BRICK BY BORING BRICK.

Luli hadn’t expected to get the phone call so late at night, but as soon as she saw the caller ID, she panicked. Her panic was only proven correct when the nurse told her what happened, but Luli remembers most the mechanical movements she frantically was pushing herself through. Your fault, your fault, your fault, her mind chanted as she grabbed her coat and stormed out the door of her building into the car parked waiting for her. 

There was no time to get a card, flowers, even booze. All Luli could do was show up with herself, whatever that was worth. As the nurses directed her to the room, she found Tyler in the bed, relieved he was at least stable. A million questions fluttered through her mind as she stepped in, and she wanted nothing more than to let her anger at the person who did this to Tyler to consume her. Anger was easier than fear.

“Tyler?” She whispered, moving towards the edge of the bed where he was. “I came as soon as I got the call.” 

WHERE: Mount Olympus, Luli’s office

STATUS: closed for @athenanya​

If Luli was angry at Samael’s obvious treachery, no one would be able to tell. Even when the hotel was swarmed with police and one of her Soldatos was being escorted away in handcuffs did Luli not lose her composure. She didn’t know the unfortunate man well enough, as he was more of a Mount Olympus employee than a real Olympia. However, Luli knew Samael. If you asked how she really felt, and she dared to speak the truth, she was a little impressed.

She knew when to take a loss, and she’d let Samael be pleased for now. Every instinct in her told her to handle Samael herself, but she wasn’t like that. She was looking to get even, not revenge. It was still normal business hours, her staff seemingly more tense that not only the boss appearing ready to kill, but one of their very own was sitting in jail now. It was the perfect time to speak to Anya about her plan. Turning on her heel away from the window, Luli went to open the door as she heard it knock. “You’re early.” She smiled, her first in the last few days. “Come in, darling. We have much to discuss.”

He had felt this before, the anger and pain that slowly boiled up and threatened to spill out from his throat. The electricity that burned at his fingertips that begged to control frantic movements until he exploded. The pounding of his heart in his ears that mimicked his angry and desperate screams- for all of that to stop and his whole body to go numb. His eyes paled, his grimace fell, his body beginning to work on autopilot trying to suck in all of the unacceptable emotions. It was unlikely that Luli hadn’t seen this before, long ago when they were children, it was Tyler’s defense mechanism used to handle Harvey’s insistent berating. If it wasn’t for the sigh that escaped his lips after every dagger that was thrown at him he wouldn’t seem alive, the cold dead look of his body mimicking that of their father’s corpse.

“Luli,” it was deep and monotone “I have done everything for you. I needed separation and yet I stayed in this game to provide for both you and Samael. I have not once said I never hurt you, but you use that pain to pretend that you have not become the villain within my story. We are not related by blood, we were related by bond but you have done nothing to fix what has been broken. You may believe that inviting me to this gala was an olive branch but it was not and it never would be. Look around and tell me that your people’s eyes do not bore into the back of my skull silently punishing me for leaving. All this is a reminder that to them and you, I am regarded as a mistake.” He moved to tuck Luli’s hair behind her ear “Lulu, your big brother is dead.”

Her eyes narrowed at the signs of him shutting down. She wanted to roll her eyes, chalking up to him being dramatic but she wasn’t so cruel. There was a rage and anger inside her, sure, but what woman didn’t? “No one is punishing you for leaving.” Her voice went softer before sighing. “And I’m not ungrateful for everything you’ve done for me and-...” She sighed, cursing herself at the force of habit she had when speaking about herself. Luli was not used to being an individual entity. She was used to always being Luli and, as she had never been simply herself before. "You don’t mean that.” She shut down, resisting the urge to slap his hand away. “You’re just acting like Father.” As if any of them could be like Harvey. A scowl appeared on her face, relishing in anger instead of hurt. Anger was easier, at least.

