Porcelain Dolls

[Tasha Blackwell]

“He is really taken with you.”

Tasha said nothing for a moment, sitting in front of a mirror as she adjusted her hair. The woman that spoke was leaning against the doorway, envy clear as day in her eyes. Tasha knew better - He wasn’t taken with her. He simply saw useful people and when to use them. She didn’t mind, as long as it served her own needs. It was a mutual exchange - he paid her, and she did whatever he needed. It was just the sort of business relationship she liked. There was no complication, no drama and nothing owed that wasn’t expected. However, Selene didn’t need to know all that.

And so Tasha simply smiled at the woman, “Mmm yes, he certainly knows how to make a lady feel taken care of,” She didn’t have to look over to know that Selene’s jaw tightened and she felt a streak of jealousy burning in her. Tasha simply sprayed perfume on herself, grabbing a set of jewelry that had been sent to accompany her dress. She put the earrings on, diamonds studding the length of them. The necklace was dotted with diamonds as well, and it was the most expensive she had ever felt.

Selene simply eyed all this, now joined with a few other women that clogged up the doorway. They began to gossip and marvel about the jewelry and the fancy treatment Tasha was getting. There was a definite sense of negativity, as this was added on top of Tasha already stealing the show at the Lusty Lekku. Now she was getting a man spending money on her while the other girls were left by the wayside and having to stick to their usual jobs. Unlike Tasha, most of them didn’t do this by choice.

“Don’t get it. We can shake our ass just the same as her-”

“-Probably just the blue-”

“I’m a kriffing twi’lek! I’m way hotter than her!”

Tasha overheard snippets of conversation, causing her to smile as she finished getting ready and slipped on her tall heels. She rose to stand, gazing at herself in the mirror and turning around to ensure the dress hugged her body just right. She could see Selene glaring from the distance.

“Cover for me, Selene,” Tasha said airily as she turned to look at the woman. The girl’s face was practically red from anger, “You don’t want Cait to find out you’re causing me to disappoint one of our highest paying customers, do you?”

Selene said nothing, turning and shoving her way past the other ladies to make her way back to the bar. Tasha smiled and looked back at herself again, pleased at how refined and elegant she looked.

As if on cue, one of the bouncers came by and notified her that there was a speeder waiting for her. Tasha ignored the sour looks as she walked past the women, making her way outside. Her eyebrows raised as she spotted the luxury speeder, spotting a driver that was dressed to the nines. Tasha shook her head, inwardly in awe at all this. Whatever Mr. Grey needed done must have been exceptionally important, and she had to remind herself she couldn’t kriff this up.

She slipped into the speeder, marveling at the ornate interior. There were glasses and bottles of liquor lining the sides, the driver offering her polite introductions and revving up the engines. The further the speeder got away from her working place, the further it was from her mind. She had to assume the role of a wealthy and upstanding woman, and she would do just that.

 

[Constantine Drast]

The ride to wherever she was going was a quiet one, the driver leaving Tasha in peace and letting her enjoy the quiet and drinks. As they took turns and straights and got deeper into the city, she would be able to see the quality around her change from the simple buildings to ornate structures with either marble or other types of material, all just dripping wealth and unashamed by it. It was obvious she was reaching the wealthier part of the city, more fancy speeders just populating and driving as there were also more police as well patrolling around the area. The clothes, the people, the speeders, it all screamed credits and nobody even seemed to bat an eye at it, showing the type of crowd that Constantine mingled with for her.

As they took another turn, Tasha would see them drive directly straight to basically a black tower, it standing tall over every building beside it. It was made of entire glass but completely tinted black not letting anyone see what was transpiring inside. the tower went high into the air and past the clouds, giving the appearance that it just never ended. The speeder pulled into the front, stopping smoothly among the other speeders before the driver got out. He would make his way over to Tasha's side, opening the door for her to exit as he offered her a gloved hand and a smile. Whether the driver cared where he picked her up from, his professionalism overrode whatever thoughts he had of her or anything for that matter. The driver continued to lead her inside, the innards just as elaborate and fancy as everything else so far. There didn't seem to be any people at all, so far the only other one being the driver. When they reached the elevator, he used a card key to open the doors before allowing her to step inside by herself. He leaned in before pressing the button of Constantine's designated floor, "Have a pleasant day ma'am." He gave her another smile before turning around and departing, the elevator doors closing the moment he turned around.

