WONDER ( Twisted Forbidden Tales ) Book Three

Tantric Flower Trap Part Two

HANK

I had to give to the MuDeath family, they really knew how to through a party. The people of Mushroom Bay Village are a diverse and colorful bunch, each one dressed in their finest attire for the occasion. It made my part in Elder Shiitake's plan a breeze to compare to what Alissa and he were to take on. It wouldn’t stop me from being on guard and ready to strike where I should when needed.

The bonfire at the center of it all is a wonderful sight. Towering flames leap and dance in time with the music, sending sparks spiraling into the night sky like a flurry of fireflies. The heat radiates outwards, warming the faces of the villagers gathered around it, their eyes shining with anticipation for the festivities to come.

Despite the lively atmosphere, the Tweedle twins, seemingly had a death wish as Enzo and shortly after Zuri approached Alissa. I could feel the negative tension between them from miles away. I perked my ears up to listen, as I kept a look out from the corner of my eye.

“Hey there Mr. You have a girlfriend?” a cute pixie girl asked me out of the blue among the people that had surrounded me by the bonfire.

“Sorry girlie, I’m mated and taken,” I answered with a smile causing the girl to pout in disappointment and walk away with blushing cheeks.

Alissa looked uncomfortable, alerting me to the awareness that whatever transpired between her and the Tweedles just now was not pleasant. I felt Zuri’s eyes on me as well but I didn’t give her any encouragement. That woman made my skin crawl so I could imagine how Alissa was feeling with those two standing in front of her just now. Suddenly the air began to shift as my senses honed in on a sinister presence approaching.

“What is she doing here” several questioning voices rang out among the Bay people.

I turned toward the subject of everyone’s questioning and disdain only to have my vision meet with the epitome of an ageless beauty, her features etched with the wisdom of time and the allure of youth, though something was unsettling about her presence.

Emerging from the shadows, commanding attention effortlessly. She moved with a subtle grace, her every step calculated and purposeful. As my gaze settles upon her, like everyone else I can't help but be drawn in by her presence.

“Why did she come? She never comes, this can’t be good.” someone whispered within the crowd. But I heard it loud and clear, she must be a D’ Angel. Her skin was an ethereal pale hue reminiscent of moonlight, with a faint iridescence that seemed to shimmer under the festival lights. Her hair cascaded down her back in silky waves, a deep ebony that contrasted starkly against her porcelain complexion. Her eyes, a piercing shade of silver gray, held a glint of cunning and mischief, betraying the deceptive charm that lurked beneath her exterior.

Clad in a retro-chic women's pantsuit, her attire exuded an air of sophistication and power. The fabric, woven with ancient runes and protective sigils, whispered secrets of warding and enchantment, shielding its wearer from harm while cloaking her intentions in mystery.

As she moved through the throng, her voice carried above the din, each word dripping with calculated charm. The villagers, sensing the aura of danger that surrounded her, exchanged wary glances, their unease palpable in the air.

“Please do continue enjoying yourselves my dear Mu friends and family, don’t let my presence be a buzz kill or I might become sad and we wouldn’t want that would we,” she said with a nonchalant yet threatening grace.

She made her way effortlessly over to the tables laden with an array of delectable treats. The aroma of exotic spices and savory delights wafts through the air, seemed not as enticing upon her arrival especially with the Tweedle Twins following her every step not far behind.

The head of the MuDeath Family clan stood just a hair breath away sporting a frown. With his arms folded across his chest, his entire body stood on guard against her. I found this very telling confirming my instincts were spot on at this woman being more than she seemed despite her deceptive appearance just like the Tweedle’s.

Tables are adorned with bowls of steaming mushroom soup, skewers of grilled fungi, and platters of crispy mushroom fritters, each dish more tantalizing than the last. The woman helped herself to a bowl of soup ignoring the unease around her as if none of it had anything to do with her.

