Fate Chose Them All

Chapter 8 - Cassandra

Bit brushes my hair into loose waves, leaving it to hang elegantly down my shoulders and back. Magnus conjures a golden tiara and sets it on my head. I feel like the royalty they've dressed me as. They stop me from thanking them anymore, claiming to have fun dressing me like a doll. I can see the pity, the sympathy they try to hide in their gazes. For this one time, I don't let it bother me. They continue treating me like an equal, like someone that other's care about.

When Magnus finishes dressing himself like a Greek hero, he sits me down at his vanity. He has a surprising amount of make-up out, and I wonder how often he uses it all. I sit still, my eyes closed except when he commands me to open them. Soft brushes painting my skin in various creams and powders. The only time I wore make-up didn't feel like this. A weight lifting from my chest as I realize no one will scold me for having my face painted in the cosmetics.

Bit steps into view, wearing a deep red, leather jumpsuit. The strapless ensemble is skin tight, and her perfect boobs are pushed up so much, they look ready to pop out of the outfit. Her lips are glossed in the same color as her outfit, but black lines her eyes and is brushed across her cheekbones. She looks fierce, and hot as hell. Bit's long, black hair is pulled back in a sleek, high ponytail. It seems like she added extensions, so the ponytail reaches as far as her ass.

"Oh good, keep your mouth open," Magnus grunts as he begins to brush something across my lips. I didn't even realize I had opened my mouth, but seeing Bit like that... well, I may be the belle of the ball, but she'll be the one stoking the flames of everyone's inner desires. "Okay, this is mixed with a little anti-smearing concoction, so you can drink and suck whatever you want without it coming off," Magnus winks and Bit playfully smacks his shoulder.

"Filthy boy," she jokingly scolds, and he just shrugs.

"I know. Thankfully, that's just how Troy likes me." Bit sighs wistfully at the mention of his Fated.

"Will we be meeting Troy tonight?" I ask with a hopeful tone. I already have two new friends, but I wouldn't say no to a third friend.

"He graduated last year," Magnus pouts, the gold powder on his lips making it a little more funny than adorable.

"Oh, he'll visit. Besides, distance makes the heart grow fonder and the s*x better," Bit says dismissively waving her hand about. Magnus smacks her butt, and I let out a giggle. The feeling of easiness, comaraderie around these two, it's what I've been wanting all these years. I'm just glad to have found it my first day, and I only hope it grows, even if it's just between us three.

"So, where is this mixer thing anyway?" I pipe up, not wanting to look at myself in the mirror again until it's time to go. Not wanting to linger too long on the reflection of a girl playing dress-up. Wanting to actually feel like the royalty I'm dressed as for as long as possible. Afraid if I steal a glance at my reflection, I'll see the lie of it all in my eyes.

"Celsia Plaza, it's the only place with plenty of covered areas outside in case the weather turns on us." I didn't think about the weather, suddenly I feel as though this dress won't be warm enough. As if reading my thoughts, Magnus gestures at his scantily clad body.

"Everyone will be less dressed than you probably. Don't worry, there will be plenty of fire pits and warm bodies to keep you from getting cold. I run hot, so you can always snuggle up to me. I'll be the most non-threatening male presence there for you, probably." He winks at me, and I chuckle half-heartedly.

"Does the staff attend these things?" I ask, studying my newly manicured hands. Long, pointed nails tip my fingers, covered in a nude polish. I could see myself keeping my nails like this more often.

"Some will come and go, just to make sure no fights break out or too many rules are being broken. A few will socialize, but it's mostly for the students to interact. Get to know the noobs and greet old friends from the previous years." I nod at Magnus's explanation as Bit adjusts her t**s in her outfit.

"Alright, I think we are just late enough to be fashionable, but not so late to have missed out on anything fun. Ready?" She asks us as she turns away from her reflection. Magnus nods and stands, grabbing his keys and pocketing them. I reach down and realize there's a hidden pocket on the right side of my skirt. I glance up and Magnus is smirking knowingly at me. I beam at him as I slip my key into my own pocket.

They both exit his room, and I take a deep, steadying breath. Turning, I steal a glance at my reflection. My eyes widen in shock. The make-up on my eyes and cheeks is more natural than I imagined it would be, simply highlighting my natural tones. My lashes lengthened and curled with a hint of mascara. A line of shimmering gold lines my eyelids, curling out just past the corners. My lips are pale pink, glossed perfectly to accentuate the natural plumpness of them. The crown doesn't look like a simple costume piece, it looks like it was made to sit on my head. I allow myself only a moment longer of lingering in how right this look of royalty is on me.