The elevator smoothly lifted from the ground and shot up the building without a sound except for a soft whirring. After a few moments of this, it would begin to slow before coming to a full stop. It would ding before the doors slowly opened as they slid apart, Tasha now able to hear a simple but beautiful melody performed as it echoed around the hall in the apartment and was on repeat. When she would exit out from the elevator and into the hallway she would be able to feel Constantine's signature, it radiating and pulsating with the dark side, letting it be revealed as he opened himself to the force. The hall she had entered had marble flooring, the walls having pieces of art of different concepts and styles lining it the entire way. Ornate light fixtures were built into the ceiling, highlighting each one as she walked past before finally reaching an opening into a large room.

There was a fireplace in the center of the room, leather couches surrounding it as a bar would be behind those pieces of furniture, it completely stocked as well with bottles and reminiscent of the Lusty Lekku. The melody was still being played and Tasha would find Constantine in the corner, sitting at a fancy black piano as he had one arm resting on the top of it. His other hand played only a few notes in a repeating fashion, it was simple yet pretty as it flowed throughout the room. When Tasha stepped inside the room, Constantine would bring his fingers down to press the final notes before finally stopping, holding his hand there as the music stopped. He slowly turned his gaze to the side after that, spotting her out of the corner of his eye and he stood up from his chair to turn around and face towards her.

Constantine was already dressed, wearing a simple but fitting white dress shirt with a bow tie, black pants, and shoes. All of it fit him nicely and it showed off his lean figure which he could thank from the Academy. His jacket was still on top of the piano and folded neatly but they still had some time before they would leave so he left it there for now. Constantine's gaze met hers, holding it there for a few moments before he slowly dragged his eyes downward and inspected the perfectly fitting dress and how it complimented her figure. "Unshockingly, you're as breathtaking as always." He told her with a smile before adding, "I'm delighted to see the dress fits." As Constantine predicted, she wore it well and it highlighted her beauty to the fullest. He wasn't lying in the slightest when he told her she was breathtaking. It was one of her greatest weapons and she knew how to wield it effectively. He gestured with one of his hands to the bar, "Would you care for a drink? I hope the ride here wasn't unpleasant." Constantine made his way over to the bar, glancing over to Tasha for her answer.

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha helped herself to the drinks in the car, watching the neighborhood turn from the usual poverty stricken streets to something far more elegant. She drank directly from the bottle, taking a swig and enjoying the views. Just because she was surrounded by luxury, it didn’t mean she was going to waste time pouring a drink into a glass. The bottle itself was worth more than she made in several weeks of credits. Tasha shook her head, setting the bottle back where she got it.

After what seemed like forever, the speeder finally came to a pause. Tasha couldn’t see the top of the building they had parked in front of, but it was in a very wealthy community. She was about to open the door when the driver came around to open it for her. Of course, she would have to get used to being treated like this. Tasha smiled back at the man, her yellow eyes as haunting as ever as she took his hand and allowed him to lead her out.

Tasha stepped out and took in sight of the building, craning her neck to look up. The clouds hovered above the tower, masking the top from view. She walked down the hall with the driver, looking around and seeing all the ornate lighting and fixtures all around. Tasha had to resist the urge to steal anything, her old life habits wanting to creep in. There was something very haunting about how quiet it was, and the only sound for a moment was the rustling of her dress against the ground.

As he dropped her off, she blew him a faint kiss, seeing the driver flustered and expression some emotions for the first time. She simply grinned at him as the elevator doors closed, carrying her up. As soon as the doors opened, she heard a faint melody, though her focus was on all the paintings and sculptures all around. Once again, there were no groups of people anywhere, and she made her way towards where she heard the music.

Tasha spotted him at once, smiling faintly as he finished up his little recital, “So you have some creative sides to you,” She began, walking closer to him. She couldn’t deny he looked quite polished in his attire, always carrying a sense of regality with his appearance. Tasha smiled at his compliment, “I think it’s mostly the dress and the jewelry,” She replied with a honeyed voice, “Though I figured you prefered me out of one,” Tasha gave him a playful wink, following his line of sight to the bar.

