Breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe ou–
That was the shared consensus, the same thought that passed through everyone as they watched the grandest witch, her Ladyship, saunter together with two others. She wasn't in the middle, that was enough to confirm the rumors that spread like wildfire as soon as the porcelain boy and the devil left the room. This great hall was exclusive to the most important leaders of each race, although the amount of attendants varied with each gathering, tonight was an all time low. There were some interesting attendants which weren't usually seen, how many centuries had it been since a leviathan took part? However, some abundant creatures were missing, likely to the oddity of tonight's chosen hosts. Not that the vampires or lycanthropes were unable to host, actually, it was quite common for them to be the ones to do so.
But to some of the more perceptive entities, attending seemed more like a hassle than anything. Some notable non-attendees are half-dragons, changelings, giants, wendigos, banshees, and greater demons. The vampires and werewolves had a reputation for always bantering with each other, always finding ways to foil their plans. If they wanted to eat quality food and not run around having to worry about getting dragged into a fight, then tonight's two decade meet-up was a must skip. To the long-life species who could afford it, that's what they did.
Sadly, there was an unexpected variable thrown into the mix. For the first time in 700 years, the rise of a new 'Grievous' was taking place. To those who made the mistake of not attending, they held the dismay of being the greatest losers of the millennium.
Well, they would be, if it weren't for a special duo, a vampire and werewolf who put aside their differences due to the greatest jumpscare of their 19 year lives.
"There's no fucking way it's him." Michael Luan wheezed, his lungs felt like they were ready to give up on him. It didn't help that the old suit he had on wasn't tailor made for him, too taut for the muscles he had beneath. "You're pulling my leg again, Aleron, not cool, fucked up even."
Aleron had gone back and forth with Michael all night, ever since the daytime when they were forced together to help with the preparations. But since Aleron made the mistake of stepping into the ballroom when everyone seemed set on someone, they had been bickering more than earlier. Because yes, in the middle of all those different supernatural creatures, the worst, most heinous and evil one stood tall and proud right there. With the same fake charm, sweet voice, and even sweeter words like always.
"I don't know how else to convince your dumb idiot brain, but he's in there." Aleron carefully picked at his own face, reapplying the moisturizer that was long since overdue. Tonight was their special night, his mom and Mayla Luan had decided that, which was why both boys sat there in his room. Aleron made sure to fix himself over and over again to an obsessive degree. "Together with his stupid mutated eyes and that… Lucifer." The noiret tensed, the anger stemming from years of humiliation welled up within him. Everything here was uncomfortable, this overly formal dress code was getting to his head. It wasn't his usual style, but even then, he'd rather die than to walk out there looking worse than Michael of all people.
"I don't believe you for a second," Michael on the other hand, laid down on the king sized bed which Aleron had. There were many things Michael had expected for tonight, he knew it was supposed to be some celebration or meetup which they held every 20 years. He just didn't expect it to take place in a mansion so massive, it was a wonder a place like this existed at all. Let alone for it to be owned by the very same Aleron Solun whose duffel bag he spat in all the time during school, "we went to a human school, remember? You're on another level of delusional if you believe that two humans would be here, let alone alive."
After the day Aleron first came to school and punched Michael straight in the face, a massive call between their families was forced to occur. Neither the Luans nor the Soluns expected the other to be there. They had a similar idea, traditions were growing old, so the plan was to start anew with the first in line modern generation. Aleron and Michael were respectively meant to start a new era for vampires and werewolves, ones where they adapted to the present and learned the human customs as the changing tides of time required. They were sent to a human school unlike all their predecessors.
This idea came from the witches, and how successful they were as a 'race'.
"Fuck you then dumbass, just a reminder that we both went to school with humans. At least knowing he's one of us serves as a better explanation for those creepy ass eyes." Aleron stopped with his preparations, turning his head to look at the annoying Michael lying in his bed. Michael, feeling provoked, pushed himself up to face him, eye to eye.
"If he were one of us, then you'd expect another emergency family meeting to have happened," Michael pointed out, "Lucius was a prime target for your bullshit wasn't he? Surely if he was some sort of supernatural creature his family would've forced you to stop."
