Smoke and Ritual (Beautiful Dark Beasts Book 1)

by Melissa Sercia

  “I guess I’m not completely useless to you after all.” I couldn’t keep the smugness out of my tone. Something about his presence, his energy, brought out a side of me that I wasn’t used to. A defiance rising to the surface after a life of blind obedience.

  “I never thought you were useless. Just…not ready for what we are about to face.” He leaned casually against the rail, swirling his whiskey till it splashed up over the sides.

  I reached out and stilled his hand, forcing him to stop and meet my gaze. “I may not be as strong as you, or as ferocious as Diego, or as quick as Sapphire, but I have a lot of pent up aggression and can be just as violent as the rest of you.”

  He smiled, his hand lingering on mine. “You sell yourself short. There are other ways of doing things besides violence… Close your eyes.”

  I snatched my hand away, suddenly aware of how warm and tingly his touch made me feel. “Why? What are you going to do?” More tricks I presumed.

  “Just do it, Arya. I’m trying to show you something.” He sighed in frustration. “Please.”

  I wanted to trust him, but I was terrified. Not of his mind tricks, but of my own vulnerability. What if he saw something in me that I didn’t want him to see? Ugh, I was being ridiculous. “Fine,” I mumbled and did as he asked.

  He placed a warm hand on the back of my neck. A tingling sensation spread through my spine. My muscles unclenched and all the tension left my body. A sweet melody chimed in my ears as all of my anger and fear dissipated.

  I opened my eyes, completely unaware of why I was annoyed with him to begin with. “How did you do that?”

  He shrugged and went back to swirling his drink. “It’s just something I can do. And it’s not a trick. I can control…chaos.”

  I looked into his eyes and saw something I hadn’t noticed before—a flicker of kindness, some sadness, a twinge of regret, passion—a whirlwind of emotions passed through his expression in just a few seconds.

  I took a step closer to him, mesmerized. “You should show me things like that more often.”

  He searched my face, his eyes lingering on my lips. My pulse quickened. I raised my chin toward him. I didn’t know why, but I suddenly wanted to know what he tasted like.

  He brushed a strand of hair out of my eyes. “I think the whiskey is getting to you.” Chuckling, he took a step back and walked away, leaving me standing there alone at the helm.

  I cursed under my breath and downed the rest of my drink. I’m such an idiot. How could I possibly think that he’d want to kiss me? Do gods even kiss? For Apollo’s sake, he calls me little one. Not exactly what you call someone you desire. Not that I desired him. No. I was just caught up in that stupid calming move he did. Probably. Ugh.

  Sapphire waltzed up beside me. “Hey, you okay?”

  I shook my head, on the verge of tears. “No. I screwed everything up. Look at us. We are out in the middle of nowhere with a dhampir pirate and a deranged god who enjoys tormenting me. You must hate me.”

  “I could never hate you. I only wish you would have told me sooner. You shouldn’t have had to bear that burden alone. Besides, I think your wings are cool.”

  “You’re probably the only one. But I am sorry I dragged you into this mess.” The marks on back throbbed at just the thought of my wings. The hollowness I felt when they were tucked away.

  She grabbed my hands. “Hey, I dragged myself into this mess—and Diego. Now he probably hates both of us.” We both giggled at the absurd thought.

  “Nonsense. We are on an adventure now, signorinas.” Diego threw an arm over each of us, wedging himself into the middle. We stared out to sea, clinging to each other as I wondered where our journey would take us next.

  With the dawn fast approaching, Seven emerged from below deck. “We’ll be arriving in New York City soon.”

  I knew I was tired and drained but how was that possible? Less than four hours ago we were running across the shores of Scotland. “Am I missing something? How are we getting there so quickly?”

  Seven grinned, his face lighting up like a child on Christmas morning. “Chaos didn’t tell you? This isn’t just any old ship. The Resistance runs on magic and magic alone.” The look on my face must have further showcased my confusion as he chuckled and continued. “Think of it as jumping time and space. Traveling at the speed of light. Don’t worry too much about the specifics. Basically, we can fast travel to wherever we want to go. The world moves at one speed and this ship…and everyone on it, well, we move at a much faster pace.”

