The Overture of Fear & Passion (The Daemonica Symphony Series Book 1) Page 7

  The Vampires she had heard of from movies and books; they were categorised by their daylight aversion and blood dependence, superhuman speed, strength and basic immortality.

  The Witches were very private, and all Fiona would confess was that they had the ability to manipulate nature and conjure magic. She told her that Witches were basically human by comparison to the other factions because they possessed no special strength or speed and could be easily killed. Their power lay solely in the use of magic.

  Juliet had been overwhelmed by the influx of information and had begun to struggle with anxiety. She’d never been very good at dealing with issues that were out of her control and here at Livingstone, she felt like everything was chaos.

  To manage her anxiety, she did three things; she focussed on her music, she made lists and she kept active. She ran every morning before practise to help focus her mind. And even though she took the same route each day, she never came across Niko again.

  Aside from also establishing a routine whilst at Livingstone, Juliet was trying to fit in socially. Fiona was two years younger but incredibly insightful and they had quickly formed a close friendship. She was well-liked among the other guests and was acting as Juliet’s social wing-woman.

  “Are you coming tonight?” Fiona asked, as she packed her things into a small, velvet bag.

  Juliet looked up from her tablet, momentarily confused by the question before she remembered the party that the guys were throwing in their common room.

  “Hmmm, I’m not sure. Parties aren’t really my thing…” She replied.

  Fiona slid her sunglasses down to the tip of her freckled nose and looked at her over the rim.

  “Juliet, you ‘ave to come. I ‘appen to ‘ave it on good authority that a certain cute New Yorker will be there.”

  Juliet smiled at Fiona’s knack for getting straight to the point. She had already worked out exactly which of Juliet’s strings she needed to pull to get her way.

  Juliet had been too shy to go up to Niko after their initiation ceremony. She thought, after the way he’d looked at her and held her hand that there was something going on, but he remained distant, only catching her eye occasionally before she’d had enough and wandered back to her room alone. And in spite of sharing all of the same introductory lessons, he’d always be in a rush to disappear at the end, leaving Juliet to suspect he was avoiding her.

  She switched off her tablet and sighed, “O.K.” She said, “But I’m not just going because of some guy.”

  Fiona laughed and threw her arms around Juliet, sending her hat flying.

  “Oh yeah? Den why are you goin’?” She teased.

  “You heard Doctor Livingstone last week. The friendships and allegiances we form here could last the rest of our lives.” Fiona just laughed and kissed her cheek before she stood and helped Juliet up.

  BY TEN O’CLOCK, Juliet sat on the end of her bed watching Fiona apply a layer of lip-gloss. She wore a full length green and gold paisley summer dress that complimented her red hair beautifully. She also wore cowboy boots and a headband made up of gold butterflies, so life-like that Juliet suspected Fiona had bewitched them, if such a thing were possible.

  Fiona had begged her to wear a dress, but Juliet had stood her ground and slipped into a snug pair of jeans and a camisole instead. She’s dressed it up with a cluster of long gold necklaces and bracelets and allowed Fiona to do her make-up.

  “Right then, I’m done!” Fiona exclaimed, closing the gloss with a flourish and twirling around the room. Juliet wondered if Fiona might be working some kind of spell because she found her enthusiasm infectious and smiled as she got up and examined herself in the bathroom mirror. She had to admit that the smoky eye thing was sexy, and she was going to have to get Fiona to show her how to do it herself.

  She pulled back her shoulders and lifted her chin, taking one last look at her reflection to summon some courage before she headed out, interrupting Fiona mid-twirl to take her hand and drag her out of the room.

  THE SMELL OF lemongrass, pine and burning paper was the first thing that Juliet noticed when they entered the north east common room. She recognised the sickly-sweet smell of a joint and after a quick scan of the room, she found three different sources. The room was thick with smoke and someone had draped sheer, red fabric over the wall-sconces to create a moody atmosphere. Juliet tutted at the obvious fire hazard but then scolded herself for being so uptight. Besides, there’s probably a Witch or Demon here who can magically put out fires anyway, she thought to herself. Fiona definitely didn’t seem concerned, her eyes were wide as she observed her surroundings, her mouth falling open in a relaxed smile. At barely eighteen, Juliet suspected that parties like these were still a novelty for the young Witch.

