“Yes?” I stepped out of line and raised my hand. He gestured for me to come to the front. I gave Phoebe one last confused look and walked past fifty or so girls to the front of the line, while each one glared at me as I walked by.
“Is there a reason I’m going first?” I whispered to the Son who was now holding out his hand to help me in to the basket.
“It’s tradition,” he said simply. I stepped in, completely confused.
“What do you mean?” I asked, but before he could answer, the winch above me came to life and the basket started to rise. Holding on tight, I looked out over the water shining in the moonlight and a blanket of silence fell over the night. The view was beautiful, but I made sure not to look down.
Why did I have to go first? Was it because of Finn? Did he arrange this? I looked up to see where I was going. A catwalk extended out from the main building , which I would have to walk down. My heart was threatening to jump out of my chest and I could feel my hands shaking. The winch came to a stop as I reached my destination. A crowd of dark haired guys stood about five yards away on the other end of the catwalk. For one horrible second I imagined Finn standing me up, leaving me humiliated in front of everyone. I’d have to be lowered all the way back down in a cloud of shame, to be taken back to the island.
Then a figure stepped out from the crowd. My heart stopped and my mouth went dry. Wearing a black suit over a dark gray shirt, he confidently sauntered down the catwalk towards me. His dark hair was swept across his forehead perfectly and his dark blue eyes were slightly shadowed. He stopped a foot in front of me. The corners of his mouth lifted in a crooked grin.
“Welcome to the Cimmerian Shade Ball , Anastasia.” he said formally with a gleam in his eye, then in a hushed voice added, “You look absolutely stunning” With a wink, he extended his hand and I tried to remember how to put one foot in front of the other. We walked across the catwalk towards the crowd of guys awaiting their own dates’ arrival in the basket of death. The crowd split down the middle allowing us passage. Each guy respectfully nodded their head at Finn as we walked by. Before I could figure out the reason for all the pomp and circumstance centered around him, we took a sharp left turn down a dimly lit hallway and climbed several stairs that lead to an unassuming door. It opened from the other side and we stepped out in to the crisp night air. I was entirely unprepared for the scene I saw before me.
The Light Station had been transformed into a page straight out of a black and white fairy tale.
Rows and rows of lights had been strung the entire length of the platform, resembling a thousand tiny fireflies hovering above our heads. Black carpet concealed the concrete beneath, with a dusting of glitter giving it the appearance of diamonds. As we walked, the glitter lifted and swirled around our feet. Thirty or forty formal tables had been set up around the perimeter, with stark white covers hanging over the chairs, each secured with a wide piece of black lace. Elaborate centerpieces overflowing with large white flowers and even larger black feathers sat on black and white damask tablecloths. Placed in the middle of the floor were at least fifty trees in white planters hanging with dark red fruit. At around six to seven feet tall, they encircled a shiny black dance floor. The glow of enchantment was awe-inspiring, and the Ball exuded prestige and tradition. In the middle of the ocean, the darkness of night pulsed with its grandeur.
“Wow. This is incredible” I smiled up at Finn as I realized he’d been watching me.
“Thirsty?” he offered.
“Definitely.” With his hand at the small of my back, he guided me back towards the tower.
We walked through a side door and I carefully made my way down another flight of stairs. Whoever built this station, they obviously hadn’t taken high heels into consideration. This time the stairs ended in a spacious room full of comfortable couches and chairs. Floor to ceiling windows lined two opposite walls and a lengthy bar recessed into another wall. I looked at Finn.
“It’s a mocktail bar.” He smiled down at me.
“A what?”
“A mocktail bar. It has all of the normal drinks and cocktails, just without the alcohol.” He explained. I’d never heard of a mocktail bar, but it sounded pretty good. I tried to remember names of popular cocktails.
“How about a pina colada?” I didn’t know what exactly it would be called without the alcohol.
“One fake pina colada coming up.” I giggled at him as he headed to the bar, and then decided to inspect the many culinary options around me. There were several tables set up around the room, brimming with food.
One table was set up fondue style, with large bowls filled to the brim with melted chocolate, caramel, and cream cheese icing. Chunks of pineapple, bananas, strawberries, and other fruits were stacked on platters available for dipping. Another table overflowed with an array of pastries and cakes.
My mouth began to water when Finn appeared holding a tall hurricane glass filled with yellow deliciousness. A large wedge of pineapple hugged the rim and a cherry garnished the coconut cream on top. I took a sip and my taste buds were assaulted by the savoriness of a tropical island. It also reminded me of Kira’s drink. I took another sip. Finn eyed me with amusement.
“Hey dude,” a large hand attached to a tall, curly haired guy clamped down on Finn’s shoulder, “I was wondering if you’d ever make it to one of these.” His dark brown eyes were warm and his smile was genuine.
Finn punched him in the side playfully and nodded towards him, “This is Dominic,” he introduced me.
I shook Dominic’s hand and smiled politely, “I’m Stasia.”
“I know.” His grin contradicted his ominous tone.
A cute girl with long auburn hair, wearing a silk green gown walked up to stand beside him.
She had wide green eyes that matched her dress and a tiny button nose.
“Claudia wanted me to introduce her to the Scion,” he told Finn. Finn glanced my way anxiously while I racked my brain for what the word ‘Scion’ meant.
“I’m Finn,” he affirmed and shook her hand.
“It’s such an honor to meet you,” Claudia gushed. “So, when’s your birthday?” Finn flinched.
“Claudia.” warned Dominic, as if her question might be too personal. “Come on, let’s go dance. See ya’ll later,” he called to us, as he grabbed her elbow and practically dragged her away.
I turned to Finn with suspicion, “Is there something you’re not telling me?” His face gave nothing away.
“There’s a lot of things I’m not telling you.” Well at least he was honest.
“I was waiting for her to ask you to autograph her forehead.”
He wrapped his arm around my shoulder smugly. “It’s hard work being this good looking.”
I just rolled my eyes. “Why did Dominic call you the Scion?”
“Just a nickname,” he shrugged his shoulders.
“And why did I have to be lifted up first? I thought I was going to get mobbed by the other girls.” I lifted my eyebrows at him, wanting an answer.
“The most beautiful girl always goes first.” He changed the subject, “How ‘bout we go back up?” I narrowed my eyes at him, letting him know this wasn’t over and allowed him to guide me back outside. I looked around for Phoebe. If she had a breakdown while being lifted in the basket, I’d never forgive myself. I spotted her with Ian on the other side of the dance floor and waved at her. She waved back and smiled. It appeared she had made it up unscathed.
Chapter 27