Page 67 of Hell House
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
Pierce
“Luk-ASS! Let’s go, or you’re going to make us late.” I knock on the door and fiddle with my bowtie, wishing I could chuck the thing in the fire. Only ventriloquists and pedophiles should wear bow ties. I knock again, only to have Lukas yank the door open on my second knock making me stumble. My body ached from the away game we’d played last night. Our field and stadium were still tore up from the freak lightning storm. We’d been forced to forfeit that game, putting us at a disadvantage. It ate at me knowing I would never find out if we could have scored those last needed points. Our coach was taking the loss out on us by having us run extra drills in the gymnasium.
“Bro, chill.” He says, his vape hanging from his lips.
“Dad is going to kill you.” I say, yanking the vape out of his mouth.
“Hey! I was using that.”
“I’m saving you from Dad’s criticism. Don’t say I never did anything for you.” Lukas’s bow tie still sits around his neck limp and untied. I sigh, grabbing the fabric and making a quick and tidy knot. I could fold these in my sleep for how many black-tie events we’d been forced to attend growing up.
“Ready to get this over with” he says pulling at the tie back and forth across his Adam’s apple. I let out a breath of frustration.
“Don’t ruin that.” I say crooking my finger at him. I push my hair back off of my forehead, as he rolls his eyes at me.
I’d offered to accompany Salem, but she was back to not speaking to me. I’d wear her down before the night was over though. I felt like shit after the cave. I needed to know she was okay.
Most of our housemates, except for Skye, Emmet and Sloan were headed to the alumni ball since we were all legacies. I didn’t understand the school’s archaic rules about it, but here we were following tradition. I take a trip to the bathroom before we head out, ensuring that ever strand of hair is in place. I don’t want to give the old fucker anything to bitch about tonight. I fix my black devil horned mask in place and sweep my tongue over my teeth.
We arrive at the ball and wait in a line of the academy’s most prestigious alumni and current student legacies. Helicopters and ferries have been running all evening, making sure that everyone arrives on time and in style. My cummerbund digs into my side as we wait outside Bracken Hall, the air heavy with a cool mist.
“Stop fidgeting.” Lukas says, his hands shoved in his pockets. He’s wearing a matching devil horned mask, only his has faint roses carved into it.
“How long is this thing again anyways?” He asks, bouncing gently on the balls of his heels. The line moves, allowing us a glimpse inside. My eyes scan the crowd, snagging on the drink table. Well, I know where I’ll be headed first. We’re finally let through and are blasted with a whoosh of hot air as we walk through the vestibule into the ballroom.
I make a beeline for the flutes of champagne only, as I’m about to sweep one off the table, a large foreboding figure steps in front of me. “Pierce.” The deep timbre of my father’s voice hits me.
“Father.” I say, lips tight.
“Ah and your elusive twin. Where have you been hiding Lukas?” His words sound light to anyone listening, but the gleam in his eyes looks murderous.
“Nowhere.” Lukas says, walking around him to swipe the goblets of wine that sit on the other side of the table. He swirls the deep red liquid around before slugging it back in one large gulp.
“Really Lukas, must you make such a scene.” Our father’s voice scolds, his grey bushy eyebrows pulling together to form a deep frown of disapproval.
“I expect you two to be on your best behavior.”
“We know the drill by now.” Lukas spits out. He’d been moodier lately, and I made a mental note to ask him why later.
“Don’t embarrass me. Mark my words.” He stalks off, plastering a fake as fuck smile on as he greets some similarly important former alumni who look just as fake as he does. Is this our future?
I pull at my bowtie wishing I could rip it right off my neck. The sensation of having it around my throat feels more suffocating by the moment. I can’t wait to get this evening over with.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN
Salem
This dress may be gorgeous, but it was not made for this weather. The trek amongst the graveled path while wearing heels was not the best decision. I almost twist my ankle at least four times as the mist turns into a light sprinkle, then quickly changes to fat droplets that saturate my skin. I pick up my pace, knowing that my hair is ruined. I should have brought an umbrella, but I’m too far down the path to turn around now. I silently chide my stubbornness at not taking Pierce up on his offer to accompany me to the ball. I’d be irritated, but at least I’d be dry.
I’m thoroughly chilled by the time I make it to Bracken Hall. The doors have been closed and I rap my frozen knuckles on the ornate wood. A few minutes pass when someone opens the door in a fit of giggles.
The party seems well underway as I squeeze past the woman and her beau that are so lost in each other that they don’t pay me any mind.
I’m welcomed by a gust of hot air that warms me to my numb toes. I look around wondering where the closest bathroom might be. I don’t have any classes in Bracken Hall, so it takes me a minute to find my way through the throng of people milling about the entry and hallway areas.
I take in my appearance and attempt to fix my water whipped hair. Ugh, Skye and I spent so much time on that. A few girls funnel into the bathroom behind me, loud and obviously several drinks in.
