The day at work went without a hitch. It struck six. I had my black hair loose, letting it cascade down my back. Even the dress that I wore stuck to my body like glue, showing off my hips and chest. Honestly, I was surprised how well the dress fit me. The V-shape in the back allowed my back to show and for my wings to come out without a problem. Even the beautiful embroidery in the front stresses my chest, showcasing the pale white skin. Long black sleeves came down to my wrists as the ends were embroidered with laces.
Black feathers filled the ends of the dress, reaching down to my knees. A slight cut was present on the side of the right, showcasing my legs. I barely put any makeup on; instead, I put on some light lotion and chapstick. Makeup left some uncomfortable bumps that took a few hours to get rid of, and the only time I allowed it was during the photoshoot. Wearing it for too long made it uncomfortable, so I went with none. A small gold chain with a gold cross slipped between my chest.
My four black wings spilled from my back. The tips dragging behind me like a royal robe. Its feathers shimmering in the warm sunset light, giving it an ethereal feel. My black mask covered half my face.
I slipped on the black heels and walked out the door. I wasn't at my home, but the cover-up house I kept. A black cab was waiting outside. I walked over and opened the door.
A silent gasp lifted out of the driver's lips; he looked at the mirror with wide eyes. I made myself comfortable, making sure my wings didn't get clipped, and closed the door.
"To Bellrose, please."
The driver nodded and drove off.
I could feel the heated gaze from the man; his eyes went back to the mirror, staring at me with so many questions.
"Yes?" I asked, not looking.
"Are you an angel of death?" The driver blurted out.
I burst out laughing, "No. God's no."
"Then are you here to take me to heaven?"
"Again, no." The laughter is cooling on my lips. I forgot how normal people would react.
"Then, um…. what are you?"
"Just a woman going to a party." I spoke, not wanting to go too in-depth about what I am.
The man didn't seem to believe what I had just said; he focused back on his driving.
He broke the silence, "I have a daughter."
I wondered why he brought that up.
"She's in the hospital. I have been praying to God every day for her to be saved. And every day, no answer." His voice was filled with a choke of defeat and strain. "She had a kidney issue, and the waiting list is for another six months. I don't know if she will survive."
"I am sorry to hear that. Have strength; it's not over yet." I spoke; there was something about the way this man talked about his emotions that made me listen. A pure sorrow that called out.
I felt the air tingle, and the surrounding energy flowed. I knew that something was up.
"You know, when I saw you enter, I thought death told me you were going to take her away."
I shook my head. "I am not a reaper at this time."
The driver nodded, "I am glad you are not." He chuckled. A tear rolled down his face. "I am glad you are not." He whispered again beneath his lips.
His confession felt raw. It hit me straight in my chest, remembering what my mother told me. My existence wasn't a coincidence, nor were the people who appeared before me. I never understood what that meant, but instances like this made me grateful to exist in this moment to share a moment.
I didn't know if she would die; I wasn't privy to her future, but I knew that me being here was a sign to him. Despite the confusion of my new role, I was thankful. These were the times I knew I was in the right place and the right time: almost like déjà vu or a checkpoint in life.
We passed through a large black gate that opened up, heading straight to entering the building. Many people in different animal costumes emerged from lines of limousines, cars, and cabs. Many of them looked like they were in ball gowns that made them look like princesses, while the men were in tailored suits stressing their figures. Some donned historical costumes, but few matched my unique attire. Many wore masks of different animals with fake ears.
It was our turn. The door was opened by a young man. I stepped out when the driver spoke, "Thank you, Miss Angel, for being here. I'm glad my prayers were heard.
His words, a bit confused, but a small blooming understanding threw me off. To him, I was the answer to his prayers. The one time I walked in as who I am, not hidden away. Something hit me in that moment, a serene silence of being in the middle of a storm: absolute peace. My gut is screaming to me that his daughter will live. I didn't know how, but I knew she would live past fifty. Just as that peace came, it flew away as if it were a dream.
