Chapter 417
Clementine:
I took a deep breath and then pushed the door open to the antique shop.
The minute I stepped inside, I held my breath. The air was still and cold, as if no life had ever existed here.
A thin layer of dust covered the shelves. I was glad I was holding my breath because I did not want to breathe in this dusty air.
As I moved toward my left, I heard the wood creak beneath my boots.
Chandeliers hung from different corners, but the one in the middle caught my attention.
It was beautiful, but all the candles were unlit. I began to notice smoke forming in the distance.
Some drifted on the ceiling and some slid down the walls.
They moved toward me, but I kept my lips pressed tightly and forced myself not to breathe in.
I noticed the difference. Ian was right. They did not immediately rush at me.
They lingered around, waiting for me to make a mistake.
I kept moving to the left. I noticed the old clocks, bronze statues, and vases with chipped rims.
A tall mirror leaned against the wall with a cracked frame. I stopped for a few seconds to touch the skin under my eyes.
They were swollen and red. My chest started to tighten with the urge to breathe.
As I stepped past one of the tables, I noticed jewelry on it. I stared at it for a moment before picking one piece.
It was a black diamond, and I had to take it. My groom would need it. I put it in my pocket and continued to step forward.
My back was still bare, so I could feel the Fades touch my skin. A chill ran up and down my spine each time they brushed against me.
Finally, I reached the area Ian was talking about. A big closet stood at the end of the left side.
It had glass doors fogged with dust. I reached for the handle and pulled, but it stayed shut.
The lock rattled, and I rolled my eyes because even if it was tightened with a strong lock, I could open it.
The minute I turned it, the closet opened.
My fingers started to tremble because my throat was burning from holding my breath.
Inside, rows of suits were arranged. The one that caught my attention had a black coat with patterns that looked carved into the fabric rather than stitched.
The inner lining was deep red and had a smooth shine. The vest had silver buttons, and thin chains crossed from one side to the other.
The gloves were dark with metallic details at the wrist. The trousers were tailored and straight. The suit looked grand and expensive.
I grabbed it off the rail quickly. The Fades moved around me more often now.
They could probably sense that I was losing my breath. I turned around and rushed toward the door.
I did not stop, even when the Fades chased after me.
When I reached the door, Ian was already holding it open for me. I pushed myself out, and once outside, I took deep and heavy breaths.
I quickly moved the suit behind my back.
“My turn,” Ian commented.
“Wait a minute, let me catch my breath,” I warned him.
Once I was certain that I was feeling fine and could fight for him, I gave him a gesture to go ahead.
He entered the shop in front of me, and I pulled the suit out to give it a full glance.
It was heavy, and I wondered how Ian would look in it. I smiled just thinking about it.
After a few minutes, Ian returned. He was faster than I had been, probably because he did not get distracted by other things.
He had been there before, and he had seen everything. He came out, and he did not rush.
He strolled out with a smirk on his lips and his hands behind his back.
“Come on! What are you waiting for? For you to get out of breath?” I complained as he continued smirking and taking slow, deliberate steps.
He finally got out but kept his hand on the doorframe.
“So, are you going to change in front of me?” As soon as he asked that, I frowned and turned away.
“No!” I complained.
“Why? I have seen you naked before,” he commented, leaning down in my ear.
“Come on, Ian, do not play. Take this suit. Go and get ready in the theatre. I will be there too,” I said, and I noticed his smile begin to fade.
“Are you sure you will be okay there?” he questioned, probably because last time I had been badly affected by my mother being there.
“I will be fine,” I confirmed, giving him a hand gesture.
“Well then, just so you know, I got your ring too,” I stated, and I watched Ian raise his eyebrow as if he was impressed.
“See, you are learning so much from me,” he commented, grinning.
“Yeah. Not something to flex over, but true, I am learning how to rob places from you,” I joked, and he chuckled.
“Now go and get ready before I change my mind,” I teased him, and he quickly touched his earlobe, warning me with his eyes.
Having his company was different. He knew how to cheer me up. He knew how to make me feel comforted.
And for this wedding, I had a strong feeling that he knew how to make it special for me.
“Well, okay then, see you in a bit,” he replied.
As he walked away, I stared at the dress he had gotten for me.
A bright smile started to cover my lips as I looked at the beautiful design and then my eyes wandered around.
I had never imagined getting married. Growing up, I had been traumatized so much by the mates that I had sworn to never want to get married.
But here I was today, holding a wedding dress, and my groom was getting ready.
“And we have chosen a perfect mate,” Mint spoke up, making me smile and nod my head.
“You’re right, he is my perfect mate,” I agreed, before I began to walk toward the theater.