Prologue

All in a quick minute, the room is silent, only the clicking of her unseen shoes are heard as she descends the stairway with an elegant gait. At the bottom of the staircase, she is met by her escort, her friend, her lover. She halts and he bows, offering his hand to her, waiting for her absolute approval. Amusement plays on her face for a moment before it melts into that serene, aloof expression that makes leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. But the moment her fingers slide across his palm the irritation melts and he feels relaxed, calm.

Each pair of eyes are trained carefully on them. In amazement, wonder, disgust, and jealousy. Together they are perfect, and whole, and they are beautiful and other-worldly. She is beauty personified, with her angel white skin and her form-fitting dress that trails behind her in long wisps of intricate lace designs. He is nothing if not godly with his handsome frown and his fine-tailored suit.

Once they are in the center of the extravagant room, the pair turn and face one another. The second the music begins everything falls apart.