But her face was always softened, and now was no different. "What can I do, Tyler? I’m serious. Reanimate the dead? I would, you know I would.” She hated being so emotional, she hated the ache in her chest and the dead look he gave her. “You know I don’t think you’re a mistake.” Only Harvey did, but he thought that of all of them in their own way. If that’s how you feel,” she finally spoke after the deafening silence, “then I suppose we’ll keep things professional. Pleasure doing business with you.” She turned on her heel sharply, eyes narrowing at the camera flash in her direction. Even kings must frown.

LOCATION: founder’s ball AVAILABILITY: @zeusluli

the glass of whiskey that was up until recently tightly nursed in one of her hands is now left forgotten on one of the many tables in the ball room, the caramel colored drink turning yellow with each passing minute due to the chunks of ice cubes mixed with it. hope would rarely ever abandon her drink for the sake of another person, but the urge to speak with luli is stronger than her thirst. 

when she had first started working for luli, hope certainly didn’t expect to grow so fond of her boss. it wasn’t the type of fondness that actually represented love. no, she loves no one. but over time, she’s simply learned that loving another person is not the same thing as admiring them. in the same manner, you can still be amazed by someone, even if you don’t like them. 

so the ferocious little beast quickly approaches luli, hoping to hear something promising. perhaps the invisible leash that holds hope back could eventually turn loose. not a day goes by without her dreaming of massacres and blood, and the urge to bite is always there. she just wants to hear her command. “ luli,” she greets the other with a half smile, taking a careful look at the other woman, “ you look … powerful. ”  she likes that. she respects that. “ has the night been treating you well ?  ”

Luli knew it was only a matter of time before something happened. Her ever watchful gaze not going unnoticed by anyone, and she would hope the other Olympians were also on their toes to any possible slights. So far, nothing, but the night was still young and Samael was never one to be predictable, so she’d let them believe anyways. When she saw Hope arrive, a smile graced her face, ever so controlled as always.

“I could say the same,” she replied, giving the other girl a once over. Hope was a beast, this Luli knew. But it was better to have Hope on her side than against it. Not to mention, they both had an anger in them and while Luli lets hers fester, she has to admire Hope’s brazen nature. “So far, yes.” There’s a look of suspicion before she settled her gaze back on Hope. “Have you seen or heard anything suspicious?” 

Softening now, the last of her ice melted away. Few had the privilege of seeing her this way - exposed, raw. For as long as they would both live, Luli would see the most; such was the benefit of matrimony. But even her wife didn’t see all. Even she couldn’t guess at the darkness that lurked in the great deep of her soul. Smiling, Victoria’s lips curled upwards, voice husky. “Only if you excuse my lust.”

Indeed. Victoria thought, bemused for a reason Luli would never understand. “Harvey would be satisfied. It’s appropriate that this night invokes his memory.” Satisfied, not proud - because even she wouldn’t indulge Luli in that regard. Still, they couldn’t afford to be relaxed - tiptoes only. “I have a feeling our range of company might steal the spotlight. Is there a reason we’re breaking bread with our enemies? Or is it a case of luring them into the vipers nest - to drive a dagger into their back?”

As a child, Luli was taught to tuck away her softness, to hide it behind a stormy cloud and be the stoic king she was supposed to be. Victoria was like porcelain, beautiful and cold. But she softened for Luli, and only Luli. The pride swelled in her chest, reminding her of why she picked her. Out of all the women in the world, Victoria won her hidden heart. An honor as well as a curse. She wrapped her arms around her wife’s waist, a smirk playing on her lips at the tone of her voice. Her own was teasing as she gazed up at her. “Why would I ever condemn you for that?” It took everything in her to not let her berry stained lips kiss Victoria’s neck gently, not risking a mark on her flawless skin. 

