Chapter 29

It's the night of the circus performance, and I am getting ready in the changing rooms beside Blush, both of us applying our makeup.

"So, the little weasel just left without saying a thing?" she questions about Eli, her voice a tone of shock. I side-eye her, my lips curling into a wry smile as I lean forward, carefully drawing the cracks around my eyes.

"That's right."

"You're staying with Hell now, huh?" she probes.

I sit back, dipping the brush into the paint as I ponder her question. "Yeah, I am," I admit, the words feeling heavier than they should.

"And he's being nice?"

I pause, meeting her gaze, and we both burst out laughing, the sound echoing off the walls. "Yeah, real fucking nice. My pussy hasn't been the same since," I say through a chuckle.

As the laughter dies down, I find myself thinking about Hell. Despite his insanity, there's a strange kindness in the way he treats me, and I can't fault him for how he is with me. He may be rough and completely unhinged, but it almost seems like he cares.

"You know, he actually treats me alright," I say, my eyes lowering as I speak. Blush smiles, nudging her upper arm with mine.

"Is Noir in love?" she teases, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

I turn my head to look at her, my face expressionless. "I wouldn't even know what love felt like," I respond, the word tasting unfamiliar on my tongue.

She nods in understanding, her gaze shifting to her reflection. "Well, I've heard it's when you feel things you've never felt before, an intense pull, as if you've known that person your entire life and everything flows between you effortlessly."

I think about her words, a sigh escaping my lips as I look ahead. Why does that description match everything I feel?

"Also, the thought of losing them shatters your heart into a million pieces. That's a big one," she continues, her voice softening.

I inhale deeply, leaning closer to the mirror, my breath fogging the glass. "I haven't known him long," I mutter.

"So fucking what. When you know, you know. There's no fighting it, it just happens. Time doesn't mean shit," she responds firmly.

Suddenly, there's a tap on my shoulder, and I pause, my heart skipping a beat. I turn to see Madame and Soul standing there, their presence commanding the room. I glance between them, my confusion evident, until Madame speaks.

"There's a slight change in the performance tonight, Noir," she says, her tone calm but firm. I furrow my brow, confused, and she continues, "Hell has been called away to something important, so he won't be here for the show."

I inhale sharply, the weight of her words sinking in, and I drop the paintbrush, thinking that my performance might be cancelled.

"So, instead, you will perform with Soul," she announces, her eyes shifting to him. I meet his gaze, his green swirling eyes locking onto mine as he gives me a big, wicked smile. I've been with Hell for a while now, but it seems I barely see Soul or Wrath. I'm still not sure who or what either of them are, but I'm certain I'll find out in time.

"Everything will still be the same. Soul knows the routine," she explains. "So the dance on the death wheel and the finale kiss will go ahead as planned."

When she turns to leave, I stand abruptly, my voice tinged with panic. "Will Hell be okay with that?" I ask, knowing how possessive he can be.

She turns back to face me, a smile playing on her lips. "Noir, you work for me," she asserts, her authority unmistakable.

I glance at Soul when he chuckles, his laughter deep and intimidating. "It's okay, Noir, I don't bite," he says, suddenly sticking out his tongue. It's split, with two piercings on either side, and my head jerks back, my eyes wide with shock.

"I fucking lick." He winks with a big grin, and I shake my head once, my gaze meeting Madame's.

"What the fuck is that?" I exclaim, my tone mixed with disbelief and curiosity.

"Baby, that's my fucking weapon," he responds.

Madame rolls her lips inward, suppressing a smile, before turning around and leaving me stunned, with Soul trailing behind her.

Once they're gone, I slump back into my seat with a heavy sigh. "Hell is NOT going to like this," I say to Blush beside me, my voice filled with dread.