Before Aleron could rebuke, two voices called out for them just beyond the door.
"Aleron!"
"Michael!"
The voices said in tandem. A second later, the door to Aleron's room burst open, showing Mayla and Alera together in their dresses.
"What is it?" Michael asked first, seeing the stressed expression on Mayla.
"Ah! It's—"
"Her Ladyship, The Grievous Lady has requested for the banquet to start immediately," Alera interrupted Mayla to her annoyance, "I'm sorry, son, tonight's purpose has changed… trajectory." Her red eyes glanced into her son's equally bright ones. Rather than the disappointment she'd expected, a fear she hadn't anticipated paled his already pallid complexion. "...What's wrong?"
The two boys shared a glance, a challenge for one another. Michael's conviction reduced significantly, hearing the news from Aleron's mom planted a seed of doubt into his mind.
"There's no fucking way, is there?" He said beneath his breath.
Oh, dear… He should have known by now. If there is a will, there is a way.
And the will of The Grievous scorches a path into everything it touches.
Aleron and Michael walked together just behind their mothers, the two felt it was the perfect vantage point for them to harass each other. There were no issues if they weren't caught.
"Ack! You dipshit!" Aleron threw a punch at Michael, who sidestepped him right after having jabbed Aleron's side. Sadly, he wasn't subtle enough with his outburst, as soon as his yell fought the air, a searing glare was sent his way through the courtesy of his mother. "...Ah."
Michael held his laughter, he enjoyed seeing the other boy in a pinch. However, he wasn't scott free from the line of fire either, his mom noticed his behavior. Mayla, respectful as she is, slowed down to reach Michael, as a sign of discipline, she pinched his cheek, enough to cause the boy pain.
"Please behave." She commanded softly.
As the four of them neared the great hall, Alera felt it fit to explain the situation. Realizing that if nothing were to be said, then both the boys would end up embarrassing themselves in front of her Ladyship. Or worse, her heir.
"This will be the first and last time you'll both be meeting her Grievous Lady." Alera said, including the Luan out of courtesy, "This means, Aleron, that you best be on your absolute most greatest flawless behavior." Aleron rolled his eyes at his mother's excessive emphasis, of course he'd be on his best behavior. Through all his life, he's been told over and over again that The Grievous Lady was an existence not to be fuc— trifled as they said, with. "Tonight is the last night she will…"
Mayla and Alera shared horrified glances with each other, the significance behind what the Solun was about to say crept up with both of them. Michael and Aleron had to stop their lingering disgust over their rivalry seeing this odd display by their moms.
"Michael," Mayla started, "Whatever happens tonight, you have to make sure that the heir loves you," Mayla remembered the awful first impression she had on that porcelain boy, it made her want to crawl away with her currently non-existent tail between her legs.
Alera shared the sentiment, nearly traumatized by the near-death experience she had, "Same goes to you, Aleron, we… we failed earlier, so there's no option for you to fail here." The thoughts the two ladies had lingered like a silent understanding, they knew what it meant for the Ruler to dislike you, "We cannot afford to lose our blessing, nay, forget the vain second blessing, it's most important for us to keep the first. Our entire existence relies on you."
Aleron and Michael had no idea what to say, the night changed courses in a way they hadn't at all expected yesterday. There was no room for them to feel disappointed that the event meant to praise them both for nearing the age of inheritance had switched to something else entirely. Aleron was scared shitless over two things, whilst Michael knew the grim nature of these blessings and wasn't sure how he'd fare as the sole pillar keeping all werewolves up. After all, it came out of nowhere and he hadn't prepared to make a good impression on an entity he'd only heard folktales of throughout his life.
Supposedly, The Grievous Lady was wholly the reason that all of them may exist to this day. Blessed not with money or anything a human would desire most. Rather, one of the things they were blessed with was a simple, yet invariably important gift. The permission to exist. Aleron and Michael shared a few things in common, one of those things being the opinion of that idea sounding absolutely fucked up. Why should a single person be the sole decision maker for their existence? No, the existence of every supernatural creature left around.
"...Mom, I have to ask," Aleron braced himself, he'd rather not have needed to ask this, but if this was reality, then it was better to live through it prepared. "The heir to this… Grievous Lady, is it a boy?"