Satisfied, oh how he would be. She wanted to thank Victoria then, for absolving the pressure of perfection from her shoulders. Her ice queen and her secrets, and Luli has plenty of her own, of course. Like how Harvey dangled his pride just out of her reach, leaving her desperate to achieve the impossible. Or how he never meant it when he would say it and she knew, she wasn’t stupid, she knew. It breaks her heart to think how she was glad he was dead, god knew how broken she was when he did. How broken she was still. Bastard. “Don’t turn yourself on now,” she grinned softly before arching a brow. “We’re king and queen of the skies, it’s our job to see all.” And if the others were doing their job, they would be. “Whatever Samael has planned, we intend to be the first to know.” We, whether they all liked this or not, were certainly all in this.

He puffed out a sharp laugh that mimicked the ferocity of a growl. How could he have forgotten Luli’s uncanny ability to poke at people’s hidden insecurities, though he supposed it wasn’t quite hidden, he had confided in his sister on many past occasions regarding his selfish wants to settle down and start a family despite the needs of their father. “Both you and I know that won’t be happening anytime soon. Love is a bit hard to traverse after you’ve been heartbroken by the person most important to you.”

He knew that smile, it was one that Harvey had taught all of them to plaster on when their emotions threatened to consume their actions. His inner celebration was cut short as the searing sting of guilt clawed at the back of his throat, he needed to real himself back and act at least decently civil.

“I’m not doing-“ He cut himself short, swallowed the pain, and shut his eyes tightly before smiling softly past her. “I’m fine.” This was Luli but it wasn’t his sister. He had perfected the facade to trick the competitors, and now those ‘others’ had to include her. “And how are you? What new thing have you found to fill up your free time?” Gods, this felt fake.

“And you think I wouldn’t be the first to know?” She spat out, hating that she was only holding back because of what everyone else would think to see the King of Olympus feeling so small. “All that about wanting to be the best big brother, all those promises you made to me, was that also fake? You think my heart hasn’t been broken because of you?” She scrunched her face up in anger, genuine hurt in her eyes before blinking it away. Instead, her shoulders fell as she looked away, gazing at the party goers attention everywhere but on her. 

“Actually,” she ignored his question, turning back to look at him. “You’re right, we’re not doing this. I wanted you here, I’m trying here but you’re still upset.” She swallowed a gulp of her champagne, berry lips pursed tightly together. “I’m filling my time by cleaning up messes, and what are you doing? Onto your next addict fling? Gonna make something extra strong for them so they’ll stick around this time?” She was angry at that too, it seemed that was the only attainable thing she could hold onto since Harvey died. Just anger and resentment. Where did her love go?

Sighing softly, Luli shook her head. “I don’t know how many times I can say sorry anymore,” she let out a laugh that sounded like it hurt her. “But I am, again. I didn’t invite you to antagonize you.” While Samael was good with passive aggression, something Luli thought was easier to deal with, Tyler was quick to make sure Luli knew what he was feeling, at any time. He was the only one in her life to validate her sensitivity, even if by the time he experienced it, it had been fading. Now here they were, venom on their tongues and legacies long forgotten. “I thought I was being foolish asking my big brother to come, perhaps I was.”

LOCATION: founder’s ball AVAILABILITY: open to all

Her heels — tall and designer and as sparkly as her dress — had been discarded a while back and Yasmin had made no concrete plans to go retrieve them any time soon. If she was going to stand around and sip champagne with a swarm of out-of-touch rich people and terse mobsters, she wasn’t going to do it while her feet were in pain.

It didn’t take long for her to get tired of talking and drinking. No one ever seemed to want to make genuine conversation at these things, and when they did all they wanted to do was talk about Harvey. When the orchestra began to play a more jovial number, she saw an opportunity to ditch the dull chatter. “Do you want to dance?” she said out loud without bothering to turn her head and see who was standing beside her. She thought the worst they could do was say no, or crush her bare toes.

If Luli was uncomfortable in sky high heels, you wouldn’t be able tell from the look on her face. Call it strength, or call it spite, but she wasn’t going to let any of these corporate geezers tower over her literally too. After all, tonight was all about looks, no matter what the actual truth was. Constantly posing for photographers, she needed a moment to herself. Said moment included her finding a pair of heels under the table she had sat down at. What the hell? 

