Charade

      Kylie sighed.

      Everything about the costume masquerade was going perfectly, and yet, the doll couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. The theming was a touch too similar to the butterfly masquerade Angora had thrown several months prior but hey, who was Kylie to police the type of party her clients wanted to throw? And after all the planning and assembling, the many nights up working out the details that Angora and Kylie shared, a sort of… palpable tension held in the air between the two. They had gotten to know one another well, but Angora was a tricky woman to please and try as she might, Kylie had stepped on her toes a few times yet tonight (once literally).

      The other guests in Angora’s lavish mansion seemed absolutely spellbound by the gorgeously intricate depictions of demons and ritual circles adorning the walls, totally oblivious to the internal struggle Kylie was having. The large centerpiece of a particularly malevolent-looking demon made from chocolate fondant graced the center of the dining hall, soliciting many stares and compliments. Red wine trickled down the demon’s muscular chest and over their claws and wing tips, into a pool below that had Draquiri glasses strewn about. Capes and fake fangs were given to guests whose costumes lacked the essence of All Sinner’s Day. Chilling background music had been set up using speakers carefully placed around the mansion, and a scary sound effects rig had been set by remote control for the master of ceremonies to control. Many carats had been spent, and many more would be.

      Kylie herself hadn’t spared an expense on her own outfit either. A small black witch’s hat sat daintily on her head, nestled safely between her grand pride horns. The long veil of the hat covered her eyes, fitting in perfectly with the evening’s theme. A long, elegant black dress hugged her frame before billowing out at the knee, cascading into waves of sheer, shimmery fabric. Detachable bat wings tied as a sash draped to the ground behind her hips, and the sleeves of her dress hung similarly. The whole ensemble has a sort of mystical, shimmering purple sparkle to it, as if Kylie’s form was held together by magic and dreams.

       But her own appearance was hardly on her mind. Kylie took another long look around the entrance hall, scrying for anything out of place. A light touch on her shoulder had her jump slightly before a chuckle escaped from the luscious lips of her client.

       “I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to startle you.” Angora said. She had chosen to upcycle the outfit she wore for the fairy masquerade, dying it a deep blue and green color and adjusting some of the more extravagant touches to look gloomier. Though extravagant as always, Angora did like to be scrupulous when she could afford to be. “Is everything going well?”

       Kylie sighed again. “Yes Ms. Angora. Not a thing’s out of place.” She scanned the room again, tapping her painted nails to her pursed lips. The chatter of partygoers and wine tricking down the centerpiece mixed with the spooky music and sound effects should’ve livened up her mood, and yet…

      “…and?” Angora seemed to read Kylie’s mind.

       “I can’t help but feel I’ve overlooked something, some detail that had I paid mind to would’ve tied everything together so elegantly.” Kylie confessed, cradling her upright arm with her other hand. She seemed lost in thought for a moment before shaking her head to clear her mind, and turning to look at Angora. “But this is just a failure of my own faculties, not at all a reflection of the event itself.”

      Angora smirked. “I think what’s missing is a little bit of fun for yourself. Have you engaged in the festivities at all?”

      “Of course not! How unprofessional would that be?”

      Angora moved closer to Kylie, her body presence shifting from alluring to intimidating. “I can’t have my event coordinator looking like some sort of prude for an All Sinner’s Day event now, can I? How would that look for my image?” Grabbing Kylie’s hand, Angora led her to the centerpiece, taking a cocktail glass from the base of the chocolate statue and dipping it into the pool of red wine. She took a sip herself, relishing in the deep notes of cherry and pomegranate, before handing the glass to Kylie. “Drink.”

      Outwardly, Kylie’s posture revealed no signs of distress. But inwardly, her better senses were screaming at her not to give in. How would letting loose make her look? And in front of Angora, too. Like she could never attend an event she planned as it would be too tempting for her to partake in. She took the glass Angora handed her, but simply stared into the sanguine liquid. Would it really be so bad to loosen her collar for one night? No one else seemed to even pay the pair any mind anyway.

      Angora let out a breathy laugh. “For once, don’t overthink this, Kylie. Just… indulge.” Angora clasped Kylie’s hand in her own, bringing the glass to the doll’s lips. Tilting the glass back, Kylie was forced to drink lest Angora spill the wine down her body. The briefest mental image of the wine running over Kylie’s chin, into the black fabric of her dress, darting between her bosom… The thought was… tantalizing, however this wasn’t the time. Perhaps the place, but that would be better suited for later. As Kylie drank, Angora’s grin widened, her eyes shifting gleefully behind her dark mask. “Well, you didn’t collapse into a drunken mess from that one little drink. Relax a bit and see where the night takes you.” Angora squeezed Kylie’s hand in her own, before sauntering away to commandeer another aspect of the gathering for herself.

      Kylie savored the fruity essence of the drink before taking another sip, the alcohol leaving warmth in her throat and chest. Maybe, hanging loose for an evening wouldn’t be so bad. She glanced around the partygoers decked out as vampires, various demons, scantily (or even barely) clad medical professionals, and knew that of all nights to enjoy a party, this was one of them. Kylie’s magical charm would surely be welcomed. Her client had given her the go-ahead so… maybe this party would be perfect if she took the time to enjoy it herself. Adjusting her witch’s hat, Kylie made her way to the dance hall to revel in the glorious atmosphere she had spent so long constructing. Tonight, would be the night she wasn’t the party planner. Kylie would just be herself.