  That would explain the light headedness I’d felt since coming on board. It was mind boggling. Even as a witch, the possibilities of magic, it’s endless abilities, never failed to take my breath away.

  A surge of excitement shot through me. “What’s in New York City?”

  Chaos stood at the top of the deck stairs, his face grim, eyes full of shadows. “The Sylph headquarters. We are going to find out what your dear old aunt has been up to.”

  Six

  The sky was gold and purple, surrounding the sun like a collage of watercolors. New York was exactly how I imagined it—towering skyscrapers, thousands of headlights, and the crisp scent of rainwater hanging in the chilly October air. The magic simmered between the cracks in the sidewalks all the way down to the sewers below us. It was intoxicating.

  I pulled up my hood as we walked. Seven led us down alley after alley as if he knew the way like the back of his hand. Unmarked doors and tiki torches lit the paths in this forgotten part of the city, a part only visible to those who were like us, hidden from the human eye.

  Various emblems and symbols were etched into the brick buildings like graffiti—crescent moons and oak trees branded into one wall, representing the goddess Diana and her Crescent witches; another wall displayed the figure eight infinity symbol of the dhampirs. And carved between both—the helm of awe—the sacred markings of the Lupi wolves. Some were deeper than others, burned into the bricks like fresh tattoos. Others had faded, warped from time and weather, hundreds of years old.

  The black pavement in between these walls showed no sign of wear. It was smooth and unmarked as if no one had ever walked upon it. But it was an illusion. A magic trick. These streets held many secrets and centuries of bloodshed. And somewhere buried beneath it all were the Elemental symbols of my kind. Erased but not forgotten.

  We came to a stop in front of a black door. Seven placed his hand on it and mumbled something under his breath. The door swung open and we followed him into the darkness.

  As soon as the door closed behind us, a soft muted light illuminated the room. My heart beat fast in my chest. The room was small and cluttered with antique trinkets, apothecary bottles, and velvet furniture.

  A woman appeared out of thin air from behind the counter. Her hair was the color of powdered sugar and the lines in her face seemed to suggest she had lived a thousand lives. Her ruby red lips spread into a wild grin at the sight of us.

  Seven embraced her. “Ah, sweet Sophia. It has been too long. Time has been good to you.”

  Sophia blushed. “You are too kind. We both know I’ve seen better days. But I’ll take any compliment I can get from you, you handsome beast.” She winked as he kissed the top of her hand.

  Chaos looked on in sheer amusement. “Well, aren’t you two adorable. Do you have everything ready for us, sweet Sophia?”

  “Ah, if it isn’t the great Chaos, god of everything unholy, I imagine. Always in a rush. Tell me, when was the last time you enjoyed stillness?” She sauntered out from behind the counter like one of those flamenco dancers at the Brew Market, revealing red heels that clicked rhythmically across the tiled floor.

  Chaos smiled, his lips tight. “Why, I’m enjoying it right now. If only we didn’t have a coven of crazed witches to put down, I could sit here all day and just do nothing. Such a shame.”

  Seven shot him a look, grunting under his breath. “Forgive him, my lady. He has no manners.”

  It was as if I
had stepped back in time. As Sapphire and Diego wandered around the shop, inspecting each strange and magnificent bauble, I couldn’t take my eyes off of Sophia. She wasn’t human, but I couldn’t sense any magic either.

  Her head jerked toward me. “I’m a dhampir, ma petite. I was old when I was made and so I am old forever…in more ways than one.”

  I shifted back and forth on my feet as her gazed burned into mine. Had I offended her by staring?

  She threw back her head and laughed. “I also read minds. It takes a lot to offend me.”

  Before I could think my next thought, Sapphire threw up an energy shield around me with just a slight flick of her wrist. I could feel the invisible wall wrapping around my mind instantly. I gave her a nod and let out a sigh of relief.

  Sophia shot Sapphire a look as she motioned for us to follow her to the back room. “Impressive. Come now. Your attire is ready.”