“I helped myself to some of the fine collection in the speeder,” Tasha chuckled softly, “But I’ll never say no to what you have here,” She would let him choose what to pour her, eyeing him quietly for a moment. She observed him from where she stood, watching the way he moved, the way he carried himself, the casual air he had about him as if he had known nothing but wealth. Grey weren’t one of the old money families, so she would have expected him to be far more flashy than he was. He was comfortable in his wealth, almost bored with it. Perhaps there was more to him than he was letting on. Of course there was - there always was with people with that much credits.

“This is an awful large place to stay in just by yourself,” Tasha purred, looking around. Was there a Mrs. Grey? She hadn’t bothered to look, but she guessed he was one of those eligible bachelors that appeared on the tabloids.

 

[Constantine Drast]

Constantine couldn't help but chuckle at her comment about his creative sides. It was a "benefit" to being born into a wealthy family even though he didn't particularly need it. Growing up his parents wanted him to represent the best of their family and that meant being tutored about skills he thought weren't that necessary, like playing the piano. But over the years he's grown quite fond of the music, finding the beauty in it and becoming quite a fan. When she gave the credit to the dress and jewelry, Constantine tilted his head to the side as he gazed at her, a smirk coming to him as something flashed across his eyes, "I wouldn't downplay yourself too much." Commenting about how he would have preferred her out of the dress she wasn't exactly wrong. Constantine shrugged his shoulders with a playful look, "I didn't want to be hasty and scare you off."

Constantine stepped behind the bar, the shelves made of polished wood as he slowly looked over each of the bottles. She didn't offer a suggestion so he figured that meant he could choose for her. After a moment, he flicked his hand and two champagne glasses floated down and gently settled in front of Tasha. Constantine reached above her for a champagne bottle as well, turning around as she commented about his living situation. He looked up to her as he opened the bottle, tilting it towards her glass and pouring the dark red liquid into it. "The piano keeps me company. I find that she doesn't complain much while I'm gone." Constantine gave her a smile, seeing her gaze wander around his temporary home. "If you ask politely, a tour can be arranged." The words came with a simple arch of his brow. It was under his family name and anyone could in the family occupy it whenever but Constantine was the only who seemed to consistently frequent so he was the one who added the piano and some of the various art pieces, spicing it up in his own taste. He poured the wine into his own glass as well before placing the bottle softly on the counter between them, picking up his glass afterward and lightly tapping it against Tasha's taking a healthy sip. The wine was high quality, clearly aged well as it tasted excellent and Constantine appreciated the taste over what was served at the Lusty Lekku.

Putting the glass down, he reached into his pants pocket before opening his palm and revealing what looked like a small black button. "Put this in your ear." He told her and kept his palm opened until she would take it from his hand. When she put it into her ear, Constantine tapped his right ear and she would feel a small beep sound off in her own. His eyes then went down to her necklace as he gave it a nod, "Your necklace is how you activate it, press the diamond in the center and we will start transmitting." Constantine let her try it to see which diamond before adding, "You'll turn it on once we enter the building. Not before, for whatever reason." Security was going to be extensive and if turned it on before then they would be caught the moment they entered. Constantine tapped his ear again, turning off his own device before he would forget.

"As you can tell from our clothing, we're going to attend a ball. Some important people are going to be there and one I have a personal interest in, Ked Lark, the one hosting it. He has some information that quite frankly I need to know." The man was actually another Drast, one of his distant cousins that always loved throwing the pompous parties. It was the man's own alias and it made things easier that his family was too much of idiots. This had been planned for some time, most of the time being dedicated to Constantine trying to fully track him down and his location. He took another sip from his glass before continuing, "They already know my name and face and that creates a problem for me." But then Constantine gestured his hand to her, "And that's where you come in darling, my solution." Tasha would be unrecognizable, knowing that the people would be attending this wasn't the type to attend the Lusty Lekku.

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha had to smile at him, “You’ll have to work pretty hard to scare me off, darling,” She murmured softly. Her yellow eyes followed him as he used the Force to bring the glasses over. As she had suspected, it was just him here, though she had to admit the piano was a nice touch. It was elegant, and it had clearly been with his family for some time, even if this wasn't always its home. She had to wonder how many generations of important fingers played that piano, and if they had ever belonged to anyone poor before.