I shook it off. "Sir, she will live past fifty." My voice cut through the noise outside.
The man froze, but said nothing.
The door closed behind me as the car sped away.
I stood alone on the red carpet. Flashes of light erupted as people ahead of me took pictures left and right. My back was straight; I looked ahead. My fingers rubbed against each other, uncomfortable with the amount of eyes staring at me.
News reporters, photographers, and many others were present at this gala. Waiting to get the newest, gossipy news.
One step after another, I walked forward. Flashes erupted, voices called out asking for my name. I could feel their curiosity; some even asking if the wings were real. I said nothing and kept moving. Taking up too much attention wasn't something I wanted to do. The doors opened, and what welcomed me was beautiful and welcoming. Large numbers of roses decorated the walls and entrances; tables were covered with black and gold designs; a popular band was playing in the middle, while men and women were gathered and socializing.
There was silence in the air, a strangeness for a split moment as every attention was directed in my direction. Almost as if time stood still, but just as the music continued. Bringing with it the songs, the chatter, and the noises.
So far, Eric and Tyler were in the building, surrounded by a group of women, flashing their hidden smiles. Pairs of men and women were in sweet moments, some already hidden in the dark corners kissing and making lude sounds. Both Eric and Tyler were in mouth-watering three-piece suits a prince would wear. Red and black for Eric and black and purple for Tyler. They had wolf-like ears on their heads and long tails. Many of the others had the same strange idea of animal ears and tails.
Eric's head snapped in my direction; he waved me down.
I frowned. All eight of the surrounding females glared daggers at me as if I were some kind of wedding crasher. Yep, a place to head to. Instead, I went straight for the laid-out food. My stomach growled, reminding me I hadn't had food throughout the day. I was too busy finishing up the project that food didn't register in my mind.
I picked up a plate, trickling down the line, and I placed some food for myself. Steak, shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes, and a few more that I took. A drink and a fork as I made my way to an empty table. Placing my food down, I sat.
My nose tingled; I could tell that these foods were high class. I took a bite. An explosion of colors hit me all at once; the sweet, tangy taste of tomato made my mouth groan with happiness. I blinked, stabbing a few more.
Eric came over, pulling the chair out next to me. He sat down with a silly smile on his face. "You look amazing, Sarah."
I nodded, thanking him, my mouth full.
"Why didn't you come when I waved you down? I know you saw me."
Gulping, I said, "I was hungry."
"I could see that," Eric chuckled. "I hoped that you could help fend off some of these women."
"No, thank you. Didn't you see their glares?" I poked another tomato, taking a bite as the juices exploded in my mouth.
"No."
"Lies," I hissed, taking another bite.
"Alright. Alright. You got me, I was tiring of being surrounded by them. You know it's too much for me when they come to win my attention. I'm not looking for another mate-. I mean, partner, you know."
I took another bite of the shrimp this time, looking at him. Mate? Did I hear that wrong? What is that?
"Anyway, I hope many of the people here will find their match." Eric changed the subject.
"Why so?"
"So they can get off my back." Eric pretended to be aggrieved, "Do you know how many fell into my bed?"
"Is that something to be proud of?" I rolled my eyes, "letting yourself open to be taken advantage of your soul or you take advantage of theirs. Hard pass. That's not something to be proud of."
"Now. It's a different story when two adults allow it."
I shook my head, "you're right. It's your choice." I didn't push for anymore, knowing whatever i would say would sound judgmental. Sometimes, it was best not to say anything at all.
"Therefore it's always news when the Luna Gathering happens. Magic happens here, where men and women find their match." Eric winked at me. His impish smile reeked of trouble.
"Did you find yours?"
"I did five years ago."
"What happened?" I couldn't help but ask, "She married another." The sadness in his voice was heavy.
"Ah, choices. I guess it was rejected when you found yours."
"Yes, it was for the best." The tone changed, giving me an upbeat attitude.