  I crinkled my nose up at Chaos. “Attire? What’s wrong with the clothes we’re wearing?”

  He looked me up and down. “They aren’t exactly suitable for where we are going.”

  Seven chimed in. “Tonight is the festival of Samhain. The celebration of the dead. Your Aunt Echo throws the best masquerade party in town.”

  “Wait. We are going to that? Are you insane? I thought the whole point was to keep me away from her, not walk me into her house.” I started to feel sick.

  Chaos reached down and pried my white-knuckled hand from his wrist. “Hence the attire. She won’t know it’s you if you’re wearing a mask.”

  Sapphire narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m starting to seriously doubt your capabilities of keeping Arya safe. You think a mask is going to protect her identity in a room full of Elemental witches? You are out of your mind.”

  “Do you think we would come all the way down here to fetch just any old mask? Seriously, I’m starting to doubt you know anything about magic.” He shook his head at her absurdity, as if he were questioning if she was really even a witch.

  Seven gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Sophia’s masks are like shields. Your energy and identity will be hidden. So whatever you do, don’t take it off once we’re inside.”

  Butterflies swam in my stomach. The thought of walking into the Sylph headquarters with only a mask made my insides turn to mush. But I had to trust that it would work. What other choice did I have?

  “Okay. I’m game. Where’s my…attire?” I could barely say it with a straight face. I had to keep reminding myself that people actually talked this way once upon a time.

  Diego let out a snort and nudged me in the arm. “Good one.” I giggled, but it was all I could do to not pass out as I followed Sophia into one of the dressing rooms.

  I looked at the stranger staring back at me in the mirror and let out a gasp. My dark hair was half-piled up on my head—streaks of blue twisted down like ribbons. The jeweled mask fit my face like a glove. Blue sapphires framed the cat-like shape of my eyes while black lace fit snug around my cheekbones. My lips were painted a pale shade of aquamarine to match.

  As I looked further down, I drew in a sharp breath. I had never worn a dress like this before. The top was cinched and laced tight in back, pushing my breasts up nearly to my chin. The skirt was heavy, ruffled and tiered with a bustle in the back.

  It puffed around me like a cloud—jet black with swirls of blue and silver. I felt like a princess. Stepping into a pair of black laced heels—the final touch—I emerged from the dressing room.

  Chaos stood alone, waiting for us. I cleared my throat and fidgeted with my mask, tugging back and forth as if it needed to be repositioned. His gaze traveled up and down as he drank in the sight of me.

  I gave a little twirl. “Well, what do you think?”

  His dark hair was tied back with just a single strand hanging over his masked face, a design of intricate silver and black filigree to match mine. “You look…you look ready.”

  My heart sank. Why wasn’t he capable of paying me a compliment? Did he dislike me that much? “Ready? That’s all you have to say?” I spat, spinning on my heel.

  Chaos reached out and caught my arm, pulling me toward him. His breath quickened. “You already know what I think, Arya. You can see it in my eyes. Do I need to say it?”

  My heart pounded, our bodies only inches apart. “Would it be so bad for you to say it? What’s stopping you?”

  He released his grip on me and looked away. “We have a job to do.”

  I smoothed out the folds in my skirt, enjoying the feel of the velvety fabric against my fingertips. “Right. I forgot you are incapable of being nice to me. My mistake.”

  Chaos reached for me again, but I dodged him. “Arya—”

  Sapphire and Diego burst out of their dressing rooms, ecstatic and fawning over each other’s costumes. Draped in red and gold brocade, Sapphire looked like a warrior queen, and Diego was unrecognizable in his brown suit and fur-covered mask, like a wolf on two feet. Seven emerged last in all black. No frills, no lace, no fur, just simple and elegant black.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I glimpsed Chaos staring at me. I refused to meet his gaze and chatted with Sapphire about her dress instead. I gushed over it with a little too much enthusiasm, but I needed to distract myself from the conflicting emotions that were swirling around in my head.

