Twin Flame

Chapter Six

I felt like all the air had been sucked out of my lungs. Every muscle in my body tensed and it was difficult to stand to my feet.

Ophelia and Dahlia each took one of my arms and guided me out of my room. My hands trembled and I silently pleaded for them to release me, to let me go. But either they didn't hear my telepathic messages or they didn't care.

They led me to the long staircase and helped me maneuver down the four flights. It was difficult walking barefoot of these steps, let alone in heels. I guess that's why they were with me, to make sure I didn't fall and break my neck.

We stopped at a set of magnificent doors on the second floor and I gulped. Beyond the door, I heard elegant orchestra music and the overall din of conversation. My stomach flipped. How many people were in there?

Would I be able to outrun them if I kicked off my heels and sprinted? I assessed Ophelia and Dahlia and they both stared at me, as if they knew what I was thinking.

"This is it, Miss Waverly. " Ophelia says, straightening one of my loose hair strands. Dahlia fusses with my gown, making sure there isn't a single wrinkle.

Sweat formed on my forehead and my mouth went dry. "I can't do this," I whispered.

"You have to. "

"I don't even know what I'm supposed to do! You're throwing me to the sharks! And you don't even care!" I couldn't help it, I was yelling now.

"It's not like that, Miss. It simply has to be this way. " Dahlia said somberly.

"No! You could help me! You could get me out of here if you really wanted to!"

Dahlia just shook her head.

"It's not that easy. "

I froze and assessed them. They both looked calm and their expressions were carefully schooled until masks of neutrality. But Ophelia's eyes held sadness.

"When you enter, hold your head high. You may not be a vampyre, but you're the tribute to the Princes. That will protect you. "

"From what?"

"From any other vampyre who may feel the urge to try anything with you. Your blood, it is very rare, Miss. Some of the less experienced vampyres may have a hard time resisting you. "

I clenched my eyes shut. I was like a deer walking into a den of wolves.

"You're going to walk straight down the ballroom until you reach the dais. There will be two thrones there. Damian will be on the right, Dante on the left. When you reach them, you will curtsy, and fall to your knees and expose your neck to them. "

"And what happens if I refuse? What would happen if I just... didn't?"

Ophelia blanched. "Nothing good, Miss. It's best to keep to the regime. Do not make eye contact with any of the vampyres, especially the Princes. Do not speak unless spoken to. Any female, you will address as My Lady, any male as My Lord, except for the Princes. You will address them as Your Highness or Your Majesty, but you will not do so unless you are directly spoken to, which likely will not happen. "

"So I'm just supposed to sit on my knees for the entire night?"

"Of course not! After the sample, you will be free to dance and mingle."

"The sample?"

Both of them averted their gaze. Dahlia spoke. "Well, they need to... to taste you. "

I flinched. "What?!"

"To accept you as tribute, they need to taste your blood. It won't hurt much. It should only be a prick. They may not even bite your neck. Perhaps your wrists will suffice. "

I couldn't even believe my ears. "What if I refuse?"

"You are not given the choice to refuse. At this moment, you belong to the royalty. Your wants are no longer your own. "

Before I could ask any more questions, silence fell in the room and my heart slammed against my chest.

"Now presenting this year's tribute, Waverly Cordelia Nestori." How the hell did they find out my full name?

The doors swung open and my mouth dropped. There were hundreds of people, dressed in exquisite finery, holding champagne glasses, and every single one of them was staring at me. My mouth went dry and I couldn't seem to move my feet.

Ophelia gave me a small shove forward. "We will be three steps behind you at all times. Do try not to faint. "

I struggled to take a step forward. There was a very clear path that I was meant to take. The middle of the room was cleared and led to a marble platform that held two chairs.

No. Not chairs. Thrones.

I took a shaky step and moved only about an inch. I tried again and my knees felt rubbery. I could feel every gaze on me, examining me, assessing me, looking me up and down. And I hated it.

I finally found a steady, yet still nervous, stride and made my way towards the dais, willing myself not to trip in front of these people... Well, vampires.

After what felt like an eternity, I finally approached the platform. It was dead silent in the room. You could hear a pin drop. Perhaps they could even hear my pounding heart.

I looked up at the two thrones and felt my breathing hitch in my throat.

Two imposing figures sat on their respective throne. Despite Ophelia telling me who was who, I couldn't remember which one was which. They had the same face. Or... almost the same.

They both had piercing green eyes that I could see every twenty or so feet away. Their faces were sculpted, as sharp as the marble flooring beneath my feet. Their noses were Roman and they each resembled what I imagine a Greek god would look like.

Their hair, though the same chestnut brown, was styled differently. The one on the left, who was sitting on his throne regally and poised, had his hair cropped and sleek, almost militarized. The one of the right, who had his legs slung over the arm of his throne had hair that was more unruly, curling over his ears. They each had a circlet of gold on their heads. Crowns.

They both stood from their thrones, terrifyingly in sync. I nearly recoiled as they stepped down and approached me, like cats cornering a mouse.

Their clothing was regal, deep reds and blues, adorned with gold, knee high black boots, and fur trim. They were exactly what I pictured princes would look like.

I carefully sank to my knees and stared at the ground. My entire body trembled as I lifted my head and exposed my neck.

The blood rushed in my ears and all I could hear was their footsteps, thundering towards me. I clenched my eyes shut, feeling their presences over me. One of them kneeled to my stature and touched a strand of my hair, rubbing it between his fingers. My heart hammered in my chest. The other one brushed a finger down my neck and I shivered. I desperately wanted to open my eyes, but I was afraid of what I'd see.

"They sure brought us a pretty one, didn't they, Damian?" The voice from my left was rough and coarse, rugged and masculine.

A slow chuckle came from my left.

"They really outdid themselves this time. I wonder if she tastes as good as she smells. " This voice, rich and deep, sounded more laced with honey than his brother's. Smoother.

"Let's find out. "

I couldn't help the scream that tore from my throat as two pairs of teeth dug into my neck.