A Deadly Party

Lanithro looked down as he felt her fingers against his arm. Well, that was new. And the feeling was new too. His golden eyes met hers, as she said that she would rather swim. Lanithro thought about swimming, but seeing her without most of the clothing, well, that was better than swimming. Lanithro wiggled from her grip, to remove his shirt. Next break, he would have the brand of the family upon his back, but for now, it was bare. He placed his hand right above her bottom, at the lowest part of her back. Lanithro gave a curt nod, "Yes, but you first. I want to watch." Lanithro wanted to see Raylee jump in, and see how she dove and moved the hair away from her face. Only then would he jump into the cold water.
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At first, Erebus had been reluctant to attend the pool party; the idea of standing around in a garden full of kids didn't particularly appeal to the man. But Rayna was going to be there - in a swimsuit, no less - and if suffering the teenagers meant spending time with her, he was hardly going to turn it down.

Still he kept fairly to the edge, avoiding conversation with any of his acquaintances by engaging in it deeply with Rayna. The air was cool, but Erebus' skin was nearly burning at Rayna's touch. Damn it. There were too many people around for Erebus to respond to his girlfriend's affections as he wished, and the restraint was driving him insane. Noticing a little moisture on her cheek, he thumbed it away. "You've been busy," he said tonelessly, his eyes travelling to her lips, her neck, and then back up to her eyes. The pool? Erebus looked over at the water, slightly irritated to see it already occupied. Still, being in the pool was bound to be marginally less uncomfortable than standing around with Rayna clinging onto him. He nodded, breaking away to escort her to the pool and submerge himself in the water. Apparently, it was heated, but Erebus still felt cooler beneath it than he had above.
 
From behind his sunglasses, Jean narrowed his eyes for a moment as he was confused about what Esme was doing here. He'd forgotten for a moment that she was engaged to marry into the family. "Hello Esme" he replied before shaking his head. "Nope. I haven't seen him in about a week" Jean replied easily enough. He and Lucien played for different quidditch teams and kept drastically different schedules, so they didn't often see each other these days. It was odd, he knew, but the days of being his brother's keeper were long gone, if he'd ever been his brother's keeper. "I'll let him know you're looking for him if I see him before you do" he added, floating on his back and doing a very lazy stroke to keep himself afloat.
 
Desislav was quite literally standing with his mouth open as Kayleigh finished. He hadn't even thought about it that way. The Valentine's thing had absolutely been a date. Desislav kicked at the ground, embarassed that he'd been so dense. When she put it like that, it was clear to him that they were more. "Oh gee, Kay...I uh" he began, equally as troubled with finding words. Then, his twin had to come in and ruin everything by pushing Kayleigh into the pool. "What the HELL, MARIUS" he roared, shoving his brother as hard as he could. Of all the times to do something like that, his twin had chosen the absolute worst time possible. His embarassment turned to anger at having the moment interrupted. "Why did you DO THAT?" he continued yelling, his hands squeezing into fists.
 
