The Prevalence: Sequel and Final Book of The Premortals (The Premortals Series 2)

by Jacqueline Wrenley

  “Why should she be? Do not forget, she is the only one in here who has a mate,” Selene said in a matter of fact tone.

  I wished a hole suddenly appeared beneath me then I would fall into it and disappear forever.

  Roland laughed more. “What do say Lady Elaine? How about a peek?”

  I gave Roland a pleading look, silently begging for him to reconsider.

  He smiled. “I will tell you what Lady Elaine. I have arranged a little game for us tonight at the masquerade ball. If you promise to play then I will not tell him to remove his clothes.”

  I’d play whatever game he wants me to. “I promise,” I agreed, nodding eagerly.

  “Very well,” Roland conceded grinning.

  There was a look of disappointment in Amelia’s face and Karina frowned, Selene sighed and said, “And I thought we were going to show her how to be an Elite. Come on Ladies.” Throwing the brush down on the table and continued, “Let us show her how we do it.”

  She left. Amelia and Karina followed, and I reluctantly not far behind. They were the most self-indulgent people I’ve ever met and everything I despised about the Elites they made it all true and even exceeded my expectations.

  I found myself entering a spacious parlour. Everything inside was white and the extravagant furniture and curtains were all gold but the room was arranged not in its usual way. Large mirrors were placed upright near the wall with a white stage set up in front of it, and a long platform extending towards the center.

  We took our seats on the long couch facing the stage. Selene and I sat at the center then tea and pastries were served after we were settled comfortably.

  “Now this is what Ladies love to do,” Selene declared.

  A pale blonde woman in a black short dress under a white blazer and black heels approached and curtsied.

  “Shall we begin my Lady?” she asked courteously.

  Selene nodded. The woman turned and signaled someone waiting by the door and soon after, a rhythmic music surrounded the room. Tall and elegant women entered one by one wearing expensive and fabulous gowns made for an Elite Lady. They got up on the stage, walking confidently to the center platform then pause on the edge and then walk back to where they entered.

  Gowns with soft artistic laces, some with sparkling stones, a few were single colored while others a combination of more with tight bodice emphasizing their slender waist. A wide selection of strapless, off shoulders, and thin strap necklines designs.

  More women appeared now wearing trendy and stunning short or long cocktail dresses and dazzling evening gowns that usually an Alpha wore. They glide in silks and satins and different skirt designs with one or two long slits. Some brought glittering purses, and some wore heels that were too high and painful for my taste.

  There were seductive gowns and dresses that could entice the imagination of any man. I was in awe of the Lady’s gowns altered to look more stylish and revealing like an Alpha’s, a fashion crossover between the two. Astonished was the right word for me, adoring the brilliantly crafted designs.

  “Have you ever been to an Alpha party Lady Elaine?” Selene asked in a reserved manner.

  I shook my head. “No, I haven’t.”

  She took a sip from her tea. “They are less extravagant from our balls but I find their parties more fun and liberating, offering more varieties… The Alphas are also more direct, so if you do find yourself in one of their events, they will not hesitate to take whatever they want… and that might even include you,” she warned with a sly smile.

  Selene was obviously someone who had a great deal of experience probably more than the rest of the Elite Ladies. Her sophistication and style was fascinating… and dangerous at the same time.

  “And they have a lot of Ineverate in their parties,” Karina who sat beside Selene chimed in.

  Selene scoffed. “I remembered you enjoyed it.”

  Karina shrugged. “I wanted to see the beautiful colors and it makes you happy all the time.” She then faced me and said, “Ineverate is an Alpha’s recreational drug, they will not discourage you to take it if a party calls for it, unlike the Elites.”

  “Unless you want to be the joke of the ball acting like a fool all high, then you are welcome to use it,” Selene said.

  I’ve heard of Ineverate before, it was an illegal drug. I guess except with the Alphas and Elites who saw themselves untouchable by the law.

