Luciana wrapped her arm around Hefin’s, using him for support as they descended the staircase into the ballroom of the Dairaku Hotel. Luciana had never been to America before, but when Hefin Howell called – specifically, with a free trip to New York to be his plus one at a Hallowe’en party – she answered. It wasn’t like she had plans anyway, and even if a certain someone
had wanted to do something, she was wary of appearing
too available. On top of all of that, Enzo Bertinelli was only too happy to see Luciana on the arm of such a fine young man, so there had been no objections there, either.
More than a few heads turned in their direction as they made it to the floor; Luciana was not exactly uncomfortable to be under such scrutiny, but she was far from used to it – had not experienced it ever, in fact. She realised now what it was that Christèle and all the other girls were taking on when they were with Hefin, or someone like him. She supposed she better prepare herself for it, if things played out the way she wanted them to – and she was increasingly certain that she
did want them to.
The Italian was dressed in a classic Grecian gown, pulled tight across her curves. Her dark hair was curled and fixed upon her head, with many miniature silvery snakes charmed to writhe around between her tresses. Her makeup had been applied in such a way as to accentuate her cheekbones and make them sharper, hollow out her eyes and put emphasis on her full, dark lips. Like night to day, Hefin was glowing beside her; bare chest and arms, a golden shimmer applied to his muscles to make them stand out just that little bit more than would normally be acceptable, if being shirtless in public was acceptable – but that was the fun of a costume party, one could be as camp and outrageous as they wanted without being judged too harshly. He had a sword fixed to his hip and he looked every bit a God.
She was Medusa, and Hefin her Perseus.
Luciana turned to him and smiled wickedly. They hadn’t had much time to
talk between arriving and getting ready and then making their way from their rooms to the lounge bar. She was growing impatient at the constant distractions, she wanted information. “So, now that I finally have you alone, start at the beginning and don’t… what is it…
shrimp on the details!” She grinned, oblivious to her mistake. “Did it work?”
@Hefin Howell 