The room became quiet as Daimon and Ariel Laughton were hanging off his arm. She was giggling and smiling as if she owned the world, walking side-by-side. Her sexy red dress that stuck to her clothes, which stressed all the right places, her red hair was curled. She wore red devil horns and a fake red pitchfork tail. Daimon had wolf ears and tails out.
"Ah, the gold digger is here." Eric clicked his tongue. "I don't know what he sees in her. I'm glad when she's gone."
"What did she do to you?" I couldn't help but ask.
"Crawled into my bed. When she has someone." Eric spat, "tried to create misunderstanding as if it's her second nature. God, I hate her. I don't touch what someone else's." He seethed with anger.
"That's quite a problem, but why didn't Daimon get rid of her?" I asked. The accusation wasn't adding up.
"Because she's just a-"
Daimon appeared with Ariel in his arms, cutting Eric off mid - sentence.
"Eric, it's good to see you here at the Luna Gathering." Ariel had a lofty tone of voice that made me want to close my ears. She winked at Eric and gave him a sultry look that said many things all at once.
"Daimon, why did you bring her here?"
"Because he loves me," Ariel said with a pep in her voice. "We're going to get married."
"Bullshit. No one has made an announcement. Rachael is divorced, your time with Daimon is over."
Ariel glared, angry at Eric's words.
I witnessed a television drama unfold before me. All we needed was the main actor, Racheal to finish this off with rivalry. KO would be right around the corner, but life wasn't like that.
"Racheal isn't here, is she?" Ariel spoke, with an arrogant tone of voice. "If she were, she would be here, not me."
Daimon growled, "Ariel."
"What! It's true! She dumped you."
"Ariel, enough."
"It's been five years, Daimon. I know you have moved on, don't let that bitch ruin what we have."
"Ariel! Enough! We will not talk about this."
"But Daimon," Ariel raised up, reaching into his blazer, fiddling with a button to loosen. She whined, doing her best to look innocent and sweet. "You love our nights together," she spoke.
Daimon pulled her away, growing colder. "Either you go eat something or I will send you back."
Ariel frowned; she pulled away. "Fine, but we still need to talk."
"Man, how do you deal with her for five years?" Eric stated, waving his hands in front of her. "I would have lost my mind the first week."
"She has her uses."
"Are you going to marry her?"
"No," Daimon snorted.
"Daimon, as your friend, leave her. For all our sake, she's a problem. And a problem like her will not let go. Hell, what would Racheal think?"
Daimon snapped, "Racheal isn't my concern. She decided."
"But she's free now."
"So?"
"I hear she will be here in half a year."
Daimon said nothing; he shrugged it off as if it meant nothing. "How is the Luna gathering?" Changing the subject, he turned his attention to me.
"As you can see, I'm enjoying my meal and watching some interesting drama. It was live." I waved my fork in front of me.
"Was it interesting?" Daimon pulled back the chair and took a seat. Leaning back, he placed his hands on his lap.
"Very," I stabbed at the cut steak and ate it. A tangy but salty taste washed into my mouth, my eyes glimmered with excitement at a fresh taste I haven't had. This place brought an amazing variety of food that I eat, and I was glad to enjoy it.
"Is it true that pairings happen here?" I asked, finishing my last bite. Placing my fork down and reaching over to take a drink. The sweet wine helped moisten my throat as I took a gulp.
"Yes, there is a legend in this gathering."
"There is?" I leaned forward, curious.
"Anyone who finds their fated partner will be blessed by the moon and have a happy marriage and reunion." Daimon spoke; there was a softness to his voice that spoke volumes about him. He sounded like a romantic, and that made me curious.
"Did you find your fated partner?" I couldn't help but ask.
"No, I thought I had in the past, but it seems I was mistaken." Daimon gazes at me, making me very uncomfortable.
I shifted, taking another drink. The alcohol was humming in my blood, making me light - headed . I rarely drink, but today I wanted to relax and watch this so-called fate play in action. I was a romantic at heart, and the thought of finding your fated partner called out to me.
