A L M I R A

Chapter 16
Almira Davenport

I sat by the window, watching the snow fall gracefully to the ground. The cold air coming off the window chilled me, but I didn't bother moving. It had been a couple weeks since my trip to Hell to save Calix. I've wondered lately why I did it. Why I risked myself to go save Calix. I hate him, with every cell and atom in my body. I truly do.

I stood up and stretched. A walk around the castle wouldn't hurt, I thought to myself.

I made my way out of my bedroom, carelessly walking in the hallways. Maids and guards gave me petrified, worried, and pitiful looks as they passed by. It doesn't bother me, as odd as it is to believe. I paused near the balcony before glancing at the ballroom. Decorations were hung everywhere and people were running around frantically, ordering others and setting up more things.

I was confused, is somebody important coming over? I shook my head and made my way to Calix's office, knocking once before opening the door. His head snapped up, looking in my direction. "What's with all the decorations everywhere?"

Calix didn't say anything before looking back down at his papers and work before him. "Cole's birthday is today, we're throwing him a surprise birthday ball. I was just about to head to your room to ask you if you were attending," He responded, scribbling his signature on a piece of paper before setting it aside in a folder.

"Is there a theme or color?" I asked, leaning against the door frame.

"Yes, actually. Black and white is the theme, with 'accents of red', whatever that means," He answered.

"It means black and white are the main colors and mini accessories or decorations can be red to bring life to the dull scencery," I briefly explained.

"Right, if you're attending, you can go pick you a dress, if not, please see your way out," Calix was quick to get me out. I looked at him for a moment before turning around and closing the door. I suppose since Cole went with me to Hell and was willing to save his brother, even with such high risks and consequences, I'd attend.

I walked down to the tailoring room, pushing the doors open. The ladies inside all paused and looked at me, not uttering a word. I looked around the room before looking back at them. "I need a dress for the party."

They stood there, frozen for a moment before quickly rushing to different areas of the room. "Yes, of course, m'lady. We'll send it to your room."

~-~

Ambrielle came to my room to assist me with with hair and makeup. I sat in the chair while she styled my hair. I sighed, reading a spell book, memorizing the spells.

"You know, I think Cole will be happy to see you at his party," Ambrielle commented, laying a piece of hair on my shoulder.

I hummed in response, turning the page.

"What's it like?" Ambrielle randomly asked, finishing my hair before turning around to do my makeup.

"What is what like?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow at her.

"Not having your humanity, what is that like?" She pondered, her eyes trained on my makeup.

"It's not really feeling anything. That's just it. You don't care. You think like anybody else would, but you're just numb, the thought of the consequences don't scare you without your humanity. Your consciousness is turned off," I told her, looking up at her.

"Oh wow. I would hate feeling that way," She muttered, closing her eyes briefly before stepping back. "Alright, enough chit chat. Let's get you in that dress, it's a big night for everybody!"

I nodded and stood up, following her to the dress that was hanging up. Ambrielle took it off the hanger and I carefully slid in it. She zipped me up in the back before turning around, smiling at me. "You look lovely."

I looked at her before nodding. "I know."

She smiled at me before walking out. I looked at myself in the mirror. My dark chocolate brown hair cascaded down my back in loose curls. My makeup was simple and dark. My lips were painted a dark red.

Furthermore, the dress was beautiful. It was black and simplistic. Not too many frills or any lace, but just pure satin and layers. The sleeves cut off before my elbows and the necklace was square shaped.

I took a deep breath before walking out, making my way to the ballroom. People were already scattered across the floor, dancing, talking, drinking, laughing, and playing around. I took in the scenery before making my way to the food, grabbing a glass of wine.

Cole walked up to me, smiling. "You came!"

I turned to him, taking a sip of my wine before nodding. "I did."

"Thank you, Almira. Seriously, means a lot," He grinned, showing his pearly white teeth.

"So, any ladies the birthday boy has his eyes on?" I inquired, glancing at him from the side.

"Nah, but I do have a question. Care to dance?" Cole playfully smiled. He held his hand out for me to take, looking at me.

"Why not," I chuckled, taking his hand. Cole was happy and pulled me into him, careless dancing, our bodies swaying with the music. He seemed happy to dance, or maybe it was just the fact he was just one year older than he previously was. Who knows?

Cole twirled and spun me around before the music ceased and he bowed before me. "Thank you, m'lady, for the wonderful dance."

