Before I can voice my concerns, everyone breaks away from the evening meal and Asmodeus joins Daxell and myself with Seraphina on his arm. He has a large black leather embossed jewelry box in his hands, the crest is not one I recognize. He smiles and hands the box over to Daxell and then says to me, “We would be honored if you would consent to wear our House colors this evening. It is very important that Mammon understands that you are spoken for, not that it will deter him from seeking you out if he so desires. This will let everyone know in attendance that you have been accepted into our House. Seraphina picked this out ages ago, in the hopes that one-day Daxell would be able to give this to his mate, his true mate. Daxell, will you do the honors?”
Dax looks down at the box in his hands and slowly opens the hinged lid. From here I can’t see what is in the box. Seraphina leans in, “It’s meant to be worn with a black evening gown to showcase the gemstones. What do you think?”
“Thank you mother, it’s perfect.” He leans down to kiss her cheek and then turns to me, “LJ, I would be honored if you would accept this gift and represent the House of Lust and Envy.” He turns the box around and I can’t tear my eyes away from the most unusual gemstone that I’ve ever seen. The dark brilliant green of the stone showcases a deep red all wrapped up in a teardrop multifaceted cut which looks to be about six carats in size. The earrings were cut from the same vein and though they are about half the size of the necklace, their brilliance is just beautiful.
“The stones are stunning.”
Poppy leans over for a look-see, and exclaims, “Those are the most beautiful bloodstones that I have ever seen. Wherever did you find them?”
Seraphina smiles, “The raw stone was a gift from Lucifer when I bonded with these two dashing males. The jeweler is exceptionally gifted. He was able to make quite a few beautiful gemstones out of the original raw stone. I saved these three stones and had them set and saved them for Daxell to give to his mate. So, yes, Poppy, it’s the purest bloodstone that anyone has ever seen.”
I’m in awe. The bloodstones that I’ve seen aunt Lexie work with have never had this clarity. I can feel the powerful healing majic coming off the stones in the box, trying to connect with my healing energy. I reach out to touch the powerful stones and ask, “Do you feel their energy like I do?”
“No, my dear, but I had hoped that you would, given your parentage. I’m no majic user, but you are. What do you feel?” Seraphina asks.
“I feel pure healing energy and … it’s counteracting the negative energy in this place. I’m not sure that I can accept this gift.” I hesitate before continuing, “It’s too much, these stones are extremely valuable.” My fingers linger over the stones, it’s as if they are calling to me.
“Yes and that is why you must wear them tonight. After tonight, they will belong to you and you alone. You may not be a witch but you are a powerful goddess. There may come a time when these stones will be useful. Go on, Lillie, try them on.” She urges. All the while my fingers have been gently caressing the stones that have been calling to me since I laid eyes on them.
Smiling, I look up and meet Seraphina’s eyes, “Okay, I accept.” I look over to Dax and he looks relieved.
“May I?” His voice is all growly and deep.
“Please,” I turn and lift my hair away from my neck and he quickly fastens the delicate-looking chain around my neck and the large teardrop stone feels right at home nestled between my breasts. The earrings are next and I turn to ask, “So how do I look?”
“You look like you belong with me. Remember, don’t leave my side. That goes for you too, Poppy.” Daxell says. Then, before I’m ready to head onward and upward to Mammon’s den of sin, I find myself being pulled along, up to a party that is seriously off the hook. The moment that we walked into the enormous space we are surrounded by all matter of people. The humans are mundane compared to the variety of the fae folk that is represented here this evening, light and dark fae alike, mingling in the crowd. The music can barely be heard above all the chattering and polite conversation.
As with any event, the elite hold themselves slightly apart from the rest and The Underworlders are no different here. It would appear that here in this city the elite comes from Luc’s realm and has found favor with Mammon. The distinction is very clear. To one side I see a rather pretty young human female fawning over a large red-skinned imp. His ebony horns are impressive in size. The look on his face is one of disdain as the pretty young woman runs her hands over his bare chest seductively. Her brazen attention is merely endured as he bares his sharp teeth when her fingers wander too low. Quickly he grabs her wrist in his talon clawed hand and gently pushes her away. Narrowing my eyes, I watch as he gently places the young woman back over the invisible
