Aeress

      She stood in the room, feeling like she was going to prom, except she never attended prom. 

     Aeress had to admit, the dress was gorgeous, something belonging at the red carpet of the Met Gala. 

     The skirt was floor-length, crafted from layers and layers of crimson lace and sheer fabric, with threads of gold sewn throughout the entire dress. Her neck wack wrapped with a solid gold collar with black gems which held up the backless top. Her arms were covered in gold and black paint, as was the line across her face was. 

      She had never dressed so fancy before, but as soon as Nina presented the piece before her, how could she possibly say no? 

     Nina entered, startling Aeress out from her own mind. She was dressed in a simple black, silk gown. But even as it was not elaborate, she thought her look to be absolutely captivating. "Are you ready?" 

     "I'm nervous."

     "You aren't being coronated as queen. We simply wish to celebrate your accomplishment!" 

     "But there's going to be a hell of a lot more..." 

     "Werewolves? Well, do you remember the club you went to with your friend, Shaya?" She nodded. "Of course you do. All of those men and women were werewolves, including the bartender I noticed you got along with."

     "I knew it!"

     "But you didn't at the time. Those werewolves knew you were human the moment you walked in, and they didn't bother you a bit, did they? Only if you engaged first, correct? I just want you to remember that we are a functioning people who are just as aware as humans. We aren't savages."

     Aeress played with her short locks as they framed her face. "Listen, I'm not going to lie to you, because I believe you are a genuine person. Your people forced me to stay, against my will. You still are. But the more you explain, the more I have come to understand. And not one of you has harmed me, which I appreciate immensely. I guess what I am trying to say is that I am trying." 

     Nina took her hands in hers with a gentle touch. "No, Aeress, thank you. I wish we could have met under different circumstances, but I am glad to have met you anyway. You are truly the most special human I have come across."

     "Well, thank you, Nina." Aeress didn't understand how a character could be so trusting. 

     "The guests are waiting for you, as is our Premier." 

      Aeress had yet to meet this mysterious man. "Who are they again?" 

     Nina chuckled. "Silly me. I just assume by you extensive knowledge that you know just about everything. Think of the Premier as the alpha of alphas. He is the ultimate power, the leader which we all praise. He can be an intimidating man, but he leads well." 

     Her heart dropped with fear and awe. Her mind thought back to the male she encountered before. It couldn't have been him, right? "I saved his life?" 

     Nina nodded. "The man..." she had a sympathetic smile. "The one who attacked you, was part of a plan to assissinate our Premier. Many would do just about anything to steal his power. But the plan was foiled by you." 

     Aeress wilted a little. "I didn't really do that much. All I did was bump into the guy. He did the rest of the work." 

     Nina chuckled, rather like she knew something Aeress didn't. "Come now, we musn't keep them waiting longer." 

     "Premier, may I present to you: Aeress Lupyn." 

     Aeress was trembling as she knew damn well who the man was as he took his time in turning around. Dressed as a shadow like always, he appeared especially severe in the presence of Nina. She felt completely naked as his eyes seemed to examine every inch. He was unabashed in the way his eyes brushed against her every curve, yet once again no emotion was present. 

     Fine then. "Well thank you," she approached him, "you look lovely as well." Her attempt to break the ice made Nina gasp, and if she was honest, her lack of fear for death surprised herself as well. She didn't bother to look at what have must have been the most appalled woman. 

     His brows furrowed as did his jaw tighten. He glared a few seconds before turning and walking away. Aeress was pretty sure her skin was burned to a crisp by his fury. But damn were those blue eyes captivating. 

      "Aeress," Nina whispered with hushness. There was a warning. Of course there was. Aeress was pretty sure their Premier was never spoken to in that way.

     They wanted to hold her hostage? Fine. But she would sure as shit would do it her way. She patted Nina's shoulder. She didn't believe a word that left her own mouth. "Don't worry, Nina. I got this." The poor woman blanched further so. 

     Aeress followed behind when the man turned on his heal and proceeded to approach a large, emaculate set of doors. A clean white stark against a curling gold. Just lovely. 

     Aeress looked ahead, shoulder to shoulder with a man whom everyone claimed she saved, yet could not have been more disgusted with her. She had dealt with so many attractive males who thought her unsightly or fat or too tall for her entire adolescent career, and she'd be damned if she'd let it happen again, in spite of being in captivity. 

     Nina wasn't far behind. "Remember, Aeress, remember what we talked about." Her voice was tight and not very reassuring. The doors opened, revealing something out of a movie. 

     Aeress swallowed and was frozen for a moment. 

     Hundreds of people. Dressed to impress. Maybe it was the Met Gala? 

     High, arching ceilings. Chandeliers large enough to outweigh semitrucks. Beautiful, smooth floors designed with a sort of burned orange floral designs. Everything had a rich gleam to it. Lustrous materials covered the tables. The band-in suites-was about the prettiest thing to hit her ears. 

     The roar of applause broke her from her spell. 

     "Move." Aeress gazed up at the curtly spoken word-rather like he hadn't spoke at all. His steel gazed shot ahead. She was pushed into gear, and she took a step forward, locking her arm around his, even as it was as stiff as a board, because there was no way she would enter alone. 