Alera gave him a skeptical look, Mayla was faster to answer, "Yes, it is." The sudden startling of Michael didn't go unnoticed by her, she had to ask, however Aleron wasn't done with his questioning.
"Then… does he have purple eyes and… porcelain skin?"
Now alarmed, the two ladies said in unison; "Yes he does but—"
Suddenly, as they reached the final intersection in front of the great hall, they were all pushed aside by the influx of their vampiric maids pushing a myriad of iron serving carts . Yes, they had to avoid silver.
As the four of them were forced to cling unto the walls, a ton of 'I'm sorry mistress's' and 'I'm sorry sir's' filled the hallway as the servants piled in right after the other.
Michael was tempted to try and open one of the cloches and see if he was fast enough to nab a bit of food before having to formally attend the banquet. However Aleron, seemingly having read his mind, firmly pushed Michael back, one hand on his chest while the other trying to squeeze himself as tightly against the wall.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
As the stampede of food passed, the four of them shared the need to start jogging along to the great hall. The banquet starting early meant that it was requested by The Grievous Lady, which equally meant that their guest's patience was running thin.
When they finally entered the extravagant hall, the dimly lit room showed all the important representatives for the races present tonight. There weren't as many as there would be normally, but the locale could be changed if more space was needed. However, everyone present fit perfectly.
Even though they all fit perfectly, nobody sat where they should've. Everyone surrounded the head of the table, for a very obvious reason. A purple-eyed, black haired, and perfect skinned reason.
"My son looks dashing, doesn't he?" A strange, ethereal voice reached their ears, collectively, they all turned around to see a tall elegant woman, dressed entirely in midnight. "I do have to apologize, it seems I made too little lasagna for everyone."
A casserole of lasagna was in her arms, she bowed her head in apology. Michael, feeling slightly guilty for whoever this woman was, was about to reassure her that everything was fine, however, Aleron was much quicker to understand the meaning behind her words. So, he was forced to bow with his full upper body, creasing his suit as Aleron shoved his head all the way down. Michael wanted to protest, but soon the status of this person dawned on him too.
"M-my lady! It's all well! There can be no complaints about your generosity, even a little bit of your cooking serves the same meaning as the divine." Alera was the first to raise her head and her voice for that matter.
Mayla was the second, "Yes! Your lasagna will be enough for everyone, don't worry yourself over our wellbeing, Lady Night." She fumbled for the fourth or so time tonight, "Oh, and these are the heirs of the Luan and Solun families, this one," Mayla came closer and patted Michael on the back, "Is my son."
And then, slowly, both Aleron and Michael raised theirs. For the first time ever, they got a good look of this 'Grievous Lady' they'd heard of their entire lives.
"Ah–! I'm Michael!" Michael fumbled, reflective of his mother. "I'm really grateful to have met you, Lady."
Aleron wanted to hit him at that, 'Lady' wasn't respectful enough. He held nearly no respect for this great witch before him.
"I'm–" Aleron tried next, but was quickly interrupted.
"I'm sorry, children, I'm flattered to receive your introductions, the two of you are very handsome young men indeed," Lissandra frowned, her eyes landing on the awaiting guests right in front of them, "but sadly, the banquet comes first— my child comes first, after all, this is the day he inherits my title. Nothing is more important than that."
With that, her Ladyship moved past the four of them, entering the banquet hall with a smile. The group of Luans and Soluns pitter-pattered behind her in panic.
Finally, the main event could begin.
Sounds of utensils meeting porcelain, small whispers of song from sirens, smacking of lips from ogres, and the scarfing down of food from certain creatures filled the great hall in its melody. It was a chaotic orchestra, composed of 'instruments' that could never fit together. An orchestra held by a single name, a conductor who was ready to pass on her baton.
Although they were all important figures of their respective races, it didn't mean that they were civilized in the human ways. It would be odd if they were, since everyone came from completely different ways of life. You can't expect an ogre or chupacabra to wear a proper suit or eat soundly like the queen of England. There was no way to expect them to act kindly or bow their head to anyone in the room. But they did, they acted as 'properly' as they had the ability to. That was the sort of respect that the Night warranted. Still, there were certain things they were unable to do.