Victoria griped about Yasmin enough for Luli to assume this must’ve been something she would do. She rolled her eyes and decided to make her way to find the girl. Their relationship was close to nonexistent other than what she hears from Victoria, but Yasmin and her shared a similar history. While Harvey made her a king, he locked his precious princess away in Luli’s now inherited kingdom. Rather than jealousy, there was curiosity. Curiosity led her to grabbing the emergency flats she had stored away for later and finding Yasmin. Rather than responding to her question, Luli dropped the flats in front of her with an arched brow. “Maybe, if you put those on. I won’t be responsible for any broken toes tonight.”

Out of place was the understatement of the night.

Large gatherings weren’t their weakness; the amount of events attended with extended family was enough training to become accustom to such fanfare. But as they watched the crowd, people intermingling and conversing, Tristin leaned toward the outskirts of the makeshift circle, creeping closer and closer to the walls of the room.

This —- this was a stark reminder that it never mattered how many years passed since they joined Olympus. This world was still too new, still too fresh, and there existed an ever-expanding chasm in their chest to show for it.

Even among a place where their heart healed, loneliness always managed to chip away at the progress.

Swallowing, their hand shot to their tie, desperate for something to fiddle with that wasn’t their phone. And here was when Luli approached, a flute in hand, and where Tristin suddenly flushed, embarrassed to be found, to be noticed, while in this state.

“Thought it would be better to have some fun tonight,” they said, their voice smooth, Then, volume dipping lower, “And to see if it was possible to set something up to —- disrupt some cellphone activity tonight. If that would be of use.”

How her “father” never saw Tristin’s potential was beyond Luli. But then again, he wasn’t like her. He didn’t try to understand, he only tried to manipulate. Honestly, she was impressed even if there was more to unpack there than she liked to believe. 

“Here, let me help.” Deft fingers moved to their tie, smoothing the knot out gently. Years of helping Tyler flashed before her eyes, something so simple already sending her back. She pulled her hands back, a smile of approval hiding the sudden shift in her mood. It was always surprising how simple mundane things did that to her.

“You’re right, it’s best to have a night to reset.” She agreed, though she knew she couldn’t indulge in the fun for tonight. She wondered then if that’s how Samael felt, watching their club patrons have the fun they couldn’t have. She wouldn’t admit this, not even to Tristin.

An easy smile spread on her lips, a nod of approval as she sipped from her champagne. “You know, it might be nice to get some people off those damn phones, wouldn’t it?” There’s a faux seriousness in her voice but the intention is clear. “Do what you need to do, my dear.”

he takes the champagne flute with a small nod of thanks, eyes flitting quickly over the woman before him - nothing short of radiant, as per usual.

as she must be. she invites the city tonight, and they come out to watch her fall. the least one can expect is for her to do so beautifully. 

cruel, he figures with a sigh. he likes the woman enough, but such things are not for him to decide. 

“the things you say to flatter me, my sweet. the guest list tonight is nothing short of top-grade - to wait merely on me would be unreasonable.” something sharper, though smiles stay soft. 

“you look ravishing, dear. god knows i wouldn’t miss this for the world.” a touch too much teeth. “and what do you hope for the night, darling?” 

Hynos, or Celo, was also a wild card. On one hand, it’s smart for Samael to pick someone so unpredictable to try to control. But Luli knew how fickle people can be, it was clearly better to keep them all arms distance apart.

Not that she was any good at that, just look at the mess Olympus and Elysian have become. But alas, what was she to do? Shut her feelings down deep away in a box and never visit them again? She could, she would be good at it. 

But she wasn’t that kind of person. Harvey ruled with money, but Luli could just as easily rule with her heart on her sleeve. She wouldn’t, she shouldn’t. But she could, she always good. 

