Prologue - Mingling

It was late evening by the time the first guests began arriving at the Delvere apartment. Colin had gotten changed into his suit in Evelina’s room, something that her mother didn’t seem to be pleased with. She didn’t say anything and Colin helped Jay lay out the food as the first arrivals entered the apartment. These first guests were other members of the Delvere family. Cousins, uncles and aunts of Evelina. They greeted her warmly before coming over to sample some of the food.

“This is very good, Jay. How did you conjure it?” One aunt asked, a dizzying array of runes appeared across her face, shifting and changing constantly.

“No magic, would you believe? Colin bought it for us.”

“Ah…yes. Colin…” The woman’s eyes flickered to Colin, her smile dropping a little before she turned back to Jay, “And you look spectacular, darling!”

Colin wanted to roll his eyes but held off. This wasn’t his big day. He wasn’t going to ruin it for Evelina by getting into a fight with her family.

Finishing up with the food he strolled over to Evelina and Francesca. Mother and daughter both looked stunning in their dresses.

“Ladies.” Colin said.

“Everything okay, Col?” Evelina asked. She looked incredibly nervous and Colin wanted to just sweep her into his arms, but with Francesca there he thought better of it.

“Yea, met anyone interesting?”

“A couple of people. I-”

Francesca grabbed her daughter’s arm.

“Here is someone you should meet.” She whispered into Evelina’s ear.

At the door was a tall, broad shouldered man. He had short brown hair with a streak of grey through it, giving him a dashing quality. His suit was clearly well tailored and fit him well. Its tightness enhancing his sculpted physique

“My lady Delvere.” The man said, his voice deep and silvery smooth, “And Evelina Delvere. Good fortune on your Awakening.”

“Evelina. May I introduce Howell Vetch. A powerful and knowledgeable member of our Lodge.” Francesca said.

“Nice to meet you, Master Vetch.” Evelina said, offering him her hand. He took it and shook it firmly. She seemed so small next to the man and she seemed to blush a little at his grip.

“I understand the pressure you are under.” Howell said, holding Aurora, dainty hand in his large one, “My mother was a member of the Lodge as well. You have nothing to worry about, in the Lodge you are surrounded by people who want only for you to reach your full potential.”

“A lovely sentiment.” Francesca said with a knowing smile, “I hope we will see more of you this evening Howell.”

“I hope so too.” The man wandered off into the crowd.

“He seems nice.” Colin said in a cheerful voice.

“Yea…” Evelina replied. Colin noticed that she was looking over her shoulder, to where Howell had disappeared off to.

“I’m not late am I?” A short rotund man with an immense moustache waddled up to Francesca and Evelina.

“Not at all Hubert. Glad you could make it!” Francesca said.

The man reached out and snatched her hand up, raising it to his lips and pressing a kiss to her knuckle.

“As beautiful as ever.” He said before turning his gaze on Evelina, “And of course, the lady of the hour.”

He let go of Francesca’s and grabbed Evelina’s. Once again he kissed her hand, but the kiss seemed to go longer and Colin swore he saw the man’s tongue dart out and lick Evelina’s skin.

“Darling, this is Hubert Dufort. An old friend of the Lodge and a powerful magic user.”

“Be careful, my dear.” Hubert said, still holding onto Evelina’s hand tightly, “There are so many blowhard and incompetent fools here, girl. Don’t squander your gifts. You could achieve so much, with the right teacher.”

“Oh alright…Thank you.”

“No…Thank you!” Hubert grinned, reaching up to pull on his moustache before waddling off into the crowd.

“Don’t be fooled by his oddities, Evelina. Hubery Dufort is a powerful magician. There are few like him. That can harness the power so skillfully.” Francesca said, “Now come. The ceremony will be soon and I want to make sure you are prepared. And Colin…try and stay out of trouble.”