Zared had been invited to this pool party by Lestat, but had promptly been deserted by the boy who had seen fun elsewhere, which made sense given that this was his house and family, whereas Zared was a little new to all of this. He was a little nervous about it really, and any words he might've had were just completely gone from his mouth. Eventually, his mindless wondering around the pool, wearing his swimming shorts and a t-shirt, he spotted Elysia with her feet in the water. Zared wasn't much of a swimmer by he could spend the time with the one person he actually knew at this event. He walked over to her and took a seat next to her, not saying anything as he took the seat, slowly putting his feet in the water. Zared offered a small smile to the girl, but he didn't offer anything else to her, no words just a shared expression of wondering why they were at this specific event. He probably wouldn't even move if she asked him to shove off, which could be likely.
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Chaos flooed in the Styx Manor, in the fireplace that was closest to the pool party. He was in a rush, and he gestured for Alana to follow him. Of course, he was trying not to leave her behind in the large mansion. Luckily, they just had to go through the double doors, down a hallway and out the next glass doors. Then, the path toward the pool house. There were many people around and a kids area all to themselves. Chaos opened the door for Alana before following her into the pool house. He was a little out of breath but he hid it well. His mother and father were relaxing in a corner, and he could see Kalif on a lounge chair. He was drinking a tall glass of ice tea. It would have been better had it been in a coconut. Chaos was glad that no one seemed to notice that they just arrived. He could almost feel the wedding band in his pocket, burning a hole. Chaos looked to Alana before giving a half grin, "Well, hungry?" He gestured toward the long line of tables full of food that Volos and others must have prepared.
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Kayleigh watched Desislav, hoping he would maybe ask her to be exclusive for real, but wondering just where the conversation was going. Before she knew it however, Kayleigh felt herself pushed, and she landed in the pool with an almighty splash. Her body quickly reacted and her head was above water within seconds, but it took her a few seconds to realize what had happened, and who had done it. A wave of emotions hit her, from anger at Marius for pushing her, to frustration that the conversation was interrupted, and embarrassment, for wearing a white top. Thankfully she had her togs on underneath, but she felt like she didn't think that through; although she wasn't expecting to be pushed in the pool. Kayleigh swam to the side, scowling at the couple she knew as Jayson Katsaros and Seira something making out, they didn't even flinch, didn't even try to help her out. The blonde pulled herself out, planning to go straight to a bathroom to dry herself off, but she heard Desislav's voice, in a tone she'd never heard before. He was angry. Kayleigh moved quickly over to him, and gently placed her hand on his arm. "Des - it's fine. Just ignore him, take me to the bathroom." She spoke to him, softly, not wanting him to do anything he'd regret just for her.
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Asya was clueless as to her partner's plans that day, and merely saw this as a way to observe the family that had produced such a caring, and respectful man as her Virgil. She knew he had his faults (she had some of her own), but she had never felt anything other than safe and happy when with him, and that was all that mattered. She didn't feel she needed to be babysat by him, giving him a look as he directed her to the shallow end of the pool first before the deep end. She appeased him anyway, as it was easier to calm his concerns by proving her swimming prowess rather than causing an issue, and toddled her way down the steps and into the cool water. Before her hair got wet, she tied it up in a loose bun on the top of her head, curls sticking out and waving down at some points. Swimming quite comfortable, she gave him a rather 'told you so' look. She tried to remain out of the way of the more active swimming participants however, she didn't want to get too wet just yet.​
 
Watching the tree, Asparuh Zhefarovich the Third, former Patriarch, though still acting as so while his son was in school, teaching. Wasting his time. Asparuh studied the tree, to see who all is going to have a child, before his eyes landed on a line. It was in bold, which meant that someone was married. However, the line was not bold just a few moments ago. Asparuh looked at the names, before his eyebrows furrowed. So, the two decided to do something that was unheard of. An arranged marriage was supposed to happen while the kids were out of school, but they took matters into their own hands. Was this a way to escape the fate? Smirking slightly, Asparuh apparated from his stronghold in the Zhefarovich Manor, all the way to the Styx Manor. Asparuh was aware of the party, but had no intention of attending until now. This was Kalif's time, but since Kalif was not paying attention to the tree, this had to be done. The tall, dark man made his way through the Manor, before emerging outside. Within a few moments, he was inside the pool house. The smell of chlorine forced his face to look even more sour.

"It seems that while everyone was having a party, two people in this pool house that must have arrived late, violated one of our sacred traditions." His voice was loud, cold and commanding. The majority of the family members stopped when they saw the Death Eater, with his long blonde hair tied back. His face looked menacing without demonstrating hardly any emotion. His arms folded across his chest, his eyes searching the crowd until he finally found the two. His stare immediately turned into a glare. "Let's not forget that there are certain laws that must be kept no matter what. For now, step forward, Chaos and Alana."
 
Once Asya got into the water, Virgil got the ring ready. Virgil stepped into the water after her. The moment he knelt in, taking her hand within his, and showing her the ring, the coolness almost caught the words that were going to come out of his mouth. Virgil finally managed to get his words back, and started to say, "Asya, of the Vetrov Family, will you be my wi- oh sh*t." His eyes averted when he saw his dad, standing there. His eyes looked furious. Virgil just slipped the ring on her finger without hearing yes or no. Virgil figured that this would turn out bad. Virgil listened to what his father said, before looking toward Chaos and Alana. What in the world did they do that could break traditions? Was she pregnant with someone else's kid, or did Chaos knock someone else up? What happened.
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Vulcan gave a slight nod, knowing that water was not his thing. He didn't want to get in it, no matter what, and no matter how much Esme begged. He was not going to go swimming. He would drown. He liked looking at it, but he did not like getting into it. And the last thing that they needed to talk about was the wedding. Even if he wanted to, she almost lost her brother. Vulcan remained at her side as she dipped her feet into the water. Vulcan made sure to stay away at least a step back. Last thing he wanted was to experience what Desislav just did to Marius, which was shove in the water. Vulcan looked to Jean as Esme spoke to him, and he replied, not really knowing where Lucien was. There was no telling. Vulcan was about to talk to Esme before he heard a chilling voice that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand. He looked in the direction, before kneeling down next to Esme. It was Asparuh. "Esme, that's Asparuh. I feel sorry for Alana and Chaos." This party might turn deadly after all.​
 