“Rabia D’Angel, just what are you playing at here? This is the Mushroom Festival send-off tonight and I won't have any of your tricks. Bare in mind where you are and whose hosting, do you want more of a bad rep for the MuDeath Families than has already been spread?” Elder Shitake walked forth with Alissa beside him as he asked the woman I now knew whose name was Rabia D’Angel this question.

She took her sweet time in answering him as she enjoyed her soup, then placed a few skewers on her plate as she looked up from her seat at the table to face the Elder.

“Old man you’re still as anal as I remember. Whatever in all the nonsense you just spouted do you mean? From the moment I arrived when did I ever play any tricks?” she asked several questions in reply to Elder Shitake. Though she hadn’t caused any problems yet, her presence here alone hinted at the troubles she was about to cause to come about soon. According to what I gathered from the now restless villagers.

“Ha! Okay, I warrant you haven't caused any trouble just yet, but I’m warning you. There will be no fluff muff tonight, the festival has never been your style to attend, so why now? I’m quite curious as to what amazed you to come out of hiding and grace us with your delightful presence this eve.” said Elder with a slightly sarcastic tone to his voice. His usual calm exterior was bothered by this woman. There was a story here I could feel it, but this wasn’t the time to dwell on it. I too wanted to know but the enemy would never give a straight answer.

She polished off the skewers with a graceful relish before cleaning her hands with a warm towel given to her by one of her lackeys in her small posse of people that stood nearby her and standing up from her seat to face the Elder. With swiftness, Alissa took a defensive stance in front of Elder Shitake. While I stealthily moved closer my hands itching to use the cool-looking sword cinched around my waist.

“Who said I was hiding old man, can’t I simply wait for my dear friends, who so happen to arrive today of all days? Lo and behold my surprise when I heard of our Issa girl coming to town and that you’ve made her a judge in the upcoming festive events. Though our first meeting wasn't on good terms, I’ve come to make amends in honest sincerity here. What a perfect occasion to do so, don’t you think so?” Rabia D’Angel said in utter nonsense to my ears. She was shielding the Tweedle Twins' unauthorized visit while pushing Alissa to the front for her sudden arrival at the festival.

“Humph, so you say. I’ll bite for now, but I’m watching you,” said Elder Shitake with a snort. With a wave of his hand the music resumed, this time more livelier than before, a lively cacophony of drums, flutes, and strings, weaves its way through the crowd, beckoning even the most timid to join in the revelry. Fiddlers perch atop toadstools, their bows dancing across strings made of spun moonlight, while drummers beat out a primal rhythm upon drums carved from ancient oaks.

The crowd dispersed and returned to their festive duties, to my surprise every corner of the village seemed to come alive with activity. Jugglers twirl flaming batons high above their heads, while acrobats perform daring feats upon tightropes strung between towering mushrooms. Stilt-walkers stride through the throngs, their costumes a riot of feathers and sequins that shimmer in the firelight.

“Issa darling, are you not happy to see me?” Rabia asked with a feigned look of hurt and sadness.

“We should maintain a distance from one another, haven't I said this long ago,” Alissa responded in a low yet menacing voice. Her hands were balled into fists at her sides. Elder Shitake feeling the smoldering tension at the seams between the two lightly touched Alissa's arm and she calmed a bit, but I knew this time wouldn’t be enough for her.

“Ha, ha, ha, oh come on Issa. Don’t tell me you are still hung up about that little incident from back then. Was it not just a bit of fun among friends, didn’t everyone enjoy themselves? Hmm, I admit my part to play in giving you that drink but I apologized sincerely after seeing you react so strongly afterward. Chuck it up as an experiment gone slightly wrong we miscalculated okay. Anyhow, the Tweedles and I used to be your dearest friends before, are you going to keep being petty and not forgive us?” Rabia said, sizing Alissa up from head to toe with a glint in her eyes that made even me stiffen with unease and feel extremely uncomfortable.