennox swallowed quickly, his eyes falling on a lovely blonde in a teal dress, lounging by one of the bars. Had she been with the fairy? He hadn’t paid her much attention, his eyes locked on the brunette, but he still found himself hurrying toward her, dismissing the immortals who were vying for his attention.
“You are Allegra, aren’t you?” he asked, his brow furrowing as he neared her. She looked up in surprise, nodding her head.
“Yes, Your Highness,” she replied quickly, falling into a half-curtsey. “Forgive me. I didn’t see you coming.”
“You can still call me Lennox,” he reminded her with a chuckle. They had once worked together in one of Wilder’s offices, before he’d gone completely tyrannical.
Her green eyes widened in surprise. “Still?” she repeated.
It occurred to Lennox that whatever working relationship they had once had did not exist in his new reality.
“I mean, you can call me Lennox,” he corrected himself. “Are you enjoying the party?”
Allegra’s brow raised out of her perplexed expression, and she nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, thank you, Your—Lennox.”
“Have you come here with anyone?” he asked. Her eyebrows shot up almost to her hairline, but she offered him a warm smile.
“I’m very flattered by your attention, Lennox,” she purred. “But I know your reputation for heartbreaking.”
He stared at her, uncomprehendingly. “Pardon me?”
Suddenly, Allegra seemed uncomfortable, and she glanced behind her as if seeking an escape. He was making her ill-at-ease.
“I meant no disrespect, Your Highness,” she apologized. “In fact, I was just kidding.”
“I… don’t understand—oh!”
The thought immediately clicked in his head: she thought he was hitting on her.
Lennox laughed, slightly relieved that he was still considered charming enough for her to think so. “You are lovely, Allegra, and a sweet—”
He stopped himself from finishing his sentence. She will wonder how I know she is a sweet person. In this life, I don’t know her personally. She is only a business owner in the palace.
“A sweetheart for coming to this party,” he continued. “But I was asking about your friend.”
“My friend?” Allegra echoed.
“Red dress, brown hair? A fairy?”
Allegra’s mouth formed a smile as comprehension filled her face. She nodded eagerly. “Gia! Gia Cirone, yes.”
“Where is she?”
“Uh…” Allegra looked around, her mouth twisting pensively. “That is a good question. She went to the ladies’ room after your speech. She should be back any moment.”
“Thank you.” Lennox turned toward the nearest bank of washrooms, but Allegra called out to him before he could leave.
“Your Highness, with all due respect—”
“Seriously, it’s just Lennox,” he insisted.
“Lennox,” she sighed, stepping toward him like she wanted to tell him something private. “Gia is… special.”
Allegra’s words surprised him. He didn’t know the first thing about this woman, but what he had felt went much deeper than just a beautiful girl in a stunning dress. She seemed to have captured his soul with a mere look, and he knew he needed to find her and speak to her.
“I can see that,” Lennox said.
“She is not like some of the other immortals you know. In fact, I doubt she is like any of the immortals you know.” His eyes narrowed, and he studied her face pensively.
“What are you trying to say?” he asked her curiously. “Is there something wrong with her?”
“No!” Allegra cried. “Nothing except that she is pure and guileless. She has unsurpassed integrity, and well, it’s just…”
Lennox waited, not entirely certain where she was going until her own words abruptly slapped him in the face.
I know your reputation for heartbreaking.
“You’re worried I’m going to hurt her,” he said. He would have laughed if the idea didn’t bother him so much. Moreover, Lennox wasn’t sure if he was bothered by the assumption or troubled by the idea that anyone could hurt this delicate creature.
“Are you?” Allegra demanded. Lennox shook his head.
“No,” he promised. “I just want to meet her.”
She didn’t seem convinced, but she shrugged her bare shoulders, as if she sensed there was little she could do if the ruler of the Hollows wanted to corrupt her friend.
“I’m not going to hurt her, Allegra,” Lennox insisted.<
br />
“I believe you,” she said, turning away from him. Lennox whirled back toward the washrooms, his pulse quickening.
She doesn’t know the first thing about me, he thought. I don’t break hearts. If I did, I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now. After all, it was a former lover who gave me my powers, with no hard feelings and no strings attached. Allegra doesn’t know what she’s talking about.
Yet as he hurried away from her, he couldn’t shake an unsettling feeling in his gut. It was like something was trying to forewarn him that if he pursued the fairy, he would open Pandora’s box.
You’re just going to introduce yourself to her, he told himself, rolling his eyes at the dramatic thought. What bad can come from that?
6
I can’t believe this place even exists. Am I dreaming this? I must be dreaming. I’m going to wake up and be asleep on my bare mattress in the Trenches with water leaking over my head. I can’t even believe my imagination came up with such a place.
But it was no dream. Gia pinched herself several times to make sure.
She slowly spun in a circle, her eyes trying desperately to account for everything in the room. Rows upon rows of books lined the curved walls; the sections separated only by double windows in rectangular shapes rising from the bottom of the library’s floor to the stained-glass dome ceiling. Ladders were scattered about, enabling someone to climb and locate a volume of whichever book they sought. Gia desperately wanted to pull them all from the shelves and inhale them on sight.
How can anyone read so much, even an immortal soul? There are millions, if not billions of pages in here.
She had not meant to find herself inside the glorious room, but she had gotten lost on her way back from the bathroom and wandered inside the double doors.
All right. I was snooping, she confessed to herself. She was glad she was, though. She would never again see such a beautiful place. Or maybe I will, she mused, a soft smile touching her lips. Now that I am employed at the palace.