by A. R. Crebs
Their eyes flickered; their skin was heated, but goosebumps covered their arms as a static formed around them.
“You’re a good kisser,” Lita mumbled, staring at his lips.
“Yeah, you too,” he numbly replied.
They kissed again, and Lita unconsciously moved back toward her bed. Before she could fall back onto the mattress, however, Karter halted her.
“I’m sorry,” Lita whispered between breaths. “I got carried away.”
“You’re mischievous, Lita.”
She ran her fingers through his hair, and he shivered beneath her touch.
“Your touches are electrifying,” he whispered as he grabbed her hand and kissed her knuckles.
“You like it when I’m mischievous, though…don’t you?” she asked.
Karter gaped at her flushed face, watched her chest rise and fall. Her green eyes flickered like the fireflies near the lake.
“I love mischievous,” he managed in a low tone.
“Oh?” Lita giggled softly. “For years I’ve tried to get you to misbehave.”
Karter suddenly twirled her, clasping his hand with hers. Lita’s laughter made him feel even more at ease. Now that the hard part was over, he suddenly glowed with confidence. They circled slowly atop her ornate rug, the sound of wind chimes being their music. As they swayed, Lita placed her cheek against his chest. She had always liked Karter but had never realized how comfortable she was around him.
“I do aim to misbehave with you, miss.” He spun her again and pressed fully against her. His eyes ignited like liquid fire, his nose touching hers. “But not exactly in the way that is publicly acceptable.”
Lita swallowed. Sure, she always teased Karter, but seeing him in this state was unexpected. And with their bodies so close, she couldn’t help but think about things that she never imagined Karter would ever do. The usual prudish and polite man was not standing before her.
“So, you aim to misbehave in more…private ways?” she asked, her voice betraying her confidence with a high squeak.
“Yes. Especially now that I know how to get into your room unnoticed,” he chuckled deeply. For a moment, he seemed like a completely different man. Then his face fell into a look of embarrassment.
Lita raised an eyebrow. “That is certainly misbehaving, Karter.”
He looked a bit worried. “I’m sorry. Is that creepy? I believe that sounded a bit sinister on my part.” He suddenly laughed again and muttered behind his teeth. “I’ve no idea what’s gotten into me.”
Lita hummed, slinging her arms around his neck. “Creepy? Only if you plan on sneaking in at night merely to watch me sleep like some disturbing, infatuated vampire. You know, red eyes and all.” Her smile went crooked. “Sounds like a good way to get stabbed in the face.”
Karter shook his head. “Well, I wouldn’t do that. I’d merely wake you so we could consensually misbehave.”
Lita’s eyes widened. “Consensually?!” she squealed.
“Yes. I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Karter said in a teasing tone.
Lita draped a leg around one of his, gnawing her lip. “I could consent right now if you desire.”
Karter’s hands suddenly tightened around her hips, his nails digging in. He closed his eyes, breathing in slowly. “Oh…I desire.”
Lita smiled, bringing her lips to his ear. “Then I consent.”
Karter gave a moan as Lita kissed him below the earlobe, her lips traveling down the side of his neck. He made a small gasp as he tried to breathe normally against her feathery touches. A small growl vibrated in his throat.
‘For once I thought I had the upper hand. For once Lita was blushing because of me, and then she does something like this.’ Karter’s mind spiraled with thoughts of lust and frustration, embarrassment and joy.
Then his thoughts, for once, silenced as Lita fell back onto her bed, pulling him with her. Snapping her fingers and sending a flare of light toward her doorknob, she locked her room. A wild light took to her eyes as she wrapped her legs around his waist and giggled. Karter leaned down, kissing her laughter away. Their fingers trailed and tugged on each other’s clothing, desperate to explore what was always lingering in the back of their minds.
Time sped by—an hour, two hours, all seeming to pass within minutes. Lita ended up nearly asleep on Karter’s chest, naked. He stared out the window, watching the clouds move in front of and away from the sun. The scent of Lita’s shampoo and perfume tingled his nostrils. Inhaling, he closed his eyes and traced his fingers through her dusty lavender hair. Lita made a small noise, snuggling further against him, resting her forehead in the crook of his neck. Perfection. This is what perfection felt like. Karter couldn’t ask for anything more.
