“You going to lay there all day?” Lace’s eyes flew open and took in the sight of her sister standing above her, hands on her hips, frowning. “Or, are you going to get up and help me and Lucille find new dresses for tonight?” Victoria reached out a hand, and Lace took it.
“Thanks for your help, Harrah. Same time tomorrow?” Lace turned to the aerial artist, who smiled in acknowledgment before walking away. Wiping her sweaty palms on her outfit, she turned to Victoria. “Give me five to get dressed, and I’ll meet you outside.” With a nod, her sister left, and Lace dragged her aching body sluggishly toward her dressing room.
Once inside, she shut the door gently and nearly jumped from her skin at the sight of Killian sitting in one of the waiting chairs. His top hat and silver mask sat in his lap, leaving his raven hair and blue eyes on full display. Lean muscle shown under his performer’s outfit and his warm tanned skin sparkled with the light perspiration from the excitement of the show. He smiled warmly at her, which almost made up for the fright he’d caused her.
“Damn it, Killian.” Lace held her chest with her hand as she willed her heart to calm. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
Killian chuckled and moved to stand in front of her. He placed his hands around her waist and pulled her close. She sighed and relaxed into his shoulder. There was solace there, within his arms. His gaze dropped to her lips and she pulled herself closer until the only thing between them was a whisper of breath. He closed the space between them and pressed his mouth to hers. She moaned at the silken feel of his full lips. Her heart began to race once more as passion poured from the man who had stolen it away, as if her feelings were a prop in his glorious show. He’d commanded them so thoroughly she’d nearly forgotten there was ever anyone but him. He pulled away, his heated eyes still holding her steady. “You wouldn’t have to ever worry about a heart attack if you would accept a piece of Pandemonium’s chaos and become part of the show. Become my true partner.”
She studied his face. There was hope written behind the apprehension, and she tilted her head at the offer. It wasn’t the first time the topic had been brought up, and she knew it wouldn’t be the last.
When he’d initially suggested she embrace a piece of the chaos, it had sent her into a panic attack. She still hadn’t entirely accepted the fact that he would live forever, and the thought of her sharing the same fate terrified her. What would a world look like hundreds of years from now when everyone she knew was dead, but she still lived on? Still following Killian. Still performing in Pandemonium.
For what felt like the hundredth time, she shook her head. “I can’t.” The pain behind his eyes resurfaced, and she felt the familiar ping of guilt creep up her spine. He pulled away, his warmth abandoning her.
Clearing his throat, he let the subject slide away. “We can’t stay here much longer. We’ve already run the show for four nights, and there are no other clues to follow. We need to leave after tonight’s performance.”
“Where are we going?” Lace wrapped her arms around herself.
“I’m thinking about northern Elkiate to a village named Yadir. I heard a rumor of an acquaintance of the old Ringmaster residing there. Maybe he will know something.”
Lace nodded. He was right. Last night had been the biggest break they’d received in all the time they’d been searching. She reached up absentmindedly to make sure the hairpin was still safely tucked away in her bun. When her fingers made contact with the moonstone, she sighed and turned to her wardrobe, sifting through her dress options.
They had talked at length after meeting with the sorceress the night before, but no one had any advice to offer on the ambiguous message she provided. Though Lace should have been used to such vague words, she wasn’t, and the more she mulled it over, the more frustrated and hopeless she felt.
Lost in thought, she was quickly brought back to reality when Killian walked up behind her. Her breath hitched as his lips lingered dangerously close to her ear. “Please don’t write off the possibility altogether.” His voice was low, smooth, and full of warmth. The heat of his breath kissed her skin and her blood surged through her veins. “I don’t want to walk these lands forever without you by my side.”
Shivering, Lace said, “It’s always on my mind.” But she knew she was talking to no one. Killian had already vanished.
Lace planted the palm of her hand on the familiar canvas fabric of the grand tent and shoved it aside to find Victoria and Lucille lingering at the edge of the fields in the golden autumn sun. Though its rays shone brightly, cool air pushed down from the mountains and into the streets. She wrapped her shawl tightly around her as another breeze whipped by.
Her eyes traced the familiar buildings of Pandemonium. The frenzied citizens of Elkiate squealed and laughed as they disappeared through each door and into the mysterious unknown. Performers bustled around the streets providing acts to those who chose to stand and watch. The scent of peppermint and chocolate floated through the air. Small children howled in delight. Performers on stilts juggled wooden pins, balancing on one foot. Every person was enraptured in the entertainment just as they had been during the competition within the show.
“Hey!” Lucille waved to Lace.
“Where’s this dress shop?” Lace looked around the crowded field as people pushed and shoved each other, just to get closer to the festivities. A large man with a shaved head bounded past them, waving money into the air at a performer, daring him to try deadlier tricks with the blades he swallowed.
“It’s just down Main Street.” Victoria pointed toward a row of shops.
Each storefront was covered in large windows to showcase the finery that lay inside, tempting each passerby with rare jewels, fine china, and extravagant furnishings. Only one remained somewhat hidden from the world, its window having been bricked over.
It didn’t belong amid the others. An eyesore amongst its pristine surroundings. Each bowed board that made up the outside wall was covered in chipped white paint. The roof sagged and it was a wonder it hadn’t collapsed completely. Nails protruded halfway out from the slats as if the carpenter had tired from hammering them into place. The building was held together by sheer willpower. A small sign sat skewed on the door with swirly white lettering, the only indicator it sold anything at all. Madame Atlaw’s Dress Shop.
Lucille nearly fell over as a child ran through her legs to get to a food cart in the distance.
“Never changes, does it?” Victoria said as the girls linked arms and pushed through the crowd.
“Do you want it to?” Lucille asked. “Are you already tiring of the show?”
“Not at all. This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Victoria replied as they reached the door to the dress shop.
The casual words of happiness made Lace pause mid-step, causing Victoria and Lucille to exchange glances of confusion.
“What’s wrong?” Lucille lifted a perfectly shaped eyebrow.
Lace opened her mouth to speak but quickly close it. She wasn’t ready to admit that Killian had been asking her to become immortal, especially since they hadn’t been asked themselves. She knew he would probably allow them a piece of the chaos, but she didn’t want them to accept the offer until she had thought hers through. It was selfish, but she couldn’t confess. Not yet. “Killian told me we have to move again.”