“Oh now, I’m sure you’re just as familiar with New York’s elite. Maybe more so.” A smile, more fitting for a snake. She knows this, she’s aware her fangs are on display disguised as pearly whites. Who would she be if she wasn’t on the offense?

“Oh you flatter me,” she teases lightly, a more muted smile as she waves at a passing investor. What she hoped was to be able to raise the dead, but she answers more simply: “Clearly we’re here to see my wife in all her glory now aren’t we?” Harvey once made a joke that Luli took the founders balls as a fashion week opportunity. Look at me now.

“I couldn’t miss.” There had been nothing personal about the invitation, as if Luli had simply forgotten to take them off a mailing list. Or to get ahead of them theatrically arriving unannounced. Until they received the invitation they hadn’t thought of the founder’s ball at all and it had taken another three days to decide to go. Despite, their father’s voice in Samael’s ear, they disagreed that with everyone else fawning over him there would be an immense loss if they had not showed up as well. Instead, they saw the event as an opening; a sentiment Harvey would have appreciated a lot more.

“Plus, it’s the only thing people will be talking about for weeks. You always know how to throw a party.” Samael took the champagne glass. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Of course you couldn’t.” To the unknowing eye, it sounded like a sentence left unfinished. You had to come, for our father. But those were not the words Luli had any intention of saying. She almost didn’t invite Samael, she almost made the invitation too personal. But whatever was up their sleeve would be easier to keep an eye on with Elysian all in the same room over the shadows of the night Samael was oh so good at staying in. Their comment doesn’t go unnoticed, and just as quickly as it was said did Luli reply with her own passive aggressive snark, “yes, you always did know how to have fun.” Or you used to. 

She took her own sip, not deep like she wanted to (how bad would that look for her?) but it was enough for now. “I believe it’s more important if everyone else is. So, are you?” Her voice was polite enough. But she knew Samael would know the hidden question: what on earth are you going to do tonight?

The floor held memories, hauntings of the past when everyone desperately pretended to be a family clinging to a dream that was doomed to shatter beneath them. It left a bitter taste in his mouth, one that wouldn’t wash out no matter how many glasses of expensive champagne he tried to drown himself in. What would his Pa say seeing him in such a miserable state? A cold, dead hand pressed firmly against his back as venom seeped into his ears, ‘This is what you get for loving too hard.’

He hoped the echoes of failure would cease to chase him as he bounced from person to person greeting old clients and reminiscing about deals. Competence, that’s what he had to show that’s what he was good for, competence.

He could feel her presence, it filled the room much like their father’s but he responded to the sound of her voice, turning slowly on his heels to face her with an icy smile. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” He didn’t need to be invited, he was Harvey’s son, he was going to show up. “You can drop the niceties Luli-“ He took the flute, tipping his head back and drinking it in one extended gulp. “I see you’re still married, that’s a surprise. I’m happy for you- How’s Pa’s Olympus?” With a sly smile, he struck twice to the heart, his words like poisoned daggers.

Tyler was a threat but not in the way Samael is. Tyler actually knew what he was doing, was born and bred for a throne that was just too out of reach. Luli wondered at times if Harvey did this on purpose, or did he not expect the three of them to actually grow to care for each other? Did it matter that he manipulated all three of them in his own special way, or were the grievances of their recent past far too dire to focus on how unusual their childhood was? But what could she do, she still cared for them.

And curse her for it, Victoria must’ve thought it would be easier to nix them both all together. But if there was going to be a fractured power vacuum, Luli would rather actually know her opponents rather than take a chance on trying to beat anyone else. But that wasn’t what really was going on, the three of them knew it didn’t they? They could’ve easily overpowered Luli, and yet they... left. She was still trying to figure out which one hurt more as Tyler threw daggers into her with his words. She should’ve thrown the drink in his face, but that would be too interesting for tonight “And I see you’re still not. How long as it been again? I’ve always wanted to be an aunt, you know.” She remarked, a dazzling smile etched permanently on her face. Pa’s Olympus, fuck you. Of course she didn’t say it aloud, but she instead waved off his question. “Olympus is doing well, but business talk on a weekend is boring. Wouldn’t you agree?” She paused, glancing down at her flute. “How are you?”