For one, proper 'etiquette' ceased to exist once the matter was something not directly related to the Nox. Both the vampires and lycanthropes knew that a seating arrangement was pointless, these creatures would sit wherever they wanted, next to whoever they wanted. As long as the single ironclad rule of the table wasn't broken, that being; the Nox and their companions would sit at the head, the most prestigious position of the table.
This was also the reason why, despite wanting to sit away from each other and even further away from Lucius Nox whom they recognized, that Michael and Aleron were forced to sit together. Right in front of the coveted lasagna of Lissandra Nox herself, not far from the head of the table.
When the banquet had started, many of these beings jumped at having a piece of the lasagna on their plate. As soon as Lissandra had announced that she'd 'made a dish for everyone' and that 'she hoped they'd enjoy it', the lasagna's fate was sealed.
Mayla and Alera were too far to get a taste, luckily, Michael was fast enough to grab a slice before the ogre—sitting right next to him— fingered a fourth of the lasagna and lifted the piece into his mouth. Aleron wanted to spit on the ogre, but if he did that, then trouble would surely arise. Michael cheered that guy on though, saying something along the lines of 'go get em dude'.
"Oh! Man she sure knows how to cook." Michael scarfed down some of the delicious creamy goodness, he ate with his mouth open, not savoring a single bite. Still he knew it tasted good, too good in fact. "...Oh for fuck's sake someone ate it all."
Aleron rolled his eyes, focusing more on the bloody steak he found than the 'lasagna' which honestly seemed as basic as it could get. He heard the talk though, the small whispers praising her Grievous Lady for all the food. She literally only made the lasagna. It made the young vampire bitter, all the efforts which his family put into staging this thing was being accredited to that family.
Maybe he wouldn't have anything against her Ladyship if it weren't for the fact that she spawned the elephant in the room. Honestly, she seemed kind, it was a wonder how such a tall and neat lady was the mother to a feral short brat like Lucius.
"He's not that short." Michael murmured from another bite of food, his plate was piled high with different dishes, from steak, all the way to foie gras, he ate like a dog, a poor man. "You should definitely not say shit like that here either."
Aleron bit his tongue, either Michael could hear his thoughts or he got so distracted in bitterness that he accidentally let his thoughts slip.
"It's also not Lucius, so there's no need for you to be so bitter."
Aleron had to snap his head towards that comment. Dumbfounded, he tried opening his mouth, but all it did was close again, and open, and close, and— "Are you fucking stupid? He's literally right there!" The noiret whisper-yelled, luckily his own whispers were blocked by the murmurs of everyone else, stuck in their own conversations.
Michael gave him the side-eye, swallowing another bite of food. "Doesn't look like him."
Aleron wanted to fight him. He gripped his fork with the readiness to stab the boy's eyes out. He wanted blood, Michael's blood, and he wouldn't consume it either just to spite his ass. Karma seems to have taken Aleron's side this time, as rather than bloodshed, an equally awful crime was inflicted unto Michael without him having a say in it.
Since the steaks and scallops had quickly run out at their part of the table, the giant ogre sitting right next to Michael had found it fit to steal the boy's entire plate. The man only noticed the food and not the fact that Michael had been eating it. The boy almost spilled his wine on himself when he saw the large fingers scoop up his plate whilst he was mid-drink. He coughed, glaring at the ignorant ogre.
"Hey! I was… eating…" Michael's conviction was snuffed out, never until now comprehending just the size of the creature next to him. Rather than trying to gain its attention and possibly getting squashed like a bug by it, he turned to face Aleron instead, more likely to survive their interaction than whatever might have happened if he pursued the ogre.
"Are you just denying me because you don't wanna accept the truth?" Aleron tried again, "Can't you smell him?"
Michael sighed, "I have, that's exactly why I'm saying it's not him," He grabbed another swig of the wine, opting to stop eating for now, "he smells more like… burning metal now."
Aleron wondered what the hell was going on in that boy's head, however that thought had no time to linger, as everyone's conversations came to an end with three clinks of someone's wine glass. It was from the man they recognized as Lucifer.