  “Ooh… that looks so pretty,” Karina remarked referring to the slender woman pausing at the edge of the platform wearing a sparkling lilac gown.

  “Then choose your dress Ladies, it is what you will be wearing for tonight’s masquerade ball,” Selene declared cheerfully.

  Karina and Amelia clapped their hands thrilled.

  “You would look stunning in that one Lady Elaine,” Selene suggested, observing the woman wearing a gorgeous glittering silver ball gown with elegant lace designs on the bodice and a thin lace strap that goes all the way to the plunging back.

  Selene gave a subtle nod towards the gown and the pale blonde woman who seems to be in charge noticed immediately and obediently acknowledged, gesturing the woman wearing the gown to exit from the room. Amelia and Karina were having fun choosing but remained undecided. They were giving praises and suggestions to each other at first and then argued over misinterpreted words after.

  “You would look good wearing that, it would definitely show off your waist,” Amelia said.

  “Are you saying I look fat?” Karina implied in a threatening manner.

  It goes on like this but eventually they reconciled.

  When the show was over, we followed Selene to the hallway and into a private chamber. When we went inside, there were four white cushioned chairs and four beds with white linens. Black tall contraptions with a giant arm were hovering over each bed but I had no idea what it was for.

  Four female staff all wearing black were waiting for us. They curtsied and asked us to change and wear the white silk robes and under it a special kind of tight top and bottom white undergarments they provided. I was puzzled and Selene took notice and explained, “Ladies like to take care of their skin.”

  After we changed, we were guided to the beds, and the staff beside me requested I take off the robe before I lie down on my back. I was hesitant but I saw the other three Ladies already removing their robes so I did the same. Selene and I took the beds beside each other while Karina and Amelia laid on the other two.

  A soothing song was playing and the room was filled with an aroma smelling like fresh garden flowers. The staff asked permission to apply something on my body and I reluctantly allowed. She gently wiped sweet scented oil all over and applied a white heavy mask cream on my face.

  When they were done, the staff turned on the contraption beside the bed and its movable arm, making a mechanical swirling sound while it adjusted itself, directed a horizontal dark purple laser to my body. It started first from my head and moved down slowly to my toes then back up again. At first, I thought it was going to hurt but I felt nothing at all.

  “What’s this for?” I asked the staff attending me.

  “It’s for the skin my Lady, this will make it look and feel softer and smooth, giving an extra glow,” she explained eagerly.

  Selene slightly tilted her head towards my direction. “I am sure your mate will not mind the extra softness.”

  I felt myself blush and I was thankful I had this white mask on or she would’ve notice.

  “So Lady Elaine,” she continued. “What is the best part so far since you became an Elite?”

  I didn’t answer right away, I couldn’t think of any but I responded trying my best to be honest and at the same time not to sound rude. “I haven’t decided yet.”

  She smiled. “The moment you became an Elite was the best part that happened in your life, do you agree?”

  “Maybe…” I answered.

  “It should be. All your problems when you were a Beta, you do not have that anymore when you are an
Elite. People would kill to be an Elite, even the Alphas. You are living the glamorous life now so enjoy it,” she said.

  I chose not to comment, the Elites were very proud and vain so it’d be useless to contradict her with their narrow mindedness.

  “The best part for me being an Elite is when I am match with Lord Stephen,” Karina remarked.

  “That is impossible because he is going to be match with me,” Amelia objected.

  “You wish! Your father has not made any proposal yet to Duke Rectner,” Karina countered.

  “What makes you so sure?”

  “Enough with the bickering Ladies. I doubt father will accept any proposals from your families even if they made one,” Selene reprimanded, irritated.

  The two Ladies fell silent.

  “Was that how your match with the Prince was made? An agreed proposal between your families?” I asked curiously.

  “Of course, father made a proposal to the Emperor that he simply could not refuse.” Selene answered.

  The Sovereigns weren’t subject to be matched by the Numen System so they were free to choose anybody to be their mate.

  “Selene is an obvious choice though because Sunglow is the wealthiest dukedom,” Karina interjected.