There was a soft knock at Lita’s door. In an instant, Karter’s eyes widened as he quickly tapped Lita’s shoulder. She groggily pulled away, moaning something incoherent as she yawned. As soon as she sat up, the sheet falling around her waist, Karter was on his feet and gathering his belongings. It had taken a second before Lita realized what was happening. She snorted a small laugh, rubbing her eyes. As she crawled to the edge of the bed, reaching for her silken bathrobe, Karter haphazardly tugged on his pants and scrambled to untangle his coat sleeves.
Lita cleared her throat. “Yes?”
“It’s I’Lanthe,” the knocker said from behind the door.
Lita smirked, eyeing Karter. Thankful the visitor wasn’t her father, the young man became less chaotic, but still hurried. After deciding to tuck his boots and t-shirt under an arm, he reached for the windowsill. Lita’s hand on his shoulder stilled him, and he quickly looked back.
“I’ll see you later?” she whispered.
Karter slowly released a shaky breath, his eyes searching over the beautiful robe that revealed ample cleavage and thigh. “Y-yeah.”
Lita gave a quiet snicker, crinkling her nose. She quickly kissed him and then turned toward the door to allow I’Lanthe in. Karter gave a dazed grin and tipped out the side of the window, falling headfirst toward the lake below. Shaking his head with a cheer, he spiraled up toward the clouds.
All he had wanted was a simple yes to his invitation. Instead, he got a lot more than he’d ever imagine. Karter never desired anything more than what that woman had just given him. But now he had to worry about what he was going to wear. Karter’s pleased expression threatened to crumble, but he shook his fears away. At this point, Lita would like him in anything, which meant he had to wow her. It was a challenge he looked forward to.
The man would be lying if he said he didn’t dwell on the event. For the following week, he searched the many shops of Ives, looking for the best suit he could find. Typical ceremonial robes just wouldn’t do. He needed something new and different. After much searching and discussing with Dovian, who had no helpful advice, Karter was able to piece together an ensemble that was rather unique. Fitted, dark, and with an asymmetrical cut, the coat was secured by buttons and chains. He wore a charcoal shirt underneath with a tie that matched the color of Lita’s hair, one of his favorite qualities of hers. In his coat pocket, he had a handkerchief of the same hue decorated with sparkling blue gems and one of his genetically created daffodils pinned into the cloth. He made an additional corsage for Lita with miniature buds and a bow that matched the style of his own. He also had made a bouquet for her that consisted of the daffodils along with violet Irises and baby’s breath. The bouquet was delivered to Lita early afternoon the day of the event.
Karter slicked his hair back. He made sure to wear his mixture of colognes, something that Lita had admitted to being of her liking. As he waited at the front of the Ivory bridge before the entrance to the grand estate, Karter anxiously tapped a foot, occasionally clearing his throat. The large doors opened, causing him to freeze in fear for a moment until Dovian slipped through, allowing him to relax.
“Your anxiety is so strong, it’s making me uncomfortable,” Dovian spouted. He eyed Karter and grinned. The two men gave a
quick handshake in greeting. “You look good; makes up for it.”
“Ah,” Karter unconsciously rubbed the back of his head. Catching his mistake, he quickly smoothed his hair. “Thank you. Is it a bit much?”
Dovian disagreed. “Lita will be enthralled.”
Dovian also dressed well for the event, though his clothing was more modest than Karter’s. Dovian was a simple man, wearing his typical Scarlet ceremonial coat, black slacks, and dress shoes. Though this time, he wore a dark dress shirt and gold tie underneath with the coat slightly undone to show the decoration. One of I’Lanthe’s orchids decorated his collar. In his hand was a golden mask with red lining around the edges and a swirling design on the forehead. Dovian tugged the string of the mask, putting it in place. He reached behind, lifting his hood. His scarlet cape was neatly gathered and folded on one shoulder.
“Hood, or no hood?” he asked Karter.
“Hood. I heard ladies dig the hoods.”
“They dig the hoods…” Dovian hummed a laugh. “You have been spending too much time with my cousin.”
