The Legend of the Blue Eyes by B. Kristin McMichael Page B

When she finished, Devin took the bag from her and
recapped it.
    “Thank you,” he said. “Was that so
difficult?” he added, quieter, almost for himself.
    Arianna looked around the room. The sounds
had become louder, and the colors more vibrant in the dimly-lit
room. Arianna could feel her senses increase as she took in the
newly-colored room. Closing her eyes, she listened to Mori click on
the computer in the next room. Molina was pacing behind him.
Outside the door, she could hear footsteps at the end of the hall.
Beyond the hall, faint music was playing amongst the soft laughter
and talking of people. Arianna opened her eyes as Devin finally
stood.
    “Everything is a bit clearer now?” he asked.
Arianna nodded.
    “Why?” she asked.
    “Though Molina makes it sound like a curse
to be a dearg-dul, there are some benefits. Your senses are much
more acute than before. You see more colors, even in the dark. You
hear sounds better than normal humans. Your senses of smell, sight,
and taste increase tremendously, and your sense of touch…” he
explained, reaching for her face as Molina returned. He quickly
pulled his hand back.
    “It’s time,” she said quietly.
     
     

 
     
     
SIX

    Devin gently offered his arm to Arianna as
they approached large, gold-and–white-trimmed double doors. Two
large men dressed in matching navy blue coats greeted them as they
passed. Arianna clung tightly to Devin as the array of colors
twirled before her eyes. In the grand ballroom of the Randolph
estate, over four hundred masked men and women had gathered to
celebrate with Lord Randolph the birthday of his only surviving
heir. The women, all dressed in brightly-colored, formal,
floor-length dresses, were being led by tuxedo-clad gentlemen. Many
people dotted the large open floor as they waltzed around the room.
Arianna paused at the sight. Devin smiled as he waited. It would be
the party of the year, and with their matching masks, no one would
recognize Arianna on Devin’s arm.
    Arianna continued to gaze over the room as
Devin kindly ushered her along the back wall. Their faces all
concealed by masks, the beautiful women were dressed in their best
for such a special occasion. Shifting her gaze from the dancing
people on the ballroom main floor, Arianna looked around the
ornate, gold-trimmed room. There was a balcony above her, on which
people lounged, watching the floor below as they chatted, but the
raised platform across the room caught her complete attention.
Sitting in a plush chair was an old man. He immediately stood out
against the male guests in his deep maroon suit with gold trim. His
eagle eyes gazed over the crowd, obviously searching and observing
his guests. His hair was gray from the years and his skin slightly
wrinkled. She couldn’t guess his age, but she knew instantly who he
was.
    “Correct,” Devin whispered in her ear. With
a brief nod from Devin to her grandfather, her grandfather’s face
lit up with a smile.
    “It’s been years since he’s smiled so easily
in a crowd,” a large, red-bearded man said, approaching Devin. The
man grinned as he shook Devin’s hand. “You haven’t been up to visit
in a while.”
    “I’ve been a bit busy babysitting,” Devin
replied. Arianna pulled closer to Devin’s arm as the young man who
was standing behind the bearded man peered at her. Arianna could
feel the young man’s gaze past the mask.
    “The old man must be proud,” the fellow
replied. “To finally have his granddaughter home.” Devin nodded.
“Now that you have returned as well, don’t be a stranger. Come
visit any time. You and Brenton have a lot of catching up to
do.”
    “As long as there isn’t more work to be
done,” Devin replied.
    “I’ll have to have a talk with James. He
keeps you too busy. You’re only seventeen. You should be enjoying
your youth, not working.” The man laughed as he walked away. The
young man behind him didn’t speak, but followed the older man as he
walked on