She turned her gaze back on him as he spoke, giving him a sultry grin, “I’d love a tour. I can imagine there are a few rooms we’ll visit more than once,” Tasha gave him a playful wink as she took the glass, taking a sip. It was exquisite, and it was leagues above anything she ever had at the bar. It was warm and smooth, sliding down her throat and filling her entire body with that same warming sensation. She watched him like a hawk, observing the ways his eyes traveled over everything, the way he moved, and the way he looked when he was running ideas in his mind.

When he cut right to business, Tasha wasn’t surprised. She swirled the drink in her hand before taking the earpiece and placing it in her ear, beneath the locks of her rich hair. Tasha tested it to make sure, pressing the diamond and hearing his voice clearly in the earpiece, “Fancy,” She muttered quietly as she took another sip from her drink.

When he relayed the rest of the plan, her eyebrows rose in surprise, “The Ked Lark?” She repeated, “Ambitious,” Tasha had heard of that name before, and he was another man that often appeared on tabloids for his many investments into tons of dealings. She even suspected he had some ties to the Lusty Lekku itself. Tasha simply took another drink, knowing that asking him the details was none of her business.

“What’ll be my name be for the evening?” She very well couldn’t be Sapphire tonight. Tasha looked like a woman that was used to luxuries and came from a prominent family. She would not only need a name, but also a backstory and connections, “And who am I to you?”

 

[Constantine Drast]

Constantine chuckled softly at her assessment that they would most likely be visiting certain rooms more than others. Somehow he had the same feeling that her words would ring true as well but he didn't say anything back. But either way, both of them had a task at hand and he didn't need to be distracted heavily before they went out. Tasha slid the earpiece in, testing the necklace as he did the same once more just to make it worked before shutting it off again. Both of them wouldn't be able to bring their weapons into the ball, leaving only them to the force and each other in case things went haywire.

Recognition appeared across Tasha's face when he said the name, it honestly surprising Constantine that she recognized the name. His family member's alias was well known but usually to those who were paying attention to what the upper elite was doing. But Tasha worked in the Lusty Lekku so he figured it wasn't that hard for someone like her to catch snippets here and there about the wealthy. "The Ked Lark. Think you can handle it?" Constantine arched his eyebrow as he took a sip from his drink, already knowing what the answer was but wanting to see her reaction. It was still quite humorous to him that she didn't know that she was standing across from a Drast and that he was going to make her basically rob one as well.

When Tasha asked what her name would be and who she was to him, it made him smile once more before he reached for the bottle and filled her glass back up for her. "You're name is Anastasia Peel, daughter of Turkov Peel and Rebecca Peel. You were an up and coming family in the Tibana gas industry, your father quite a shrewd operator and your mother the sweetheart. Your family heard of and met with mine, our business's rather closely related and we wondered if we could grow together. When we first saw each other you could say it was love at first sight and we've been together since then. Your parents passed in their sleep from natural causes and left you with their inheritance, quite a hefty sum, and assets spread throughout the Outer-Rim. We've now been in a relationship for two years with marriage in our near future. Our plan is to establish more Tibana gas factories within the Mid-Rim while my family supplies the parts and ships needed for transport the gasses." Constantine gauged her reaction and waited to see if she had any questions about anything he said. There was more to it and he walked around the bar, his glass still between his fingers as he sat down in a chair next to her, relaxing one of his arms in the counter as he gazed at her.

"The people we are about to meet are different. They are like sharks and if they smell blood in the water they will swarm against you. Run the story I gave you through the head multiple times, add personal touches to it to make it more believable. When someone asks you a question, you should be able to answer confidently and be convincing. If you have questions, now is the time to ask." Constantine was taking a risk with Tasha, he had recently just met her in a strip club but she was a Sith and Constantine could identify skill when he saw it. While he would have preferred to do this alone, he needed her because every patron attending knew Constantine's face and his alias. She was an unknown and that was certainly an advantage he needed in this.

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha said nothing as he asked if she could handle it, simply smiling in response. She wasn’t the type to bite when presented with baits like that. She waited patiently as he explained her cover story, committing it all to memory as she ran it over a few times in her mind. Not having her weapons on her would be irritating, but she was more than capable without them. Tasha finished her glass of wine, using the Force to float it over to set it on the bar.