I move to catch-up to my friends, and Bit loops an arm in mine. We pass some others leaving for the party as well. Some look dressed to go clubbing. Others are dressed like the magic they probably control. Still more people file out of other buildings on our way to Celsia Plaza. I see some guy dressed as Cupid, a girl dressed in a Pegasus-inspired get up, a couple dressed as Persephone and Hades, all intermingled with others dressed both in and out of costume. I'm grateful I have Bit and Magnus, otherwise I really would've gone in just my baggy sweater and jeans, and I would've stuck out more than the group of girls dressed as Amazonian warriors.

I'm also thankful I have two people to steer my in the direction of the warm firelight, the haunting presence of shadows more prominent than before. The humming under the marks on my wrists seem to be stronger than earlier, and I can't help but wonder if some of the shadows nearby are as malevolent as the ones I encountered on the stairs. I find myself wishing Professor Damscus was here, just to be safe.

"Drinks, food or dancing?" Bit asks us. My stomach is too knotted up for me to believe I'll be able to keep anything solid down.

"I'm not dancing without a few drinks in me, but I'm starving." Magnus pats his abs, the ridges dusted in a shimmering gold. I just shrug, not entirely sure what to do at a party.

"Okay, food, then lots of drinks, then dancing," Bit lists off as she drags us toward a buffet table full of various sweet and savory finger foods. Magnus and Bit both load the tiny plates with everything they want, then look at me expectantly. I shake my head.

"Not hungry yet," I murmur, sure that I won't be hungry until the sun rises.

"Okay, but if you drink too much, no puking on the dress. It's one of my masterpieces," Magnus growls through a mouthful of food, already replacing what he ate with more from the table. I just giggle and nod as Bit leads us over to a bar.

I notice Zion seems to be tending the bar with another guy I don't recognize. The way they're making drinks has gathered an appreciative crowd at the spectacle though. They slide fancy glasses filled with brightly colored drinks to various people. Bit pushes us to the front, clearly ready to get their attention. Zion glances up at her, then past her to me.

"Babygirl, you look radiant," he gives me that too easy smile, but I can't help but blush at his words. "I have just the drink for someone dressed as the mythical Aradia," he smirks as he begins shaking two metal cups together.

The other guy slides a blood red drink to Bit, and I have a feeling blood actually is part of that cocktail. She raises a brow at him, clearly not having ordered anything yet. He gives a shrug with a flirty grin. She smiles demurely back at him while taking a sip of her drink. The sound of pleasure coming from her must mean he hit the nail on the head. Magnus drums his fingers impatiently on the bar, his plate of food gone. The bartender I don't know slides a drink to Magnus, this one a bright pink. Magnus sniffs it suspiciously before taking a sip. He makes a similar noise to Bit's, and I giggle.

"You're gonna be my new best friend tonight," he murmurs to the bartender.

"Mine too," Bit purrs as she slides her now empty glass back to him, leaning seductively over the bar. My attention is taken from all that as Zion slides me a drink, a bright blue liquid with swirling white glitter inside it, matching my dress perfectly. I gape at the beautiful cocktail, and then cast my eyes up to meet his.

"It's been spelled, so you won't run out." He winks at me before turning is attention to a gaggle of girls vying for his attention. I take a tentative sip of the drink. The most delicious drink wafts across my tongue. My tastebuds dance in the melody of the drink, and a feeling of pure ecstasy washes through me, filling more than my stomach. I have no idea if I make noises like Bit and Magnus, but if I do, they are deserved.

Bit loops her arms through mine and Magnus's, leading us away with our drinks. I don't pay attention to where, taking another euphoric drink of my cocktail. I was never allowed alcohol, and I never really thought I was missing out based on the stinging scent of it. But, if all drinks taste like this, then I was definitely missing out. Bit throws her empty hand as she sways her hips to music playing from nearby. Magnus follows suit, allowing himself to let go to the thump of the bass. I've never danced, but without hesitation, I join in the writhing movements of their bodies. I give myself to the moment, the drink, to the melody, to the night. Forgetting my fears for just a moment, my eyes closed as I revel in it.

I open my eyes, an odd sensation that someone is watching me. My eyes meet his, golden in the light of the fire he stands by. His muscles rippling under the ink etched on his skin. Wayland, the wolf shifter, is staring at me like he wants to devour me. My heart thrums in time with the bass, heat pooling at my core, thinking I may just let him.