Hellbound Heart novel Chapter 49

Background music: Derek Fiechter's Masquerade of the ghosts and Alex Roe's Dance of the blood.

___

Elle almost stumbled because of what Elijah had just whispered to her. But thank God he was smooth enough to prevent that from happening and gracefully managed to continue their dance as if nothing had happened at all.

She was just thankful that the upper half of her face was covered with her phoenix wing inspired mask right now or else everyone would be audience to how embarrassed she was for almost tripping while dancing. Oh lord… she truly needed to keep her presence of mind running at full force! She could not believe she almost fell for what he just said! This man was really amazing to be able to talk so believably like that! To think that he even managed to send shivers down her spine was truly a feat in itself. Elijah could really pass as one of the world's best actors!

Forcing out a soft chuckle, Elle decided to play along his skit to perfection. "Vampires, hmm…" she paused for a moment to achieve what she hoped was a believable contemplation on her part. "I think I won't mind catching a glimpse of a real one. As long as he is not out for my blood."

For a moment, Elle saw an interesting complexity flash past his eyes. She was focused on his eyes just because she really could not stand how creepily beautiful his mask was up close.

"What will you do if I tell you that this place that you thought is a perfect paradise is actually hiding a deep dark secret?"

"Well, every place always has that, does it not? There is truly no place that is perfect – just the illusion that makes it seem so. Just like us… places have their own dark sides too."

A low and throaty chuckle came from him. "That's true," he admitted. And then, his voice and gaze became serious again. "So, you're saying that you have your own dark side…? I'm curious to know because you're too bright that one wouldn't believe that you have even a spot of darkness in you."

It was Elle's turn to smile. "Even the bright moon has a dark side, Prince Elijah."

"But I don't think you're a moon, my lady. You're much brighter than that."

Elle blinked and he continued. "You're more of a sun. And the sun doesn't have any dark sides. It is the source of light."

Speechless, Elle almost gasped at his words but she stopped herself and laughed quietly. "You're unexpectedly smooth, Prince Elijah."

She feigned curiosity even though at the moment, all she wanted was nothing else but for the music to finally stop in order for this dance to end. She wanted to turn and look around at Lucas, because she really wanted to know if the music was really that long and was not just her imagination. But she was afraid that Lucas might notice she was uncomfortable and would step in to stop the dance – which was the height of rudeness in such a situation. And a scandal was the last thing she wanted being pegged to her name. So, as long as he was not trying to cross her limit, she would rather endure this strange and seemingly extended dance.

With her heart in her throat and doing her best to keep her composure, Elle nodded at him. "Of course." Was all she said, and he bent a little closer again to whisper into her ear.

Her heartbeat was pounding so loudly now that she felt like her heart was going to burst out of her chest. And she did not know why she was suddenly whispering desperately 'help, please stop the music, stop this dance…' within herself.

"Here's the secret, my lady…" came his voice and Elle unconsciously held her breath. "You are –"

Then something pulled at her. But she swore she did not feel any hands touching her. It was like an invisible force that had removed her from Elijah's hold and made her do a single spin before spreading her arms out to her sides, as if to finally make a bow as thanks for the dance.

A familiar large hand grabbed her free hand and pulled her away.