“Love at first sight?” She grinned, “A business arrangement seems far more believable,” Tasha stepped towards him, reaching a hand forth to brush a strand of hair away from his face, “I’ve been promised to you by mutual agreement of our very wealthy parents,” Her fingertips traced along his forehead and slowly down the side of his face, “As a result, I make appearances with my dearly betrothed, but I’m just so dissatisfied with the way he looks at other women,” The fingertips now gingerly traced along the side of his neck, light enough to cause goosebumps along his skin, “And I’m just secretly distraught and my smile never reaches my eyes. And who should happen upon that but the wonderful and revered Ked Lark? And who should get the chance to see a toy he wants that is within Grey’s clutches...a toy that just seems oh so willing to play into his hands instead?” Tasha slid her fingers along his shoulder before withdrawing her hand and giving him a smile.

“I can handle this just fine, sweetheart,” She drew back from him, walking over to gather an ornate clutch purse to go with her attire. It had no real purpose, but it certainly completed the look, “Shall we?” Tasha patiently waited till he led the way out of the apartment and into the elevator. The journey back out was quiet, and she was still rehearsing her backstory. She had a few minor tweaks in mind, and they would come in handy to really sell the role.

They were back in the luxury speeder and on their way in no time. This time the journey didn’t take as long, and she could see a grand manor that looked like a palace up ahead. The speeder had to loop around a large courtyard before it was parked in front of stairs leading up to the double doors. As usual, attendants came by to open the door and lead the guests out.

Tasha took a moment to look around, gazing at all the faces and attires. It was surreal to be among all this luxury, and she could practically smell the superficiality. It all made her smile, and she took the time to loop her arm through Grey’s. She was playing the role now, and she stepped forward, allowing herself to be searched just like anyone else. Tasha walked in with him, her yellow eyes always scanning everything around her.

“Jonathan Grey!” A woman in a red dress holding a glass of wine spoke up as she strode over towards him, “Where have you been? You’ve missed all our absolutely riveting dinner parties and the charity ball last month,” She giggled a bit too much, brushing her hand against his arm, “We’ve missed you.”

The woman turned to look at Tasha then, as if she were invisible the entire time till now, “Oh, hello,” She reached a hand forth to shake and Tasha took it, “Who might you be?”

“I’m Anastasia Peel,” Tasha smiled sweetly, tugging Grey a bit closer. The woman’s eyes went wide and she looked at Grey, “Oh.. Oh she’s… oh wow, your parents mentioned but.. Uh..”

“Johnny’s told me so much about you,” Tasha smiled widely. The woman simply blinked a few times, took a huge gulp from her glass and awkwardly excused herself.

Tasha stared after her for a moment, “Charming.”

 

[Constantine Drast]

Tasha took Constantine's story and went with it, adding her own parts to it to make it even more convincing. As she relayed it back to him he watched as she pushed a strand of his black hair away, her finger then trailing down his forehead and his cheek. He felt her nail rake against the skin and he didn't mind it at least, his gaze locked with her pure yellow eyes. Tasha would get the reaction she was looking for her, her touch having goosebumps line his skin even though his face remained passive. Constantine had wanted to see if he had made the right choice with her and when he gave the basic story, it contained enough to create her own picture and she created a Mona Lisa. It was the first time that Constantine smiled while she recounted her story, "It seems I've made the correct choice."

Tasha's touch eventually left his shoulder, continuing the line of goosebumps even though it was hidden under his clothing. Constantine stood up smoothly before giving her a nod, "We shall." Reaching out his hand, the jacket that rested on the piano flew through the air and into his hand. He slipped it on, completing his outfit and giving him a cutting figure as he adjusted the cuffs and other small details of it as they made their way to the exit. Both of them were quite the entire time, Tasha recounting her stories while Constantine just seemed to be staring off in the distance and sinking into his thoughts. He was completely stoic through the elevator ride and when they entered the speeder, opening the door for her before walking around to the other side.

Through the ride, the silence remained. Constantine, had his one hand resting along his thigh while he held his chin in the other. His gaze was outside the window, watching as the scenery change before him. It had been a long time since he had seen Ked Lark, remembering his family member as they both were introduced into the same lessons and activities as most Drasts. Constantine didn't know how he would react to seeing him again but he would soon find out. They eventually reached the palace like structure, entering a line of similar speeders before passing a massive ornate gate. They passed through an elaborate garden, bushes sculpted into different animals with fountains layered throughout. It was clear Ked wasn't stingy when it came to his wealth and he liked showing it.