  “Do you think they’ll mind if I change the music?” Juliet asked, Fiona looked at her briefly, pointing to her ear and mouthing “What?” Juliet tried again but gave up halfway, realising that Fiona’s attention was already lost.

  She left her side to explore the room, hunting for the source of the insufferable, over-played tones of a metal band with a shrill female singer.

  The room was surprisingly tasteful, with an eclectic mix of colourful, period furniture and the walls were adorned with modern art, mostly port-war pieces that managed to strangely compliment the romantic architecture.

  Within a few minutes Juliet’s device was pairing with the hijacked stereo and she was scrolling through her phone to select her favourite lo-fi playlist.

  “You know, where I’m from it’s an indictable offence to change someone’s music without their permission.” A smooth voice said in her ear, barely audible over the deliberately off-key guitar solo. Without looking up Juliet recognised the voice and smiled.

  “And where I come from, it’s a criminal offence to play such terrible music.” She hit play and looked up as the room was filled with the provocative sounds of a mellow, house-party classic.

  Niko looked up, his lips forming a thin line as he appeared to consider the change in music while sipping his beer. He was wearing his customary white t-shirt and jeans, but he’d added a dark green shirt over the top in what Juliet assumed was an attempt to dress up. He was also wearing a long, thin chain around his neck, which she’d noticed before but hadn’t been close enough to examine.

  She took a moment to study the impressive fountain pen at the end of the chain and couldn’t help noticing the hint of a finely sculpted chest beneath it. She blinked a few times to refocus her attention and belatedly realised that she might have offended him, for all she knew it was his music playing.

  “I’m sorry, did you want me to change it back?” She asked, not having to yell as loudly now that the music was at a more sociable level.

  He smiled back, “Fuck no, I can’t stand that shit either.” They stood in silence for a moment, Juliet’s attention attracted to the artwork on Niko’s arms as he raised and lowered his beer. She wondered what other images hid beneath his rolled-up sleeves and if they continued on to his chest or back.

  “Is that a violin playing?” Niko asked, recapturing her attention. He wore that same lopsided grin again. Busted, she thought as she nervously looked away.

  She nodded and looked back, “It’s a great sample. Don’t you think?”

  Niko nodded.

  “I’ve been hearing the most amazing violin music every morning. Do you know who’s playing it?” He asked, his eyes locking on to hers.

  She blushed again, stumbling over an answer, when Fiona approached and grabbed her by the arm.

  “Juliet, you ‘ave to come wit’ me, Sean’s got tequila an’ we’re doin’ shots.” She said, smiling at Niko, “’Ello you, you want a shot?” She asked.

  He tilted his beer towards her in mock salute, “No thanks… maybe later.”

  Juliet let Fiona lead her away, not knowing whether she should feel annoyed or grateful to go.

  “That was a disaster.” Fiona hissed into her ear. “I tought you French girls wer
e supposed to know ‘ow to flirt?” She shook her head and accepted the glasses from Sean, handing one to Juliet and clinking it with her before downing the shot.

  “SO, I’M STANDIN’ ‘dere, stark neked and ‘dis flamin’ banshee of a woman starts screamin’ ‘er ‘ead off.” A few hours and many drinks later, Juliet was listening to Sean tell her and Fiona about his life back in Ireland and detailing the agonising process of his first shift. Juliet’s cheeks were sore from laughing so hard, but in spite of the captivating hilarity of Sean’s story, Juliet couldn’t help being distracted.

  She spotted Niko on the other side of the room and nearly spat out her drink when she noticed Clarissa next to him, standing so close that her leather-bound breasts were brushing against his arm every few seconds. Juliet felt the cold bite of jealously and looked at Niko, wanting to gauge his interest in the Vampire.

