Daughter of oblivion: Claimed by four alpha(s)-Chapter 213 - 211: Typical Adrianna

Azrael leaned down slightly, brushing his lips softly against Athena’s. "Have fun," he murmured against her lips, his hand still resting possessively on her waist.

Athena smiled, tilting her head up just a little. "You too," she whispered back, her voice playful.

After Azrael strolled back to his friends, looking impossibly calm while everyone else gawked at him like he was some kind of king, Athena slid into the seat beside Alaric and Armand, her heels clicking lightly on the floor.

Opposite her, Leo and Levi gave her subtle, knowing smiles.

Leo leaned forward immediately, eyes sparkling with mischief. "So... Athena, how does it feel to make the entire room stop and stare just by walking in?"

Athena rolled her eyes, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Exhausting, really. I almost need a nap after all the compliments."

Levi laughed, shaking his head. "Nap? Girl, you just arrived. We haven’t even started drinking yet!"

Alaric chuckled softly. "She looks amazing. Not that we’re surprised, but... wow. You really went all out."

Armand gave a small nod, voice low but teasing. "Don’t let it get to your head. Not all of us can handle this level of chaos around you."

Athena laughed, pretending to think it over. "Hmm... maybe I should. Wouldn’t want to waste this kind of power."

Leo gasped dramatically. "Power?! You have power now? Should we all bow down or something?"

Levi elbowed him lightly. "Leo, don’t encourage her. She’ll take over the party."

Athena turned toward them, pretending to scold. "Watch it, or I might just start doing exactly that.

Suddenly Adrianna emerged, head held high, in a black short jumpsuit that hugged her figure perfectly. It was... undeniably stunning. But then, pinned jauntily to her hair, was a white wedding veil.

The effect was instant as the people began to Whispers. "Is that a joke or something?" "She’s serious?" "Why the veil?"

Eryx nearly choked on his whiskey, eyes widening. "What... what is she wearing?!" His hands flailed slightly, then he groaned, burying his face in his palms. "I can’t... this is a crime against fashion!"

Azrael, leaned back into his chair and shook his head with a smile. "A veil? Really? At a poolside party?" He let out a low chuckle. "Bold. I’ll give her that. But ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous."

Theo, trying not to laugh too loudly, leaned toward Eryx. "Dude... look at her. She looks like she’s about to walk down the aisle... to a nightclub."

Eryx groaned again. "I can’t. I can’t even, what’s happening?"

Rhydric, arms crossed and ever the cold observer, shook his head slowly. A hint of amusement flickered in his gray eyes. "Hmph. She looks... like a clown married to herself. But I’ll admit, it’s audacious."

Leo, not one to hold back, practically fell out of his chair laughing. "A wedding veil? At a birthday party? Somebody call the fashion police. We need to get her behind bars!"

Levi smirked as he helped Leo back into his chair.. "I think she’s trying too hard. That veil... it’s criminal. Like, talent wasted."

Athena leaned back in her chair, trying not to laugh too loudly, but failing. "Oh my God, I... I can’t even... she really looks like she walked straight out of a bridal-themed cartoon!"

Adrianna pretended like she didn’t notice the shift in that air. She climbed up onto one of the lounge chairs near the pool, heels wobbling for half a second before she steadied herself with a smile. She lifted her glass up tapping it with a spoon.

"Okay, okay... hi everyone," she said, tossing her hair back. "Thanks for coming to my birthday."

The people clapped politely with a smile. Although most of them tried not to look at the veil. Because it ridiculous.

She turned slightly, angling her body so the Phantom Fours were clearly in view. Then, because she truly had no shame, she flipped the veil back with two fingers like a runway model revealing her face.

Theo choked on his drink.

Azrael let out a short laugh before he could stop himself. "No way," he muttered.

Levi leaned forward, eyes wide. "She didn’t just do that."

Leo from across them, covered his mouth, shoulders shaking. "She did."

Eryx stared into his whiskey like it had personally betrayed him. I should have stayed home.

Rhydric tilted his head, expression blank, then said calmly, "Is this a wedding... or a cry for help?"

Athena bit her lip hard, already losing the battle not to laugh. "Oh my God," she whispered. "She actually committed."

Adrianna cleared her throat loudly, clearly pleased she had everyone’s attention. "And of course," she said sweetly, "I want to specially welcome the Phantom Fours."

A ripple went through the crowd. She looked straight at them, smiling widely.

Theo leaned toward Eryx and whispered, "Blink twice if you’re being held hostage."

Azrael shook his head, amused. "This party’s already worth it."

Rhydric took a slow sip of his drink, eyes still on Adrianna. "She thinks this is iconic," he said flatly, almost irritated.

Athena leaned back in her chair, finally giving in and laughing. "Typical Adrianna," she said. "Always demanding attention... even from gravity."

From across the pool, Adrianna caught Athena’s laugh and narrowed her eyes just a littleFrom across the pool. She tilted her head, voice carrying easily over the music.

"Athena," she called, lips curling. "You seem very amused. Care to share the joke with everyone?"

Head turned towards Athena in the exact moment.

Athena slowly stopped laughing. She leaned forward, resting her elbow on the table, completely unbothered. Then she smiled softly, and looked straight at Adrianna.

"Oh," she said lightly, "I wasn’t laughing at you." she said."I was laughing because it takes a very special kind of confidence to dress like you’re getting married... when no one actually proposed."

The word hit like a slap.

A few students sucked in sharp breaths. Some in the pool whispered, Damn.

Adrianna’s smile twitched.

Athena continued, not satisfied. "But hey, if tonight is about manifesting," she added, lifting her drink slightly, "then good for you. Dream big."

Leo nearly lost it, he slapped his hand over his mouth.