     He immediately took lead, even after his annoyed reaction to her physical touch.

     Aeress looked around in amazement as the crowd stood from their seats, cheering on the duo as they made their way to their seats. 

     She was confounded as he lead her to a table cut off from the rest. On a raised platform, the table was the largest, blanketed in a deep purple hue. The top was decorated with dishware fit for royalty. 

     Her heart beat with a anxious heaviness as all eyes were focused on them. She was glad to find most to be as normal as one could expect from a werewolf celebration. 

     He pulled out her chair, and waited for her to take a seat. She felt overwhelmed as she did, looking out at the people as their eyes followed their every mood. No one had ever been more interested in her. 

     The throng of men and women quieted, and Aeress watched curiously as Nina walked out before their table. 

     "Days ago, there was an attempt on our Premier's life," a flurry of discourse rang out, "but thanks to our honored tonight," she gestured to Aeress who felt her cheeks flush with heat, "that plan was foiled, saving not only our Premier's life but countless other werewolf lives as well! And so tonight, we celebrate her accomplishment with drinking, eating, and dancing!" The crowd went crazy with applause, beaming at Aeress. She couldn't help but send her best smile in return. 

     Nina nodded and went to stand by her seat which was closer to Mr. Wintry himself.

     She didn't understand why everyone continued their stance until she realized they were staring at their Premier, awaiting something. 

     She too turned to look at him. Her breath still caught at how terrifying and handsome he was. His blue eyes, so pale and furious, scanned his people without a peep. Seconds passed until he finally dipped his chin in recognition. Aeress was amazed as the people seated themselves in unison. It hit her then how much power the man next to her held, and how she had been acting a fool, treating him as she would any other, but clearly he was not. 

     "Drink." Her attention zoned in. Drink?

     She looked at cup before her, reached for it, smelled it, and sipped it. It was a smooth wine. Maybe the most delicious she had tasted. 

     The music resumed and people rose to mingle with each other. 

     The occasional person would approach their table and present Aeress with a gift. She was absolutely flabbergasted. 

     But underneath, she could feel her curiosity peak. Watching the party take place around her was fascinating and she found herself having a great time. 

     So maybe this wasn't so bad...

     After receiving a dozen roses, she convinced herself into at least giving them a chance. Nina smiled at her, as if sensing her change of attitude. 

     Aeress was astounded by how quiet the man was next to her. 

     She leaned in and whispered. "Your people are very kind." He gave no reaction, just sipping his wine. Maybe he was a robot?

     "I can't figure out if you are quiet or if you just hate me," she admitted openly-Aeress was never one to keep her thoughts to herself. "I am sorry that I ate your BLT. It was an honest mistake. Nina said you weren't so bad..." she felt her blood thicken with nervousness. "You hate me because I am human? Or do you really cherish your BLTs?"

     He put his cup down with a frown. "Do you always talk this much? Your use of speech is unrelenting." Wow, how sharp and husky his voice was. She detected an Irish accent. And still rude. Who raised this man?

     Aeress laughed. "Only to make up for the silence." Her sharp tongue was bound to get her in trouble, but she had no restraint when it came to her talking. 

     His eyes darted to her momentarily. "I should terrify you." Finally a reaction arrived!

     Aeress shrugged. "A lot of things terrify me. This situation scares me. And yes, you scare me. I don't know. A couple days ago I killed a man. And after that, I nearly escaped a fake hospital. Fear is nothing but motivation, not a hindrance. Did that answer your question?"

     "More talking." His brows furrowed. "You are a strange woman." She shivered at how wintry he was. 

     "It's not the worst thing I've been called." She laughed. Of course, he did not. 

     Nothing else. It was like pulling teeth with him. 

     "Want to dance?" Stupid question. He ignored her. Of course. At this rate, his rudeness only served to amuse her. 

     "You know. I really don't know what I did to piss you off, but I don't deserve this." Her words were firm and quiet. His eyes found her in astonishment. "I am going to dance. You can watch." She didn't give him a chance respond and fled from the table. 

     She approached the nearest table, and approached Nina. "Dance with me." 

     Nina laughed, looked around and took her hand. Her dress flowed like water. 

     Aeress was less intimidated as there already couples swirling around on the dance floor. 

     She took Nina's hand, and wrapped her arm around her firm waist. The woman was shocked. "Any lower and people will begin to think we are lovers." Her eyes were glowing with amusement. 

     They began to twirl, reading each other's bodies perfectly. Aeress scoffed. "Men suck anyway. In my werewolf story, I want the girl to end up with the best girl friend." 

     Nina laughed. "I take it you and Premier are getting along nicely. Aeress, you must be careful." 

     Aeress dipped her just low enough. "Why? I saved his life, or at least his people. He owes me. Plus, I hate bullies." 

     Nina had fascination and fear in her expression. "I understand this world is new to you, but I beg you to remember how powerful our Premier is. He has lead our people well into prosperity." She leaned into her ear and pulled her closer. "Now I will admit he is callous, that is simply his peronality." She put space in between them once more. "Just promise me you will tread softly with him. Let me put it in plainer terms..."

     "What?" 

     "You just drank wine with the deadliest man alive, smart-mouthed him, and lived to tell the tale." 

Black Lives Matter.