  “Duke Rectner must have offered a lot of gold to the Emperor,” Amelia expressed her opinion.

  Selene remained silent with her eyes closed.

  “Well if I am not going to be matched with Lord Stephen, I already asked my father for Lord Theo,” Karina changed the subject.

  I turned my head towards Karina and asked, “Who’s Lord Theo?”

  “Only a very handsome Lord who comes from a wealthy dukedom,” she replied.

  “Lord Theo is a very good prospect,” Amelia agreed.

  “Do not even try thinking taking him for yourself Amelia, I have already spoken for him,” Karina warned.

  “I was not going to… and besides I already have someone in mind,” Amelia defended.

  “Who?” Karina asked.

  “Lord Edward,” Amelia answered sweetly and melodically.

  Karina gasps.

  “Mm… Now that is a handsome Lord,” Selene commended, her eyes still closed.

  Karina’s face cream cracked when she frowned.

  Amelia giggled and said, “I know right? He is such a gentleman too.”

  They talked more about Lords, comparing who was better looking and who was wealthier. After an hour, the attendant turned off the machine and asked us to turn on the bed. Our backs, legs and arms were applied again with the same sweet scented oil and then the machine was turned on.

  I fell asleep laying on the bed under the relaxing ambience. Then a gentle touch woke me and when I opened my eyes, the machine had already stopped moving. The attendant wiped away the mask on my face and applied moisturizing cream all over my body after the oil dried from the light. When it was done, she handed me my robe and gestured with her hand to sit on the cushioned seats.

  The attendant let down my hair, slowly combing the strands with her fingers and applied a white gel with strong scent from the roots to tip. She gently massaged my scalp then let the gel sit on my hair while she washed her hands and did my nails.

  It took about another hour. The Ladies didn’t seem to mind the wait though as they continued to talk about themselves, and the longer it went on, the more they became competitive of each other but whenever Selene spoke, they always listened and never dare contradict anything she said, instead they praised her and Selene lavished on the attention they gave. She craved for it, and both Amelia and Karina were willing to give it to her and in return seeking for her approval.

  After our nails were done, our hair was washed and dried then neatly transformed into a bun. The attendant began putting on makeup and added long lashes and heavy black eye liners, too much from what I was used to. I examined her work and she noticed my uneasiness and explained, “You’ll be wearing a mask my Lady, enhancing the eyes more will make you more fabulous.”

  After that, we returned to our chambers to prepare for the ball. The gown Selene chose for me was already in my room along with a pair of silver heels and a blue mask covering only around the eyes, heavily decorated with glittering silver stones along the borders. Two maids were already waiting inside to assist me with the gown.

  It began to get dark when I left my chambers and I followed a footman who showed me the ballroom. Passing through the familiar walls until we reached a long wide entrance hallway with arches made entirely of gold, leading to the ballroom and I could hear the orchestra already playing from beyond.

  I reached at the end of the hall where two footmen were holding the doors open and I proceeded to enter. It was the biggest and the grandest ballroom I’ve ever seen since I became an Elite. Everything was gold except for the black pillars, black stair carpet and the designs on the moldings. There was no tables and chairs around, the dance floor was bare making the symphony resonate through the hall. There was a gold chandelier hanging on the high ceiling with its elegant arms swirling, stretching, with its warm lights illuminating the entire hall.

  Descending the stairs, I saw Roland already there wearing a fine black tailcoat and pants with gold borders, and a gold vest with ruffled inner white shirt under it and a gold mask on his face. Beside him was Karina wearing a dark green gown, the color of her House, and a green mask with sparkling stones, and Amelia stood on the other side, wearing a beige gown, also the color of her house, and a white masquerade mask with silver shining stones.

  There was nobody else except for the four tall and handsome looking gentlemen with identical chiseled jaws standing at the corner in a single line wearing tailcoats and masks in our respective colors of our houses of silver, gold, beige, and green.

  I curtsied to the Prince when I was in front of him and he bowed in return.