Karter placed his mask of midnight black upon his face. At his touch, the disguise swirled with colorful nebulas, glittering specs of white tracing in a similar pattern. Slowly, the colors faded, but as the man moved his head, the light of the sun reflected strange hues like black oil.
The front of the cathedral opened, and out stepped their dates for the evening. I’Lanthe dressed in hues of gold and plum, dainty flowers mixed with the intricate braiding of her hair which was held back by a golden crown. She wore a mask of gold. Purple and peacock feathers decorated one side, matching the feathers of her earrings. Giggling, she grabbed Lita’s hand, guiding the young woman toward the ivory bridge where the men waited.
Karter’s breath hitched as a flutter took to his stomach. Lita wore a fitted gown that faded from blue to black. The corsage wrapped around her dainty wrist. Her lavender hair was pulled back into one thick braid, Karter’s flowers decorating it. A few loose curls framed her face, long obsidian stones dangled from her ears. In a similar style as the earrings, a black necklace tapered in an upside-down pyramid, resting just above her cleavage.
Karter and Dovian both bowed in respect toward the ladies, to which they giggled. I’Lanthe let go of Lita’s hand and reached for Dovian, giving him a quick kiss.
“You look very handsome,” she said in a quiet voice.
“I wish I could think of a better way to describe your beauty,” he replied. “I can’t wait to show you off.”
Lita peered at Dovian, her smile widening. “He thinks you look super-hot I’Lanthe. And he also can’t wait to undress you later.”
Dovian sent an icy glare in Lita’s direction. “Holy hell, Lita. Can you not do that?”
I’Lanthe placed her hand on Dovian’s chest. “Having Lita around as my interpreter makes things much easier for me.”
Dovian’s face reddened, and he was glad he had drawn his hood. “As if I’m that difficult to read.”
“Ha! I know you pretty well, but sometimes it’s nice to know your exact thoughts.” I’Lanthe grabbed his hand, leading the way. Dovian had no qualms about her taking the lead. It saved him some form of anxiety.
Karter held out his arm for Lita to take. She happily locked her elbow around his, giggling impishly.
“Every time I see you, I think to myself that you can’t possibly be more charming. You prove me wrong each time.” Karter took in a deep breath, relishing in the scent of her perfume—orchids and candy—mixed with the apple cider scent of her flowers. She smelled like a bakery, any Sorcēarian’s favorite thing.
“Thank you, Karter. You look amazing. I love your mask.” She poked the porcelain, her eyes reflected the swirl of colors that reacted to her touch.
“Just something I threw together,” he humbly stated.
“Oh, yes. Talent comes easily to you.”
“I was motivated.”
“Oh?”
“I am embarrassed to admit how excited I am for this event. I sometimes get carried away.”
Lita moved closer, resting her head against his arm as they followed the others.
“I am excited as well,” she quietly stated.
The Grand Hall was nearly unrecognizable thanks to the decor. The floors had changed to checkered marble. The walls and pillars were all gold; masked theatrical expressions were held high upon the beams. Banners of maroon and royal blue strung across the second floor. Lining the walls of one side of the room were banquet tables full of assorted snacks and desserts, punches and ales. As the attendants walked, the tiles lit up beneath their feet. An orchestra played on the opposite side of the entry. Lita snickered as golden pieces of confetti rained from up high upon the dance floor. The fragments disintegrated into the marble.
“How lovely,” I’Lanthe whispered.
Lita twirled, allowing the glitter to cover her. The decorations melted on her skin, eventually fading away.
“Ah, there they are!” Orin called from the punch table.
A glass of Iven wine occupied one hand as he passed a cup of punch to his date, Elizabeth.
Orin had been seeing Elizabeth for roughly five years. What made her so unusual was the fact that she was a human. Their relationship was somewhat frowned upon in Sorcēarian society, but Orin was adamant that Elizabeth was ‘the one.’ He met the woman at a rodeo club in the American Midwest. Her accent was slightly Southern in nature and held a hint of redneck. Orin adored the strange inflections of the human’s voice along with her pristine blue eyes and blonde hair which reminded him of the rays of the sun. Despite her pale skin, her cheeks always held a rosy shade. Admittedly to all the others, Elizabeth was quite cute, but she had a rough side from growing up on a farm. Once started on the subject, Elizabeth could tell stories all day long about livestock and horseback riding. Another eye-catching attribute Orin adored was the fact that she stood well over six feet tall. Still, the human was tiny compared to the Sorcēarian race. Elizabeth had a love for Ives. It was apparent by the way she looked at him, outside of her obvious trail of thoughts any time he was around, that Orin was her knight in shining armor.