It was too much to expect a nice afternoon with the Styx family. Esme should have known it wouldn't last long. Barely minutes after arriving with Vulcan, the atmosphere dropped, and the guests started to go quiet. The seeress raised her eyes from the water, meeting the face of a man she unfortunately knew all too well. Her muscles tensed and her breath caught, unwilling to move until Vulcan's voice broke through. "I know him." She breathed. She could never forget that man's face, and now she had his name to match. Feeling sorry for them was an understatement. She knew what he was capable of. "I do, too." Whatever they had done, it didn't look good for them.
 
Desislav had been about to argue that it wasn't OK when Asparuh showed up. He shut up, his hand reaching for Kayleigh's hand, not even noticing the dampness. "Yep. Bathroom. This way" he tugged her as he quietly but quickly headed as far away from the pool side as he could. Obviously, Chaos and Alana Finch were in trouble. Kayleigh didn't need to know what that meant in this family.
 
Alana had declined a plate, her stomach doing gymnastics as she did her best to appear natural to the few people who greeted them. The Slytherin knew some of the faces, having seen them at other events or gone to school with some of them. A genuine smile crossed her face as she spotted Esme, eager to tell the older girl that Slytherin had won the quidditch cup. Alana had just turned to Chaos to excuse herself to do just that when she felt the change and heard the silence ripple across the group. There were murmurings but nothing like the noise that had been present moments before. Alana looked to Chaos, wondering what it was all about when she heard a man talking. His voice made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. As she and Chaos were called forward, thoughts of her life and wondering if it had been as full as she'd hoped it to be. This man could only be one person to have garnered the reaction that he had. Alana knew better than to talk back to this man, so she did as she was asked and stepped forward, hoping Chaos would as well.
 
Chaos figured that Alana might not be feeling too well to decline food. He had to as well. Chaos greeted those that approached, and he looked around for Havoc, who was not currently in sight. But he knew that he was here somewhere. Probably reading or something. Chaos then heard the worst voice that he could have ever heard in his life. His uncle, the one responsible for the deaths of his immediate family, besides his mom and dad. He didn't want to step forward, but alas, he had to. Otherwise, their lives might be cut short. Chaos took a single step forward, but unable to look at anything but the ground. If he looked into Asparuh's eyes, then he could see within him just what happened, and why they did it. Chaos remained silent, thinking over and over that this was his fault, since he was the one that suggested it.
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The reaction that he made, it was definitely music on his ears. Very quiet, and very little whispering. If only Kalif would bring out his darker side more. Then, he would have the same reaction. Asparuh watched as the two stepped forward. Asparuh decided to enlighten some of the people here on what happened. "Chaos and Alana went and got married. However, what is violated is the reason why. It has been brought to my attention that they have been trying to get things to go their way since day one. Wiggling out of the arrangement, and now, taking it into their own hands, deeming that they have some control over their own lives. How...sentimental." Asparuh placed his hand upon his chin, his face looking like he was itching to kill. "However... Punishment will need to be decided, and I know just how to deliver it. Everyone here with Zhefarovich blood knows that within an arranged marriage, one must conceive a child within one year, or else the non-family member shall perish. This needs to be tweaked because of their foolish actions."
 
Kalif was perhaps one of the only people, if not the only family member, that did not have fear when his father arrived. Sighing, Kalif set his ice tea to the side, and stood up to his full stance, before walking over to the former leader. Kalif listened to what his father said, before looking to Chaos and Alana. They did what? Since when did Chaos ever go against family rules? Then again, the boy lived on impulse, which was what got him expelled to begin with. He folded his arms across his chest, standing next to Asparuh. Unlike the demeanor he had at school, Kalif held another one within the family, to show his authority. It was similar to his father's, but with slightly more patience. Kalif looked toward his father before finishing, knowing that his father will want the Patriarch's word on this, his word and opinion. "One year, a child will be made, according to the laws. Considering the stress of being the new Head Girl, Quidditch Captain, and now having this deadline upon you, consider it a blessing, or live out your final year to the fullest. Only, if the deadline is not met, well, I'm sure I don't need to spell it out for you both." Kalif acted nothing like the professor that most were accustomed to. No, he was the Patriarch now, and his word was law. "Otherwise, cheers, to the newlyweds." Kalif's expression was dark, and his lips were curled into a very rare smirk. Very few saw that. It only happened when there was a kill, especially one that he enjoyed.​
 