"Thank you, to the Luan and Solun families for hosting tonight's ceremony," Lucifer stood up, bowing his head at Mayla and Alera from across the table, he gave a smile which made Aleron's spine shiver, "although unexpected, you were able to adjust the purpose of this event accordingly. Now you have the honor of hosting for the rise of a new Grievous, the dusk of this new millennium."
The many creatures of the night cheered as Lucifer finished his speech, they clapped in their own ways, but the intentions were clear. It was a thank you and congrats to the lucky Alera and Mayla who had this massive opportunity given to them. Mayla had to cover her face in embarrassment, whilst Alera took things in stride.
"I must admit, the past seven hundred years I've acted as your Ruler have gone by quite slowly." Lissandra spoke then, "I, Lissandra Nox, have nearly died of boredom many times." The way she spoke with a smile caused everyone to assume that this was her attempt at humour, in that case, everyone broke out in laughter in their own ways. The ogre next to Michael was spitting and sneezing out his snot everywhere, landing on spots of Michael's suit to his dismay. "But it would be a lie to say that I haven't gladly served my purpose. This past millennium has been a wonder to go through, so, for my final night as The Grievous Lady, I must thank you all for serving me. May you serve tomorrow's Night the same way you've served me."
Many clapped, some wiped 'tears' from their eyes, others silently watched. Michael felt moved by it oddly. Aleron saw it on his face, he thought it was pathetic.
"I'd like to introduce you all, to the heir of Night," Lucifer walked over to the boy sitting at the head of the table, he extended his hand allowing for the boy to take it and rise. "Many of you have likely had the honor of becoming acquainted with him by now," He scanned the room, glossing over the tense Michael and Aleron as if he didn't know them, "you'll get to know him well through the next few centuries, please welcome him with open arms."
Another round of applause began, as it quieted down, new beginnings would occur. Finally, it was his turn to speak, the man of the hour.
"Thank you, all, for being here for my ascension." 'Lucius' spoke, it sounded like him too, "It's amazing to see so many stars, in a place as stellar as this."
It fucking sounded like him too.
Michael grew more and more tense by the second, 'Lucius' wasn't done speaking, surely, he would introduce himself as someone else entirely.
"I'm Lucius Nox, you may all spread my name to those unfortunate enough to miss my ceremony."
Even as the room around them shifted into something completely unrecognizable, both Aleron and Michael were more preoccupied with this reveal. Michael fought his throat as he choked on his own spit, Aleron fought the urge to kill himself right then and there due to the cruelty of this reality. How had neither of them realized who this was? They missed the part where 'Nox' was a last name, and not an epithet which they were under the impression of all their lives. Who wouldn't be confused if everyone referred to them as 'The Nox'.
The hall had transformed completely with a wave of stardust, it was all so sudden, the immediate and atomic reconstruction of what once was 'the great hall'. This was courtesy from the Nox, whether it was Lucifer or Lissandra, one of them had altered the hall into something more ceremonial.
At the very front, Lissandra and Lucius stood at what was akin to an altar, facing each other.
"...We should run before he notices us, change our names, live a new life and never look back." Aleron suggested. Michael couldn't help but nod, however soon they were both helpless. "I was so fucking right, by the way."
Mayla and Alera both wrapped their arms around their son's, locking arms in a rather ironic way. The final nail in the coffin came in the form of everyone else, those who weren't representatives and remained stuck in the ballroom for the duration began to flood in.
Everyone watched with anticipation, the sight to behold that occurred once every eternity.
"With this one's decree as the current Grievous Lady, the Ruler of the Night, Lissandra Nox," A black satin cloak, with multi-colored dots all over it was draped over her shoulder, with a swift move, she held it in her arms, somehow folded neatly, "I pronounce you, as the new Grievous Lord, Lucius Nox!"
Her thunderous voice enveloped everyone, with her words came the excited and highly influenced applause from all the room's entities. Michael and Aleron clapped along with the crowd, nobody dared to look out of place. They both had the same question in their heads. Everyone clapped, but for what?
Maybe it was their fault for having any expectations, even though everyone treated this as if they just saw the New Year's fireworks, the boys had no clue what it was they were looking at.
In their eyes,
Nothing happened.