  He didn’t seem to be paying attention to her at all, his eyes roving over the room instead. He rubbed his arm as if trying to ward off a cool chill and turned his head suddenly, noticing Juliet’s attention. They locked eyes for a moment before Sean said something that had Fiona laughing hysterically. Juliet laughed along, pretending to know what was so funny.

  “Don’t look now Jules, but you-know-who is comin’ over.” Fiona whispered loudly, carefully avoiding looking in Niko’s direction.

  “Hi Niko” Fiona said as he joined the group.

  “Fiona.” Niko replied, nodding his head.

  “Sean.” He said.

  “’ello.” Sean replied, swaying onto tippy toes and back down again as he spoke.

  Niko looked down at Juliet, his body angled slightly in her direction and she looked up to meet his eyes. He didn’t say her name, not greeting her with words at all. He just stared into her eyes until it began to make her nervous and she had to look away.

  She looked behind Niko and noticed Clarissa staring daggers in their direction. She knew it was petty, but she couldn’t help but smile with smug satisfaction. Fiona broke the tension, making Juliet jump.

  “Sean, can you come an’ ‘elp me. I want to change the music.” She looked pointedly at Sean who seemed confused.

  “I don’t dink you should-” he started to protest, but she grabbed him by the hand and began to drag him away.

  “C’mon, we definitely need to go now. Find us later Juliet.” She called out over her shoulder.

  Juliet laughed to herself but quickly became nervous again. She took a sip of her drink, grateful for the smooth, citrus flavoured distraction. Apparently, the host of the party was a Demon name Scott who was some kind of cocktail aficionado.

  Just as she thought of something to say the music changed and thumping base filled the room, followed by a loud cheer as everyone rushed to the centre of the room and started dancing.

  Niko leaned in to yell something in her ear, but she couldn’t make out the words. She loved to dance, and even liked this song, but the panic in Niko’s eyes told her she needed to get him to safety. As the dancing group closed in, bumping and grinding around them, Juliet was shoved towards Niko, nearly spilling her drink all over him.

  He reached out to steady her, placing an arm around her waist and pulling her closer towards him. He again tried to say something over the pumping music, but all she could make out were the words “Out” and “Here”. Assuming he was asking if she wanted to “get of out here” she nodded and he turned them, leading her towards the balcony doors.

  Once outside she breathed a sigh of relief and stepped out of Niko’s overly warm arms. He let her go but looked down and slid his now empty hand into his pocket. Juliet watched him from the corner of her eye as she finished her own drink and put the empty glass on the balustrade. Leaning against the worn stone, she looked at the full moon and the twinkling light of the stars. She sighed as she thought about how much had changed in only a couple of weeks.

  Niko approached and stood beside her; she snuck a peak at him as he took another sip from his bottle. Deciding it was safe, she turned to face him. She took in the sight of his long, toned arms and admired the way his muscles rippled with each slight movement, his biceps straining against the thin cotton of his shirt. His right arm was almost entirely inked, intricate patterns intertwined with various images including the curious ‘Ace’ of Hearts.

  “You play cards?” He asked, causing Juliet to startle. She hadn’t realised that she’d moved closer to him in her eagerness to get a better look at his ink. She stopped herself from backing away and instead moved in. She looked at his face to try and read his reaction. He watched her approach, and his smile widened. He stretched out his arm, turning it slowly so that she could get a better look. She waited for him to explain its meaning while she admired the rest of the work.

  “You should always have an ace up your sleeve.” He explained.

  “Not, literally of course, that would be cheating. More of a personal life philosophy.” She nodded in understanding.

  “And it’s a ‘Heart’ card,” he continued, “well, because someone once told me I shouldn’t wear my heart on my sleeve.” She raised an eyebrow.

  “But I believe in being true to yourself. Letting it all hang out, you know. None of the bullshit, the game-playing. It’s all just a waste of time.” He explained.