I snickered, playing along with his games. I curtsied and looked up at him, smirking. "You're welcome, kind sir."

People continued to dance and party before Calix came to the balcony above the ballroom, clicking against his glass. The room went quiet, eyes turning to the king before them. "Tonight we celebrate a man who's done more for this kingdom than any man would know. One who deals with problems other than business and social relationships, one who has helped me more than any other person I've met. That being said, let's all raise a glass to my dearest brother, Cole West," Calix spike raising his glass. Everybody around the room raised their glass and then took a sip before the party continued.

Calix came down and walked up to me. "May I have this dance?"

I looked at him before nodding. "Sure."

I placed my hand in his, the sparks still running through my veins, sending shivers down my spine, just through his touch. I both hated and loved that about Calix. I loved the feeling and adrenaline I felt but hated how he had that type of effect on me.

We danced throughout the room, spinning, twirling, and focusing on each other. For once I felt something, I felt happy. It was unusual and odd to me right now. I didn't know how to comprehend what's happening to my mind.

"I see you and Cole had a lovely dance," Calix commented, looking down at me.

"We did," I answered, matching his steps and pace.

"He was really happy that you actually showed up, and frankly, so am I," He spoke, holding onto my hand and I twirled before returning to him.

"What made you guys believe I wouldn't show up?" I pondered, raising an eyebrow at him skeptically.

"Your humanity is turned off, we all assumed you wouldn't bother to show," Calix replied, mirroring my expression. "Why did you show up?"

"Cole went to Hell with me, knowing the consequences. I'd be a bit of an ass if I didn't come. I may have no humanity, but that doesn't make me a complete ass," I summed up, spinning with Calix.

We continued to dance and waltz, our minds almost in a completely different world.

"Can I show you something?" Calix asked quickly, pulling me aside, bringing an end to our dance.

"Sure?" I was now conscious of what he was doing. Is this the point where he leads me to the top of the castle and shoves me off? That doesn't sound so bad, actually.

Calix grabbed my hand and lead me out of the ballroom. We ran up the stairs and he lead me down a couple hallways before opening the big balcony doors. I remember this was the balcony Cole and I talked to each other before Calix was poisoned.

I furrowed my eyebrows and looked at Calix. "What's this about?"

"Why did you go to Hell, Almira?" Calix sternly asked, not looking at me.

I made my way over to the balcony beside him and leaned against it, looking at the sunset. It was beautiful; the red, orange, yellow, pink, and blue hues all fading together into a perfect view. "You we're dying."

"And? Kings and Queens all have to die at some point. That could have been my time," Calix argued, not bothering to look at me.

"While that may be true, they die because nothing could prevent it. If it can be prevented, then the thing to do would be to stop it," I noted, glancing at him before adverting my gaze back to the sunset that graced our presence.

"Ambrielle told of you being in hysterics, frantically begging Vira for an option to save me. You risked more than your humanity to go to Hell to save me. I can't wrap my head around that," Calix confessed.

"Then don't," I told, shaking my head. "If I'm being honest, I didn't have much of a choice. Social pressure, the mate bond, I don't know, but I acted on instincts."

"Do you regret it? Like, if you could go back, would you do it all over again?" Calix questioned, looking at me.

I turned to him, looking into his winter grey eyes. "No, I don't regret it. I would go through Hell all over again if it meant you'd live."

Calix looked at me for a moment, his eyes shifting from my eyes to my lips. He took a step closer and I looked up at him, awaiting his reaction. In a swift motion, Calix placed his hands behind the small of my back and gently pressed his lips against mine.

I felt a wave of emotions wash over me, a strong pulse ripping through my head. It was a mix of pain, bliss, sparks, joy, and so much more. Calix pulled back, looking down at me. "Almira?"

My breath was hitched in my throat, my mind racing with millions of thoughts. What just happened?

"Cal... Calix?" I squeaked, stepping back. "You, you weren't supposed to... You're supposed to hate me, remember? What was that for?"

Calix smiled. "Look who has her humanity back."

It dawned on me. He kissed me to get my humanity back. I must have lost it when I went to Hell. "Did I do anything bad, Cal?"

He looked at me for a moment before speaking, "I mean, you did kill people carelessly."

I covered my mouth. "Oh my days, I didn't... I have to go," I spoke, running from the balcony. I raced back to my room and closed the door. I can't believe I actually killed people. I went insane.

But I did it for Calix.

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