Velvet Shadows: A story of revenge and desire.

The Crimson Lantern thrummed with life. Smoke curled around the candles, thick and sweet, carrying the scent of wine, sweat, and secrets. Laughter rang sharp, urgent, over the low hum of whispered deals, punctuated by the occasional clatter of coin against wood. Eveline slid through it all like liquid shadow, her skirts brushing the polished floorboards, eyes scanning, calculating. “It's been a while Eveline” a short middle-aged man called out. His hair was bald, and his belly round and big. It was truly a nauseating sight. “Pleasure seeing you again Master Frey” Eveline replied with a smile that wasnt exactly a smile. Master Frey leaned forward, grabbing her hand, “What must I do get the services of a brothel queen? His voice was filled with lust. Eveline calmly pushed him away “It seems you want more than you can afford,” “Fear not, I am more than capable to pay for your services, name your price” he leaned back. “I'm sorry it isn't money you lack, it's just that your face is disgusting to look at, if you were a tad bit handsome, maybe I would have considered you, unfortunately you are not, so I'll kindly take my leave.” Eveline pushed him with a greater force. Master Frey clenched his fists, he couldn't take the embarrassment, he shouted back, “Don't think you are important, you are not royal blood, you are just a w***e!!” Eveline turned back, “Look around, what do you see? Where's, men, coin, lust, and I stand at the pinnacle. I am treated like royalty, but you, outside here, among the royals you claim to belong to, are you recognized? Are you important? You are just some messenger bought off with coin, and coin? We both know that it doesn't really matter, what matters is power, which you clearly lack, so I suggest you think of how to climb the ranks instead of flaunting the fact that you lack common sense” She spat before exiting gracefully. Master Frey face turned red with anger, he stonped his feet and left angrily. “That's so much words for an unimportant person” Lillian nudged Eveline. She didn't respond, she knew Lillian was right, but she couldn't help it. Memories buried deep inside resurfaced, her mother’s hysterical laughter, her sister's tears while begging for her life, the princess’ sinister smile, the royals covering it up. She swore, everyone will pay the price. “I'm alright,” she comforted Lillian “It isn't much of a big deal, go and serve your clients. “Of course, I don’t have same privileges as the brothel queen,” she replied playfully. She planted a kiss on Eveline face and walked away with a strut. Eveline walked absentmindly, looking for a place to relax when her face suddenly hits a strong back. Her body tensed up, like a sixth sense, always recognizing a scrutinizing gaze, the mysterious figure looked down at her with a mix of surprise, her scent of lillies and lavender drafts through his nose reminding him of a little girl in his memory. Eveline looked up and was stunned by his face, “the gods really took their sweet time creating him,” she muttered to herself, his three dimensional face was so eye catching she couldn't help but to steal a few more glances, “I'm honored that my appearance meets the standard of the brothel queen but I'm a little uncomfortable with the ogle.” “I'm sorry” Eveline quickly realized her composure, her face went back to its usual seductive look, “it's surprising how you change faces quickly” the mysterious man let out a chuckle, “I think this conversation has come to an end,” Eveline cold voice rang out, she walked past him, nudging his shoulder lightly. It was as if the spotlight was on her, only her. The music got louder, the air became more intoxicating, the sounds of moans and grunts could be heard clearly, the mysterious man took a sip of his wine as his gaze lingered on her silhouette, “Interesting…”