Free Darkling by Mima Sabolic Page A

point, I fell asleep. Then I felt something blink; and then a thousand more fast blinks. Suddenly I was in the middle of millions of blinking eyes, all watching me intensely. I tried to yank myself awake, only to find myself in another dream—I was actually captured in one of those many eyes!
    Julia’s hand shook me awake.
    “Nika? Hon, you okay? Sorry to wake you, but it looked like you needed it.”
    I nodded in confusion, looking about me. She brought me a glass of water. After a few minutes I spoke.
    “Are you satisfied with your job here? Is it worth the sacrifice?”
    “So that’s what this is all about.” Julia smiled and sat next to me.
    “Maybe. I don’t know.”
    “What kind of sacrifice do you have in mind?”
    “You know marriage, kids, dog, and house. That whole thing.” I thought I saw a sharp line cutting through her eyes.
    “We all have our reasons for being here and not somewhere else, honey. Would you choose to live in ignorance after you knew better?”
    I shrugged. I still didn’t feel like this was my real life, so making the decision to reject it wasn’t completely unappealing.
    I would have been lying if I said that, after zoning out for the rest of the day, I didn’t enjoy the party preparations that followed later that evening.  It helped me to remember that I still was a teenager, no matter what my situation, so the party frills, preparations, and whatnot, were still part of my DNA.
    I selected a satin black dress. It was sleeveless, hit just above the knees, and looked like a fancy tunic dress from the 70s. A black string belt cut the dress at the hips, giving it a phenomenal shape that smoothly slid over my body.  With black stockings and black evening pumps, I looked good. I really did. My reflection actually surprised me, because I hadn’t had a chance to pay any attention to my looks since I’d become a college student, what with all the lectures and exams and stuff. Who said that college life was all fun? Plus, I’d never had such beautiful designer clothes before.
    Gray-blue eye shadow, mascara and colorless lip gloss. I skipped the foundation and blush, thinking that I’d look like a clown in that sea of pretty pale faces. I curled my hair a bit, enough to make it wavy, and to fell nicely on my shoulders.
    “Wow.” Tibor and Blake said in unison when I entered the common room.
    I had heard them come in while I was getting ready. It was satisfying to see their raised eyebrows.
    “You look beautiful, Lamb.”
    “Very pretty,” Blake offered.
    “Hey guys, thanks.”
    They looked dashing, too. Tibor wore a dark gray suit with blue skinny tie, part of his gray dress shirt escaping the belt—purposely, I assumed. Blake was tie-less in a black suit and dark gray dress shirt. While Tibor’s hair was messy as usual, Blake had carefully arranged his hair into a 50s look. They both were very handsome. And Julia was mesmerizing in a strappy champagne-colored knee length cocktail dress. Her blonde hair was swept up in a Grace Kelly chignon. Jeez, it felt like we were going to prom.
    “You’re not taking a bag?” she asked me.
    “Not in the mood, and there’s nothing to fill it with.”
    She gave an alluring little laugh. “Darling, a bag is an accessory.”
    “I say she doesn’t need one.” Blake winked at me and took my hand, linking it through his arm. Prom.
    “Shall we ladies? I’m kind of hungry.” Tibor said, taking Julia’s arm through his own.
     
    The reception was on the top floor of the main building that housed Baldur’s offices. The room was breathtaking—a spacious ballroom in brandy and gold. Rich but elegant, with several marble pillars supporting the high ceiling. I felt like I was in a royal court with all the sophisticated guests attended by suited waiters offering sparkling drinks and fancy little hors d’oeuvres. Beautifully attired porcelain dolls everywhere.
    The room was filled with a melodic murmur. I accepted the offered champagne.