  As he lifted his arm to drink, she noticed two smaller pieces, separate from the others. A small semi-colon adorned one edge of his right wrist and an upper-case ‘A’ decorated the side closest to his thumb. She knew the meaning behind the semi-colon and thought it better to leave such a delicate topic alone. She wondered if the ‘A’ were an equally sensitive subject, but before she could decide if she was brave enough to ask, he answered her unspoken question.

  “Alexie.” He said quietly, swallowing roughly before explaining.

  “He was my brother.” He looked back towards the valley below and Juliet bit her lip. She didn’t want to invade his privacy, but she remembered how much it would hurt when people shied away from asking about her mother and she wanted Niko to feel like he could open up to her.

  “When did he...” her voice trailed off, not wanting to say the word and knowing she didn’t need to.

  “Six months ago.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  “Are you?” He asked, looking back at her with a raised eyebrow and his lips forming a sneer.

  “I am.” She said with a frown.

  “I’m pretty sure if you knew what he had done, you wouldn’t be sorry he was dead.”

  Juliet didn’t know how to respond, she started to fidget with her empty glass. Niko leaned against the balustrade, gripping the hard stone.

  “I’m sorry.” He said. “You were just trying to be nice, but for some reason when I’m around you, I keep putting my foot in it.” He looked at Juliet.

  “Please don’t look at me like that.”

  “Like what?”

  “With those kitteny eyes. I feel like I just kicked a puppy or something.”

  Juliet pursed her lips; she was forever being likened to weak little creatures and it was starting to wear thin. She wanted to show him that even kittens have sharp claws, but she let silence fall upon them instead.

  After a minute or two that felt like an hour, Niko finished the last of his beer and, setting aside the empty bottle, reached into his back pocket.

  Juliet watched in disappointment as Niko lit a cigarette. Before he could finish his first drag, she reached up and snatched it from his mouth, stomping it out. His eyes bulged and his mouth opened and closed.

  “Woman, what is your deal?” He demanded. She glared at him but didn’t answer.

  “I get that you’re new to the Otherworld and all that, but I already explained how we have cures for things like cancer right? You don’t have to be such a ballbreaker.”

  “That’s not the point.”

  “What isn’t?”

  She toyed with the idea of telling him the truth, but in her experience that usually led to awkward silences or worse yet, pit
y.

  “Smokers lack the willpower to quit.” She offered.

  “I find that kind of weakness extremely unattractive. Plus, I can’t stand the smell.” She bit her tongue, hoping she hadn’t offended him beyond repair, and then wondering why she even cared. It wasn’t as if she’d never been attracted to a guy before, if he couldn’t take the criticism then he wasn’t worth her time.

  “O.K.” He put up his hands in surrender, smiling innocently. The way he bit his lip and lowered his eyes was so sweet, she couldn’t help but smile back, all the heat of her anger leaving her instantly.

  “You’re sexy as hell when you’re angry.” He said, making her blush instantly and look away. He reached out to tug gently on the end of her braid, pulling her closer to him. She thought he might be about to try and kiss her, but he just took in her face as she looked up at him.

  “So, you’re not into weakness, I get that. But doesn’t everyone have the right to indulge a little?” His voice was low, only just loud enough to be heard over the music that continued to thump inside the castle walls. The pounding base was beginning to match the pace of her own racing heart.

  She swallowed at the suggestive nature of his words, not actually taking in the question. Niko smiled at her and she watched his eyes lower to her mouth.

  “Unless you’re telling me that you don’t have anything in your life that you wouldn’t struggle to give up?”

  She blinked rapidly a few times, “I don’t follow.” She said.

  “You don’t have any vices? Addictions? Bad habits that you would benefit from giving up?”

  “Of course, I do. I’m not perfect. Nobody is.”

  “Name one vice.”

  She thought for a second before answering honestly.

  “I’m… addicted to music.” She slowly offered.

  “Come on! That doesn’t count. No one would be better off if they gave up music.”