AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m not taking offense to that at all! I’m a proud functioning alcoholic!” Rehema rolled her shoulders, and Brian smiled at her, then shook his head.
I deserve this, I told myself. I earned a night of carefree fun. So I accepted the drink Brian offered, downing it in one swig the way Rehema had. It burned as it slipped down my throat, but seconds later, a feeling of warmth spread across my chest.
“Goddess!” I coughed as they both laughed at me, and I shook my head as I joined in. “That was strong.”
But already, I felt lighter, less tense.
“Welcome!” A voice echoed through the club and everyone looked up. “Welcome to Vanitas!”
There was a large hologram of a man in front of the bar that reached up to the ceiling. I recognized him from the ball at Poseidon’s castle. He was Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. Everyone began to cheer at his arrival.
Once again, he was wearing a chiton. But this one looked as if it had been dipped in gold to his knees. With a golden goblet in his hand, Dionysus held his arms out on either side of him, basking in the shouts of love and adoration being sent to him.
This was what Lucian was talking about—that the gods did their best to sway souls to their side.
“I see many new faces in the crowd tonight. That’s always a good thing!” he said, adjusting the music with a quick gesture so that he could be heard. His hologram began walking through the crowd and he reached down, a large finger hovering over a fae’s cheek. “Tonight we drink, we live, and we appreciate the gift of this realm. Tomorrow—” He smiled, his blue eyes glinting. “Tomorrow you all meet me at my castle in Urgron City, the place to be for us nightlife lovers. All will be welcome to come and to stay, if desired. Remember, a god hears your every prayer. And I’m always listening.”
He snapped his fingers and shot glasses appeared above everyone’s head. He vanished as everyone reached up for their drinks, some neon green, others pink and blue.
Brian, Rehema, and I held our glasses up in a silent toast before downing the drinks. The liquid was sweet, very sweet. I felt as if I was drinking honey, but this was better and not so thick. Warmth spilled down my throat as I swallowed and a feeling of pure joy overtook me. I wasn’t drunk, just happy.
I wasn't sure how much time passed. I felt as carefree as everyone around me. It was as if I was a college student on Earth again, enjoying my youth and a weekend with my friends. My troubles weren’t erased, but they were silent for the time being.
Rehema and Brian were dancing together, but I didn't mind being left alone. It was nice to see the two of them together.
A slow, sensual song that sent goosebumps down my arms began to play, and I closed my eyes and lost myself in its slow tempo.
When I opened my eyes again, ultraviolet lights had been turned on, and my white top was glowing. Looking around, I noticed I wasn’t the only one. On the dance floor, the shirts, shoes, pants, and even lipstick of some of the other supernaturals were glowing too.
I held my head back and continued to dance. As Brian had said, sometimes it was better just to be in the moment. Why worry all the time? It wasn’t as if worrying could solve anything.
In my peripheral vision, I saw a werewolf approach me, his pupils wide. But the moment he reached out to touch my shoulder to get my attention, a massive hand grabbed his wrist.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Rumir squeezed the wolf’s arm, causing him to buckle under the strain. “Unless you want to be erased from existence, I’d suggest you step away from her. Now.”