  “You look magnificent my Lady,” Roland beamed.

  “Thank you your highness,” I said smiling.

  Amelia and Karina were grinning when I stood in my place beside them.

  “Such a beautiful gown Lady Elaine,” Amelia praised.

  “You look stunning as well Lady Amelia,” I complimented and she giggled with a hand over her mouth.

  The ball was glorious with its magnificence but when Selene entered, she clearly outclassed everyone present. She walked gracefully in a ravishing and most revealing gold gown boasting her elegant and slender figure. With a plunging sweetheart neckline and gold silk with tiny diamonds tight bodice that only covered the front part of her body, from breast down to her hips, leaving her flawless back and shoulders completely expose. The gown’s layered wide skirt was made from thin and transparent silk laces looking like real actual gold strains shimmering more brilliantly under the warm lights as the layers reached the hem. The diamonds on the upper corners her gold mask and on her hair glittered brightly than the stars, along with her dangling earrings, necklace, and wrist band on her left arm, all with large diamonds over gold settings. She slowly descended the steps, effortlessly, all radiantly stunning.

  I gazed at her astonished and impressed by her bold choice, and the way Karina and Amelia gawked at her, I guess they felt the same way. Roland was the first one to break his trance and approached when she landed on the bottom steps. He gently kissed her hand and brought her to where we waited. Karina and Amelia became excited and showered her with praises of her gown and beauty but Selene’s expression was completely still, as if she was expecting it, standing confidently like a goddess over her worshipping devotees.

  “Shall we begin?” Roland asked excitedly and loudly.

  “Yes!” Amelia and Karina enthusiastically answered in unison.

  “First we dance!” Roland declared.

  After he said it, the orchestra playing near the stairs paused then played a more graceful tune. Selene took Roland’s arm and went to the center of the ballroom. The two gentlemen standing not far wearing green and beige offered their hand to Karina and Amelia, who happily accepted
and went to the dance floor.

  They all danced with ease. The gentlemen led the dance, one hand under the Lady’s palm and the other placed on their waist while the Ladies placed a hand on the gentlemen’s shoulder. They were spinning together and dancing in circles with the symphony. The Lady’s skirts gracefully floated as they glided through the dance floor. They were inspiring to witness like they’ve been doing this for a very long time. Then the gentleman with long brown hair tied behind his head, wearing a silver tailcoat offered his hand to me but I graciously refused, and told him I didn’t know how to dance.

  “Let him guide you,” Roland shouted over the music playing and grinned, glancing at my direction while still dancing with no effort at all.

  “But I don’t know what to do,” I explained loudly back to Roland.

  “Do not worry, he knows what he is doing.” Roland chuckled.

  I looked at the Prince then at the tall gentleman in front of me still offering his hand. I reluctantly placed my hand over his and he guided me to the dance floor. I was so nervous but the gentleman was seemingly adept to this. We took our position, copying what I saw from the other Ladies, and then with a smooth movement, he led me joining the others.

  I didn’t know where to move but his feet set the pace and his arms guided me where I needed to go, I only had to follow and try to be as fluid as the others. I wasn’t at all elegant but I tried to keep up and quell my nerves as he spin and twirl me maintaining his graceful posture even though I felt I was stiff as a board.

  Soon I got use to the flow and started to relax and surprisingly enjoyed the dance. It was like the gentleman was taking me for a magical ride, dancing in circles with the others then across, and in a straight line. Taking turns dancing at the center while the others around, never stopping. When the orchestra changed to a different melody, we modified our steps, pace and our body to adapt to the tempo.

  After a while of dancing, Roland and Selene decided to take a break, making their way to the sides. I decided to join them, I told the gentleman who I was dancing with and he obliged and escorted me back. A footman served us wine and I took a glass thirsty from the dancing and drank it willingly. The wine was strong but the potency was masked by its smoothness and sweetness. Karina and Amelia remained at the dance floor and continued to sway happily with their partners, showing no signs of losing energy.