Hellbound Heart

Knowing how important the talk of her safety was, Elle nodded firmly at Lucas. She was already used to being guarded and the fact that the way Lucas had been guarding her ever since they stepped into this place from the beginning was something she did not find annoying and suffocating at all. It was so unlike the way her father and Brandon Haze had been guarding her from before. r

"I understand. Don't worry, I will try to excuse myself early tonight." She assured Lucas and then the two finally arrived inside.r

The party's motif was a dark masquerade, so everyone was dressed in something gothic and dark. All the guests' faces were covered with glamorous and interesting masks. r

Elle was holding her black mask inspired by a phoenix wing. She was dressed in a chiffon black-to-red gradient one-shoulder dress. Shimmery sequins decorated the strap crossing her right shoulder and also along the gathers just above the left waist. A gothic black Victorian lace necklace with black diamonds decorated her slender swan-like neck. She also put on a long open fingered black laced gloves that reached her elbows. On her dainty feet, black stiletto heels with straps going round the ankles and down the front, as well as red soles gave her an additional height to her already perfect height. To complete her ensemble, she had on smokey eyeshadow, black-to-red gradient nail polish, a red garnet flower black shiny gold ring on her ring finger and a vintage black large velvet bow clipped to hold half her hair back.r

Though she could not see everyone's expression, Elle had immediately felt gazes turning to fall on her. It was like all eyes turned and focused on her. Trying her best to stay calm, she continued walking in gracefully until they reached their assigned table. The place was dimly lit but was really beautiful. It was like a scene from a dark fairytale. The ceiling was dark but silver chandeliers hung above, lit up by long taper candles. It gave her the feeling that they were back in the past. It was a complete contrast to the exterior of this modern mansion.r

Somehow, Elle could not help but be amazed at the atmosphere of this party. She had been to many parties before, but this was the first time she had been invited to a party this extreme. The dark fairytale theme had been perfectly executed. And to think that even the feel of it gave her goosebumps. Like there was something sinister hanging in the air, something dark lingering in the beauty of everything and everyone. Just exactly what one would be expecting of a dark fairytale. Whoever the organizers and designers were, they had truly nailed the theme. And did the guests received any script to follow or some orders to stare at the other guests with those creepy gazes beneath their masks? r

"Are you okay, Princess?" Lucas asked. For some reason, the man seemed a little too concerned about her tonight. Was he worried she would get nervous with this setup? r

She smiled at him. "Don't worry. Actually, this is quite thrilling." She whispered to him. "Not the same old party I've gotten so used to. The atmosphere is pretty amazing. It's so realistic!" she gushed.r

Lucas could only fall speechless at her words and let her be. r

Soon, the party started. Like what Elle said, it was not the usual formal birthday party she had been expecting. It was completely something new to her. r

They started even without the birthday man appearing at all yet. There were no usual formalities whatsoever like that announcement of important guests. They just went straight to the main event, and everyone started enjoying the dancing and games held along the sides of the large hall.r

Soon, the games started to level up, at least in terms of sinisterness. The host began a mystery murder game that truly had Elle's heartbeat rushing so wild. The actors were so… they were so good. So realistic. Even the vampire actor who had bitten a woman to death seemed so real that Elle could not help but cover her mouth at the scent that had filled the air when the woman was dropped on the floor acting dead. That's definitely a scent of real blood, right? Did they have to go so far as to using real blood? r

A spotlight suddenly focused on Elle and the host asked her who she thinks was the real murderer among the four suspects in the stage. Elle was so distracted and felt like she was watching a real horror movie that she did not have the capacity to act as the detective right then. So, to get the spotlight off her, she just pointed a random person who she thought was most likely the culprit. r

To her shocked surprised, the host yelled 'correct' and everyone congratulated her. What?!! She got a lucky guess? r

"Congratulations my lady. You are the luckiest lady for tonight because your reward is…" the host gestured her hand and then people cleared a path. r

A tall man was walking down the dark carpet. He had on a crazily elaborate mask that covered the entirety of his face. It was covered with all types of gemstones – all in black and gold hues – giving him a very freaky yet attractive vibe. Only his eyes were visible, and they shone and sparkled with a dark interest as he stared at her. He was dressed all in black from head to toe. The only color in his clothing was on his black outer coat that had gold embroidered Victorian themed patterns all over it. Elle could not help but to be in awe at how he came across as super luxurious even though dressed in all black and with tinges of gold.

The atmosphere seemed to turn even heavier and

Elle wasn't sure why but her heartbeat picked up so wildly as the man approached her.

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This bunos chapter is dedicated to @Sacogun, @MonsterUnderTheBed, @Babsia, and @Hollygolightly. TYSM for the supergifts!