When the invitation arrived for the Annual Founder’s Ball, Lyv had thought of not attending for only a minute. It would have been more suspicious if she hadn’t been there then if she did go. Plus, Elysian needed to be represented and the more of them that went, the better overall. Especially for safety reasons.

She was surveying from the dance floor, the decor and festivities as over-the-top as she’d remembered and expected. There was nothing like an event to show off how well you were doing. Her eyes fell on an approaching figure and she fixed a warm-enough smile onto her lips right as Luli stopped in front of her. “Well, I was invited and I thought it’d be rude to snub the invitation.” Taking the champagne from her, Lyv glanced at it maybe, somewhat, suspiciously. But as far as targets went, the woman didn’t consider herself high up on the list. “You were?” Now that did surprise her a little bit.

“I’m sure your manners don’t go unnoticed.” She offered a warm smile, whether it was fake or not didn’t matter. “Of course, a good hostess makes sure her guests are taken care of, no?” She arched a brow, an expression of steel hidden behind the smile on her lips. What she wanted to ask was how things were, what Samael had up their sleeve, what they all were doing here.

Elysian needed to be represented and Samael kept their secrets close to themself. If they were normal siblings, it wouldn’t be a problem for Luli to show genuine concern, but alas. Here they were, celebrating a dead man while the ghosts of their past haunted all of them. “And have you been having a nice time? As nice as one can, given the circumstances of course.”

Rhys had arrived in a tailored suit for the same reason the rest of New York’s elite did: to see how hard the new King could fall, or just how high she could rise. Luli’s level of competency was the hottest bit of gossip these days, and he wanted a front row to the show.

And besides, he loved any excuse to wear a tailored tux.

It wasn’t surprising that he had a hard time getting alone time with Zeus, and he passed the time by cozying up with one-percenters and lining his pockets with new contacts he couldn’t wait to take advantage of in the future. It may have been a party, but that didn’t necessarily mean he had to take a night off. Gotta network to get work, baby.

And when the opportunity to grab Zeus’s attention finally arrived, he took his shot. The glass of champagne may not have been for him, but he was more deserving of a drink than the bumbling Wall Street broker who Luli greeted. His suit was so ill-fitting. “So lovely to see you,” Rhys drawled, his voice dripping with charm as he edged out the red-faced guest in an attempt to draw Luli’s attention towards him. He leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek and whispered in her ear, “Any of Hades’ lackeys you want me to dance with tonight? Or do you have some grand plan up your gorgeous designer sleeve?”

Luli was good at talking, actually. Not many people knew her prowess in the board room, but that mattered very little in her line of work anyways. Not when there were people out there who could do all the smooth talking for her. Still, it was good to make sure the investors were none the wiser and actually could believe Luli was just as good as Harvey. Even if she herself didn’t believe it.

It frankly didn’t matter what Luli did or didn’t believe in. What mattered was that the right people believed in her. And while that number may be dwindling, she was determined to rise like a phoenix. This dress didn’t cost what it did for her to fail. Just as she was going to wish the broker in front of her a good evening, Rhys swooped in, all charm and grace. It would’ve been annoying had it been anyone else, but she was grateful for the distraction. “If you’ll excuse me, feel free to have as much champagne as you’d like tonight.” She beamed a winning smile before letting Rhys drag her away, a knowing look on her face as he turned to kiss her cheek. “There’s always a plan, darling,” she hummed, taking a small sip from her flute. “Hades is up to something.” Because of course they are. “Might do you good to have a nice dance with Cerberus. And Deimos.” She narrowed her eyes at Rhys before slipping him a key card to one of the Mount Olympus rooms. “Just in case.”