Already, I could see men and women of different ages coming together and pairing off. Dancing to the groove of the music. The lights dimmed as the open ceiling, which was covered with glass, allowed the moonlight to shine through.
At that moment, I saw something strange happening. Red strings of fate zipped out from one person to another. Some entangled into knots, creating ugly, unwanted problems, while others blended together, creating a faint glowing red line, tying together around two hearts.
The river of red strings dazed me. Nobody could see it; I knew no one could. One could say its fate; others had legends of the red string of true love, but I knew it was more than that. The scraping of my chair, pushed out as I stood up.
Daimon and Eric looked at me confused, wondering what I would do.
My fingers rose, my eyes followed the many trails. To see so many red strings of destiny here all in one place was improbable. Heck, even normal people have a hard time finding their fated person. I call it the "one" given to you by God, the one who pushes you forward and helps you grow and love to be a better person. Many miss the mark, many don't understand love, many lose them for not listening to the whisper of the will, and many hurt them out of ego, but God blesses all of them. Some become friends, some marry, and the worst ones become enemies. A lesson in each other's lives that each person learns from. My eyes sparkled to see so many here; I couldn't help but be in awe.
Wow. So many blessed strings.
My fingers trailed across a floating, invisible red string that brushed against my wrist. I saw a ugly four-way knot between four people. I flicked it; the string snapped, unraveling as the knot separated as if it was supposed to be untangled.
I watched the red line hit one woman dancing with the entangled string. She stopped, looking over her shoulders. She whispered, shook her head, and disengaged from the man. Then she straightened her shoulder, walked across the floor and stopped in front of a man, who was leaning against the wall in the dark. The red string shortened as their hearts called out and tugged one another.
A gentle start of a love story began; what happens to them. I am not sure, but I blessed them from my heart from wherever they were going. That tangle of a knot wasn't pretty, I knew, as all knots are bound to come again, but for tonight I hoped their strings of fate would be pleasant.
My gaze continued to drift from one string to the next, moving to the next knot. It resembled a dance in a sea of red. Slow and subtle, my lips curled up in a gentle smile. They were beautiful; each step as I twirled, the red string hummed.
The hand moved, raising it up. The red strings glittered and pulsed under the night. I could feel the pull of energy, the soft voice of the will whispering in my ears. My hand danced, touching and stroking each string, igniting it like a trail of fire.
Each one shuddering at my touch. My wings opened halfway. The music swam with rhythm; more and more paired partners swung with each other, all in their own embrace. A soft voice erupted from my throat. Words in another language, forgotten songs that were buried in my heart as the song began.
Aerate my embers
Let the fire burn
Let the sword temper
Let the red strings vibrate in unison.
My king, let your will be done.
I swirled, enjoying the dance floor. The entire dance floor listened silently to my song. When the last words flew out of my mouth, the music softened.
Then I saw a broken red string fluttering in the air, which flew toward me. I stopped, coaxing it as I sang, watching it race across the floor, and recognized it as Eric's. My song entranced his eyes, but I didn't pay attention.
With a gentle stroke, his red thread continued to float in the air, white glimmered leaving a clear white invisible white line. I did not know where it went, but I knew the heavens had heard. How long has it been since I called upon my king to heal a broken thread? Too long. I didn't know I missed it as my heart twisted. The job to do the king's will: to protect, to guide, to leave a message. Sporadic but an adventure, I kept denying. Was I doing the right thing? I am not sure, but I knew for now I was at the right place.
The white, transparent thread signaled a second chance at love. I hope they will find each other. I placed my hand, resting on my chest. One thing about red strings: I can't see mine. To see so many in the air, I wished I knew where mine led too, but that would be playing with fate. All I could do was help untangle the strings when the strings showed themselves, and such things were very rare.
Welp, I've got a job to do, and tonight I don't mind cleaning up some tangled knots. A job I would do anytime.