Kayleigh turned around to see who was speaking, the whole atmosphere at the party had changed. Everyone was silent, except Des, who grabbed her hand and pulled her towards the bathroom. The blonde didn't mind, she wasn't a lover of drama, and the man gave her the creeps. But Alana was her friend, and she wanted to know why she was being called out. "What's going on?" Kayleigh asked Desislav once they got to the bathroom. "Who was that?"
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Hoooo, boy. Things were turning out to be much more interesting at this party than Radoul had expected. First of all, it was filled with sulky teenagers all trying to impress one another, drowning in hormones and stupid little love triangles that he could spot from a mile away. Gross. He'd been briefly entertained by dragging Kanos down into the pool with him, and he spent a good five minutes laughing uproariously as the Styx brother climbed out like a drowned cat, spitting water and curses.

The best was yet to come. Radoul was as silent as the rest of the group when the former Patriarch came to call, but it was anticipation that kept him quiet. Radoul was a sick man, gleefully watching two of the tiny Zhefarovich worms tremble for their sins. Kalif got in on the action, too, and Radoul was wise enough not to giggle as their sentence was doled out (pitifully under-sentenced, in his opinion, but it was still a nicely glazed cherry on the top of a good day). Asparuh drifted off like a waxy ghost, as usual, and Radoul was treated to one Kalif's rare smirks. He'd gotten out of the pool by then and stood beside his friend, his grin wide and shining white against his chocolate skin. "This calls for a drink, I'd say," Radoul rumbled happily to Kalif.​
 
Desislav knew that Kayleigh and Alana were friends, but he didn't care for the girl so he was glad when Kayleigh just went along and didn't fight him. He would have carried her away kicking and screaming if it meant protecting her, but he was glad that it hadn't gotten to that point. Stopping in front of the bathroom, Desislav shrugged his shoulders. "No idea, but if he's here" Desislav grimaced, "it can't be anything good. I'm sure you noticed that he sucks the fun out of a room."

It was always uncomfortable to see the man for a number of reasons, not the least of which was his appearance. "That's my dad's twin brother" he added, his voice quieter than usual. "Not Andrew Dad...my birth dad" Desislav explained. He'd told Kayleigh that Andrew was really his step-dad even though he called him dad, but he'd never told her anything else about her dad. Like that he was dead. Or that he was a ghost.
 
It was bad enough that she'd been forced into this arrangement, but now she was being humiliated for trying to take what little control of the situation that she could. The worst part of it all was knowing that her Head of House was part of it all. The man was supposed to be her guide, a helping hand, but he was simply a warden. Alana could feel the tears stinging in her eyes, but there they would stay. She refused to cry in front of these people, refused to show any kind of weakness, even when they spoke of punishment. She stood frozen, her gaze hovering on some imaginary point, knowing that she didn't want to look either man in the face.

Hearing the punishment, Alana let out a long sniff, forcing herself to not cry right now. She'd always known that the only point of this betrothal was to eventually produce an heir, but Alana had never had any intentions of that, marriage or not. She'd married Chaos in the hopes of delaying this all, hoping that she might come to like him more if things were done on her terms. But, now it seemed they were both doomed. As people began to celebrate, Alana stood for a moment, horrified at what she'd married into. Then, she moved, gaining enough distance from everyone to apparate away.
 
Snaking into the water, Rayna made sure that she never gave Erebus space. She was free now, and he was hers. She could give him what she wanted. However, before her mouth could claim his, she felt a chill in the air, and everyone went silent. Her eyes looked to see her older brother, before taking a step back from Erebus. Oh, this she had to witness. Two children were apparently married, but she didn't really see it as the majority did. Sure, the traditions were slightly modified, but they were still married. Although having children in school, now that is a punishment. The humiliation of it all. Rayna turned to Erebus before she whispered in his ear, "Speaking of children, let's go have some fun at my place..." Of course, it wasn't exactly her place, but she wanted Erebus, and couldn't stick around for the party, which seemed to be ended after the mock to the newly weds. She did wish them luck. After all, deaths were thrilling, even if it was one of their own.
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Kayleigh felt her stomach drop at Desi's comment, and she looked back towards the direction of where they had come, wanting to go check on Alana, but not really wanting to be around the creepy man. The blonde looked back at Des when he mentioned his dad, someone who Kayleigh knew a very little about. "Does, does that mean your dad will be coming too?" Kayleigh asked gently, looking out towards the party area again, before grabbing a towel and dabbing it on her face.
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