When the speeder reached a stop, Constantine's side and Tasha's was opened for them before he walked over to her side. He offered his arm forward, letting her slink her arm around him as he pulled her slightly closer. "Let's knock them dead, my love." Constantine gave her a grin before making his way up the stairs with, other couples following along with them as they could hear soft chatter behind them. When they entered the palace, the insides were massive, it opening into a massive chamber with fancy tables lining the edges of the room and massive diamond chandeliers hanging from the roof. Waiters walked around with trays, serving drinks to whichever needy hand grabbed onto them. "Welcome to paradise." Constantine murmured to Tasha though his tone didn't suggest it.

Before they could go any deeper, a woman approached the two of them, Constantine recognizing her as Elizabeth and having met her at one of these events before. She screamed his name and Constantine offered her an expertly placed smile, Tasha able to see it fake as day as she utilized the tactic pretty much all day at her work. He could slip into a mask just as effectively, having spent years with people like this, "Elizabeth, it's wonderful to see you again." Even his tone was lighter than it usually was, slipping into the traditional Jonothan Grey and not the Constantine that Tasha walked in with. When she listed the events he missed, it wasn't accidentally, "The feeling is mutual." His subtle tone difference suggested otherwise and Tasha would be able to catch it again as he went with the charade.

But thankfully Tasha was quick to act, dissuading Elizabeth from trying to participate in more dialogue as Constantine ignored the brush along his arm. With Tasha pulling him closer, Elizabeth received the message loud and clear before deciding to walk off. She stared down the departing woman before commenting and Constantine couldn't help but laugh softly as he slowly brought his gaze to her, "My fiery little sapphire." To say he was glad he brought her was an understatement. But he gave her a brief nod then and he would bring his other hand up, resting it on top of hers as he gave it a gentle squeeze. It was to keep up appearances, it moving his watch closer to his free hand where he pressed a button. Only Tasha would see a tiny blue light flash momentarily in his ear, his earpiece now activated now that they were inside and it was time for her to do the same.

Once that was done, Constantine dropped his hand before leading her forward and deeper into the crowd. Other's would walk up to him and he would offer a greeting back but kept moving, keeping Tasha close to his side. There was a live band on the floor as well, soft music playing through the room and creating a nice background. Other's were already in the center and embraced with each other, spinning around as they enjoyed themselves. When they approached, Constantine finally separated their arms as he took a step forward before turning back around to face. He offered his hand forward gracefully with a slight bow as he murmured, "Care to grace me with your presence on the dance floor Anastasia?" There was a point to dragging her out to the main floor and he knew she would catch on.

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha grinned at his comment, “Only yours as long as you are paying me, Johnny,” She said smoothly, teasingly emphasizing the nickname she had given him. It helped sell the fact that they were a couple. As he subtle touched her hand and gave it a squeeze, she had to grin. He was doing a damn good job of playing the role as well, and she was privately impressed. As he activated his piece, she did the same, subtly moving her hand over the necklace. Tasha met his gaze, nodding to let him know that they were operational.

She mostly kept quiet save for the occasional greeting. From the looks of, quite a few people knew him. She wasn’t surprised - Grey was a prominent name. She observed how he was with the others, slightly more engaged but still keeping everyone at an arm’s length. As she watched him, she began to wonder if he truly ever had anyone close to him. Did he have friends or just pieces to play in chess? She had to grin, shaking her head. She didn’t mind being one of those pieces, especially if it meant getting into gatherings like these. The girls back at the Lekku would faint if they saw where she was now.

He stepped back and offered his hand for her to take. It was the possibly the first time Tasha ever looked slightly nervous. She had to smile as she took his hand, “You know… I only know a particular kind of dance,” Tasha met his gaze, “You will have to do all the work here,” She moved in closer, placing a hand on his shoulder and grasping his other hand. Tasha was not versed in elite ballroom dancing, but she was certainly graceful on her feet.

When he began leading the dance, she would follow along. It was slightly choppy at first, but she got the hang of it easily enough. When he raised his hand, she gracefully twirled and put her own twist on the dance moves. As the music picked up, she eased into the flow of it, clearly enjoying herself. Dance was her first love, and even if this wasn’t a style she was used to, it was still within her specialty.

