Chapter 9

Madeline opened her door and found three girls with many bags standing on the other side. “I see you did some shopping, ladies,” she said to them as she stepped back and allowed them to walk into her room. “They’re dresses for tonight’s party. Esha said she would have some choices sent here for you and Ruby once you awaken from your nap,” Gretchen told her. Madeline walked over to Gretchen and cupped Gretchen’s face with her hand. “I appreciate Miss Esha’s gesture, but I’m sure I have something suitable in my luggage for tonight. Let Ruby know about the kind gesture.” “Already did,” Tabitha replied as she tapped the side of her head with her finger. Ruby knocked on the adjoining door between their room before entering. “Looks like I missed out on all the fun,” she said as she looked at all the bags on the floor. “They were gifts from the city for being their guests,” Gretchen explained. Madeline winced at the words gifts from the city. She knew she should have gone with them. This city could easily manipulate them into thinking their intentions are good. Madeline didn’t want to make a scene and tell the girls they couldn’t keep their dresses. No, the looks on their faces showed her they were too excited for tonight. She wouldn’t take that away from them. They were young, and they only lived once. “Why don’t you give us a fashion show and show us the dresses you picked out,” Madeline suggested. The girls nodded as they made their way into the bathroom to change. “They seem excited,” Ruby said as she came to sit by Madeline. “I’m worried this place will tempt them and never want to leave,” Madeline admitted. “We will protect them and ensure that doesn’t happen,” Ruby assured her. “Speaking of the city, the man in the dark cloak. How did he know you?” Madeline sighed as she patted Ruby’s hand and answered, “Just someone from my past, a long time ago when I was young, and thought Silver City had all the answers I wanted. But then I saw things the way they really were, and I knew Silver City was only a short-time deal in my life. My real place where I was needed back at home with my coven. So, I left and haven’t come back until now.” Ruby sat quietly as she looked at Madeline. She had always seen Madeline as a strong woman. Madeline had done so much in her life for her children and her coven. From what Ruby gathered, she'd given up having true love for her family and coven. “Did you love him?” Ruby asked boldly. “Who?” “The man in the dark cloak.” “I did, but it was a long time ago. When I left Silver City, I left every I loved behind. I had to go back and fulfill the duties that were placed on me as a witch. My parents had an arranged marriage planned for me when I turned eighteen. I went to Silver City to get the party girl out of me, which is exactly what I did, and then left.” “Do you…” Before Ruby was able to finish that sentence, the girls came out and showed off the new gowns they were wearing. Gretchen walked out in a beautiful green dress that fit nicely against her frame and flowed down past her knees. Tabitha walked out in a skin-tight red dress, ready to kill, and Vita walked out in an elegant little black dress that dazzled her. “Oh my dears, you all look exquisite in your dresses,” Madeline told them. “Yes, absolutely beautiful. Your mates won’t be able to take their eyes off of you,” Ruby told them. “Esha said she had hair and makeup artists coming at six to help us look perfect for tonight,” Tabitha confirmed. There was a knock on the door just after Tabitha had finished her sentence. Ruby walked over to the door and opened it. She stepped back to let the women into the room. Two women had large cases they rolled in behind them, and the third woman had a rolling rack filled with dresses. “Good evening, you must be Ruby; I am here to help you find a dress for tonight’s party,” the woman explained. “Yes, I’m Ruby. These dresses are very beautiful and must be expensive.” “Not to worry, this is a gift to you from the city. It’s a token of our appreciation for you coming to visit." Ruby looked over at Madeline, who lifted her brow and gave her a slight nod. Ruby now understood what Madeline was talking about. She turned back to the woman, smiled, and said, “That’s a very kind offer, but I think I’ll refuse.” “What? Ruby, please, you must try on a dress, at least one of them. Please?” Tabitha pleaded. Ruby sucked in a breath and then nodded. “Fine, I’ll try on one dress, but I’m not making any promises,” she told the girls. The girls giggled as two sat down in the chairs they were told to sit in and allowed the artists to do their work. After all the makeup and hair were done, the girls no longer looked like themselves. Each was thrilled with their hair and makeup, making them look older and more sophisticated. Ruby gave in and found a dress that she loved but understood the real price that it carried. Madeline found something in her luggage that was still elegant yet comfortable for her to wear. Her days of wearing uncomfortable clothes and shoes were over. She didn’t need to impress anyone, especially here. “I am going to check on Deak before heading downstairs; I’ll meet you all down there,” Vita said to them. “I think I’m going to go and check on Colson too. We haven’t spent a lot of time together today, and I’m learning that makes him edgy,” Gretchen admitted. “Tabitha? Don’t you want to see Marco?” Ruby asked. Tabitha straightened her back and lifted her chin in defiance. “I’ll see him when we go downstairs,” she told Ruby. Ruby looked at Tabitha with concerned eyes. Tabitha shook her head and turned away, “Please, Ruby, don’t look at me like that. Everything will be fine, I promise.” Ruby nodded and stepped back. Zachary knocked before opening the adjoining door. “Ladies, the car is waiting for us downstairs.” The ladies followed Zachary to the elevator and headed toward the lobby. The men were dressed in fashionable suits, looking handsome as ever. The girls were smiling, and everyone was excited about the party. Madeline again tightened her lips and refrained from giving advice to the younger generation. She would let them have fun tonight, and then she would tell them the truth about Silver City tomorrow.