“Elizabeth! I’m glad you could come!” Lita skipped toward the woman.
“Lita!” Elizabeth exclaimed, giving her a hug. “So good to see you again! It’s been months!”
Lita pouted. For a Sorcēarian, months was hardly any time at all. Sometimes she forgot how precious a human’s time could be. In the blink of an eye, Elizabeth could live out most of her life. Thus the reason why it wasn’t recommended Sorcēarians pursue relationships with humans.
“I’m so sorry! I…forget sometimes,” Lita said with a frown.
Elizabeth waved a hand. “It’s alright. I understand. Just takes some gettin’ used to.”
Orin made a strange face and nodded slowly. His past girlfriends were all Sorcēarian, and none had any issues with going weeks without seeing one another. Elizabeth was a bit different, but her clingy behavior had become more manageable.
“How’s that dinosaur of yours fairin’?” Elizabeth shivered. Petey scared the daylights out of her, but she had grown a bit more tolerable of the giant lizard. Frankly, the reptiles on Ives often made her a bit squeamish.
Lita rolled her eyes. “My goodness, he’s been a mess lately! Getting too big to handle. I have high hopes for him, though.”
There was a snort from Orin. “That big lump of reptilian butter is eventually going to eat Ives whole.”
“I put him on a diet.” Lita stuck out her tongue.
“Hasn’t done him much good,” Dovian joined in.
“Hey!” Lita placed her hands on her hips. “He’s very sensitive, you know?” She faced Elizabeth again. “Maybe sometime you could come see him. He’s getting better at allowing others to ride him.”
“Um, no, thanks. I’ll watch from afar,” the American twanged.
“Is it Petey’s size that bothers you so?” I’Lanthe asked.
“Oh no
! It’s all lizards! Ya know, they’re just like snakes with feet!” Elizabeth groaned and shook out her hands.
Orin laughed, placing his hand on her shoulder. The top of the woman’s head barely reached his chest. “Good thing she likes owls!”
Just then, Kitara screeched overhead. Everyone looked at the bird of prey as it circled them all, her eyes searching the crowd. Kitara swooped in low and landed on Fardon’s forearm. He and the Elders stood before the orchestra. Sir Gaius glided forward, his arms gesturing toward the dancers. He was magnificent, decorated head to toe, a rarity for such a humble man.
“Welcome to the Masquerade! I wish you all a joyous night of fine dining and dancing! Please, enjoy yourselves.” Gaius then bowed, his fist thumping against his chest. Kitara screeched and took to the air, flying high above to watch the festivities as the orchestra kicked up in a loud volume. The room livened up with chatter as many took to the dance floor.
“Sir, would you mind sharing a dance with me?” A cool, raspy voice called out to Sir Gaius.
He turned to the side, giving a modest smile to the fair Narita. She had barely aged since they had landed on Earth. Sir Gaius would be lying if he never admitted he had become somewhat enamored by the woman.
“My dear, I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He grabbed her thin hand, pressing his lips against her knuckles. She gave a coy smile as he led her to the dance floor.
I’Lanthe caught sight of this and grinned. “Your great-grandfather is as charming as you are.”
Dovian cleared his throat, guiding I’Lanthe’s hand to his lips. She giggled in response. Gesturing with a nod, Dovian led his beautiful date to the floor as well.
Lita watched the twirling dancers in awe. Everything was extravagant compared to the typical nightclubs she frequented. She almost felt out of place. Eyeing the crowd, she suddenly became nervous. Was Euclid present? Would he have the nerve to show up and make fun of her?
A hand wrapped around hers. “Lita, would you care to dance?”
Her attention fled to Karter. The young man handed her a flute of champagne. “Oh, you do know me too well.” She gratefully accepted the drink.