After a few moments, she was catching numerous people looking her way, just like how she was used to. Tasha kept her gaze on Grey the entire time, turning and spinning with him, tilting back when he dipped her. Her body arched back gracefully, and she was ethereal with every move. Through it all, her eyes never left his, the faintest and most sultry of smile always tugging at the corner of her lips. Her hand slipped up from his shoulder to grasp the back of his neck as they spun again. There was just the briefest pause in the song before it picked up again, and her gaze lingered on his. Her fingers were curled against the skin on the back of his neck, her other hand still clutching his.

“Ooooooh mind if I cut in?” A man in a suit popped in from seemingly nowhere. He was eyeing Tasha as if she were a slab of meat, moments before he looked to Grey with a wide grin, “We can’t have you hogging this gem all to yourself, can we, you old dog?” He laughed and clapped a hand on Grey’s shoulder. The man reeked of alcohol and had the mental fortitude of a cardboard box - but he was someone close to Ked Lark.

 

[Constantine Drast]

Constantine smirked, catching the quick flash of nervousness across her face. It was the first time he had seen her not confident in whatever she was doing and he was quite glad he was bringing her into unknown territory. "Surprisingly, I don't mind putting forth the effort this time." He squeezed her hand tighter before drawing her onto the floor with him, interlocking their fingers before resting his other hand along Tasha's hip. Constantine started slow, letting her familiar with the different pace and the etiquette of the dancing. She twirled on cue and he chuckled softly, pleased to see that she was now getting the hang of it and flowing easily with him. Tasha moved like water and he was slightly mesmerized by it, seeing that she was a quick learner and moved with a certified grace. Like everyone else, he couldn't help but stare at her and when she finished her twirl he pulled her back in tight.

People were gazing at them but like Tasha, Constantine's focus was only between the two of them. When she tilted back, his eyes slowly dragged down her, admiring her curvy figure in the dress the accented it quite perfectly. Tasha came back up and through it all Constantine didn't say a word to her, his fiery gaze conveying enough as he stared right into her yellow eyes. He felt her hand slide up from his shoulder to the back of his neck, a smile tugging at her lips as he gave her a smirk back. While her fingers curled into the back of his neck, his hand that was on her waist slid around to her lower back slowly, drawing her in closer as their bodies pressed together. Constantine's gaze bore down into hers, everything drowning out from around him as only Tasha occupied his view.

But it all shattered at that moment when someone approached, Constantine coming back from it as he took a slight step away from to look at the newcomer. The man reeked of alcohol and he saw how he stared down Tasha before giving him a grin like everything was fine. He placed his hand on Constantine's shoulder, who slowly brought his gaze to it before bringing it back to the man. Without a second thought, his hand came up, swiping the other man off his shoulder. "No." The man looked taken back that he was rejected from dance but Constantine's gaze confirmed that his answer was holding firm. "Excuse me, I -" He cut him off before the man could get any further, "You're excused." The message was loud and clear, the drunk man giving out a huff before deciding to leave them. He would have been more persistent if it was just Tasha standing there but with Constantine there as well, he didn't want to die on that hill.

Constantine already knew the man was associated with Ked Lark but while he personally didn't want to give Tasha into the man's greasy hands, there was another reason and a point to it. He brought his gaze back to her before giving her a smile, "I would like to enjoy my date's company for as long as I can." Constantine began the dance with her again, returning his hand to her waist as they got back into the flow of the music. A few moments later, Constantine's eyes looked past Tasha and to someone specifically behind her. "Six o'clock, on the second level. White suit." His hand slipped to her lower back once more, dipping her again as she would arch back and be able to see the single man standing there and staring at her. Ked Lark. Constantine let her recognize him before pulling her back up, stopping her when their faces were a few inches apart so his words were just between them, "Showtime."

The song finally ended, Constantine taking a step back from Tasha as he clapped lightly like everyone else in the room. There was a momentary pause between the next song, letting the band catch a breath and the people. With having the first man rejected, he knew Kek wouldn't able to resist, able to see that she was guarded by Constantine and off-limits, making it that much more enticing. While people conversated he kept a distance between him and making it appear awkward when they didn't have their hands on each other, fulfilling the role and story that they had crafted. It had only been a little later until Constantine sensed a presence coming, Tasha able to see him tense slightly as he turned towards the direction of where it's coming from. They would both find Ked Lark standing there, one hand in his pocket while the other was holding onto a full glass.