  Seven thanked Sophia for the clothes while the rest of us headed back into the dark alley. Night brought a new sinister energy into the air—a fear of the unknown and the unseen as willowy shadows stretched across the brick walls, brought to life by rust-covered street lights and glittering stars. A quiver shot up my spine, caused by the cold mist dusting my skin. A crisp breeze tugged at me as I pulled my cloak tight to my chest.

  Glancing around at our odd little group, I realized we were a force to be reckoned with—the unpredictable god, a dhampir pirate, a Crescent witch warrior, a Lupi wolf, and me—the supposed chosen Aether who was going to save us all. It seemed ridiculous in my head, but waltzing through this foreboding city with my enchanted mask and posse of magical misfits, a sense of calm came over me and my breath steadied.

  Chaos whispered, “We’ll be in and out in the blink of an eye. Despite what you think of me, I’ve got your back.”

  I nodded and slipped my arm through his. “Let’s just go get this over with.”

  A crowd of witches were gathering as we approached the old stone cathedral, filing in one by one. Behind the iron gates, gargoyle statues perched on the edges of the house, their stone eyes seeming to follow every move I made. I shivered and gripped Chaos’s arm tight. He didn’t flinch or pull away. While the rest of our group had already made their way inside with haste, Chaos and I strolled up the steps, calm and casual like a married couple out on their after-dinner walk.

  Chaos whispered, his breath tickling my ear as we neared the entrance, “It’s showtime. Whatever you do, don’t eat the oyster pearls.”

  I muttered back through a plastered smile, “Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Of course, I knew enough not to take an aphrodisiac. How stupid did he think I was?

  “Unless you want to, of course.” He covered my hand with his and my pulse quickened.

  Focus, Arya.

  I didn’t pull away as he guided me inside the magnificent ballroom. Giant crystal chandeliers glittered from the ceiling, casting shadows and light across hundreds of jewel-adorned masked faces. Witches—dancing, mingling, and drinking colorful concoctions—scattered throughout the room like socialites, scenting the air with rich perfume—exotic notes of jasmine, honeysuckle, Egyptian rose, and vanilla-soaked tobacco.

  The orchestra swelled out of the speakers with haunting violins, flutes, and the faint crash of cymbals. Music from another time that I had only ever heard on records. White-gloved servers carried silver platters stacked with lavender frosted cakes, black Russian caviar piled on top of crisp white crackers, and sparkling pink champagne. They weaved in and out of the crowd like gazelles, smooth and graceful, so
as not to disturb a single guest.

  Chaos nabbed two flutes of champagne and put one in my hand. “Act like you belong here, Arya, and we’ll be just fine.”

  I must have looked like a deer caught in headlights. I took a sip of the sweet bubbly liquid. “I…I’ve never been to a party before. It’s more beautiful than I had imagined.”

  He snorted mid sip, nearly choking on his drink. “Never?”

  I handed him a napkin. “I was supposed to have a party on my twenty-first birthday, but…only Sapphire and Diego showed up. We went to the Three Blind Mice and had drinks instead. I think they were more disappointed than I was.” Nice one, Arya. I had gotten so good at lying to myself, I almost believed it.

  He took the glass out of my hand and set it down. “This is your party then. Happy birthday, Arya.” He winked and pulled me toward the dance floor.

  I wiggled my wrists in attempt to break free of his grasp. “You don’t have to.” I was embarrassed enough as it was. I didn’t need his pity. Why did I even tell him all that?

  Chaos wrapped his arm around my waist, bridging the distance between us. He leaned in and whispered, “But I want to.”

  The light caress of his cheek against mine was hypnotic as he twirled me around the dance floor with an ease that made me feel like we were floating. I couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across my face. The warmth from his body was making me dizzy. The way he smelled up close, like rich soil and last night’s rain. I wanted to lose myself in it.

  I turned my face to look at him through my mask, a vision of glitter and satin. “What is your world like?”

  “Elysium? It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen. Lush forests as far as the eye can see. Cities of gold and diamonds. A place you’d never want to leave.” His eyes hinted at mischief and wonder as he spoke of his home.

  “Do you miss it?”

  “Every day. It’s a part of me and I a part of it. But it is unguarded right now. So I have to be here until I can fix that.”