She liked to think Samael’s followers were smarter than to get charmed by Rhys. She had a feeling they weren’t.

“You see me everyday.” She teases. “And will continue to, until death do us part.” The waxing of the vows is intentional. It serves as a reminder, a steel rod implanted in her wife’s back - do not fuck this up. After all, neither of them truly thought they’d get here; spouses, boss and underboss, a team ready to reign terror. Victoria did her damn best to see that fantasy play out; informing Harvey about their relationship to force Luli into the open, charting their path to the top…the things she has done. Unspeakable, some of them. But worth their weight in gold.

Harvey would be proud of you. Those words would be so easy to utter. But they would be empty and perhaps untrue. So Victoria can’t bring herself to, even if they might soothe Luli, even if just for a moment. “You don’t clean up too badly either.” Leaning in, Victoria extends her hand. “But I do think all eyes will be drawn to me. Convenient, if you want anonymity for a moment.”

“Forgive my greed then.” She teased back, the reminder of their vows not going unnoticed. Was the love of her life capable of killing her? Probably. How fast did they fall in together, how hasty. The universe wouldn’t wait, she had decided, and why should she? She knew there was no one else that deserved to be by her side but Victoria, a queen even before they met? That was what Luli believed anyways. Only someone so regal could find a way to forgive her.

Still, she smiles, already at ease. Victoria helped, with her icy cold smile of royalty. Luli learned far more from her when it came to ruling, Harvey being too soft on her. But the resentment and uncertainty remained in the past, she had no wiggle room for mistakes. “Well it is a special occasion.” Luli took her wife’s hand, a soft chuckle leaving her lips. “You are outshining me it seems. Only for a moment.” She promised, squeezing Victoria’s hand gently.

There was a hum in the air, the city electrified with what was to come. Luli, in all her glory, stepping into the place of a ghost and demanding to be taken just as seriously. Perhaps that was what led her to inviting just about the entire damn city, the press clamoring for a glimpse into tonight’s festivities. Victoria was right, there was no room to fuck up and she had no intention to.

Would Harvey be proud? Did it matter now? She wasn’t sure. What did matter was that she appeared calm, at ease. That’s what led her onto the floor in the center of the ball, her gown just barely touching the floor. A king above it all with her head held high and her smile pressed on. “How nice of you to join us,” she greeted the unsuspecting guest, an extra champagne flute in her extended hand. “I was hoping to see you here.”

date & time: september 22nd, 10.56pm location: founder’s ball status: open

When she was a little girl, obediently clasping onto her mother, Victoria had been told to embody glass. Fragile and delicate and pretty, like a china figurine. Years later, catching her reflection in a passing mirror, she reflected on her passage. She liked to think of herself as glass of another kind - the sort they hang in churches; stained, regal, eternal. They do not shatter - and neither does she; even as the snakes enter her home. Polished, she has had the same expression etched on her face all evening; a stiff smile, a knifes edge from ice.

Catching the figure at the end of the hallway, hovering precariously close to the lift - out of places, out of bounds - her expression hardens. Heels echoing on the tiles, she approaches them without announcement. “The ball is in the other direction.”

She wasn’t being avoidant, she was simply waiting for the right moment. Whatever that meant for her- what was the right time to arrive for a ball in her guardian’s name? When no one was expecting her, so no one could see her fuck up? Nevertheless, Luli stood out of bounds, away from it all. Just for a moment, just for a breath. Victoria’s voice snapped her out of her haze, something she had once resented long ago. Taking a deep breath, Luli turned to face her wife, mask on.

“And miss your lovely arrival?” She offered a playful smirk, looking up at her. “I just needed a moment.” She remembered these balls as a teenager, at first it felt like playing dress up with the glimmer of the chandeliers blinding her. Blinding her to Harvey and the man he was. Perhaps it was naive to miss him, but she held every loss close to her. Why bother with mourning a dead man when now she had so much more to prove. “Come, I’ll go back with you. You look beautiful, my dear.”