The tension between the two men was palpable, someone able to cut through it with a knife if they had one. The two stared at each other in the eye, both of them not backing down. Ked Lark carried authority as Constantine did and looked like he knew how to use it. But besides that they were nearly opposite, Constantine standing rigid and regal like while Ked seemed to relax and at ease as if anything could come up he could easily work around it and find a solution if need be. But closer inspection Tasha would see they had quite a few resemblances, both of them having jet black hair and the same facial structure and body type. They even had the same eye color, Constantines a more light hazel and Ked's dark. In fact, they bore quite a few striking resemblances. "Mr. Grey." Constantine gave a slow smile back, "Mr. Lark."

Constantine glanced between Tasha and Ked, taking another step back before a grin spread across his face, "Well, I'm quite parched from the dance. Anastasia, I hope you don't mind keeping Mr. Lark company while I get us drinks." He gave them both a nod before turning away, making his way to one of the nearby tables. With him gone, Ked offered Tasha a bright and booming smile stepping closer to her, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Anastasia." He took her hand into his before bowing slightly as he planted a kiss on the top of it. "Pardon me but you're quite beautiful and I believe I would have recognized you if you had come to one of my events before." He leaned back up to look at her as he slipped his hand into his pocket again, Ked glancing to the direction Constantine went afterward, "If you don't mind me asking but how did you come by to meet someone like Mr. Grey? It's usually a burden to convince him to try and join us, always spending time in that black obelisk of his." Ked laughed softly as he took a sip from his glass, his gaze piercing into Tasha.

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha was beyond surprised to see Grey flat out tell the man off. Her eyes visibly went wide, and the man was left sputtering and huffing before he went away. Her attention turned back to Grey as he pulled her back in again, resuming the dance. She couldn’t help but smile when he spoke, the man full of mysteries. Tasha allowed him to lead the dance again, standing a little closer to him this time. The smile was still there, though perhaps more genuine than it had been all night.

As he dipped her and spoke, Tasha had to chuckle softly while she was coming back up, “Mm baby, you almost had me forget I was working for a second there,” She winked at him, her face dangerously close to his for just a moment before they parted from one another. Her gaze moved over to the target, clapping along with everyone else. Tasha eased into the role of longingly looking at other happy couples while Grey kept his distance. It was selling the image of a lonely promised bride to be, and Ked would pick up on it at once.

When they arrived near him, Tasha was surprised by the resemblance between him and Grey. In fact, they looked like they could be cousins, if not direct siblings. She must have been caught staring because Ked gave her a smile. She returned it boldly, barely noticing on purpose as Grey slipped away to get them drinks. Her focus was now on Ked, and she even let out a soft giggle as he leaned forth to kiss her hand, “Oh, please call me Ana,” Tasha smiled at him, toying with her hair playfully.

She could feel his eyes on her, roaming every inch and very subtly so. She had to look for it to spot it, but it was just the way his eyes hovered over the edge of his glass as he took a sip. Tasha’s smile switched slightly so it didn’t quite light up her face, “Oh… well, it was mostly our parents. They were always such good friends that they thought it was very fitting. Things have been a little crazy since my p-parents..” Tasha paused, taking in a deep breath, “I-I’m sorry.”

“Oh no! How rude of me to even broach this,” Ked drew out a handkerchief for her, and she took it, dabbing her glassy eyes with it, “How insensitive of me when your parents… I’m so very sorry to hear.”

“It’s okay,” Tasha sighed, “It’s just left me feeling so alone, you know? And you’ve said it...it is a black obelisk. Just dreary, always dark and gray. Everything is just so cold. I feel like I’ll never stop mourning in a place like that. I just-” She looked at Ked, biting her lip, “I’m sorry, I’m just rambling-”

“Not a chance,” Ked held up a hand, “Jonathan is taking a century, so I’m going to get you a drink myself,” He looked up and stared off into the direction of a server. Tasha followed his line of sight and felt the subtlest of tugs in the Force. By the time she realized what happened, he was already engaging her in conversation again. Tasha looked at him as the server came by with a tray and Ked swiped a drink from it as if the man conveniently stopped by on time, “Perfect timing,” He grinned as he handed her the drink. She quietly took it, smiling. So he was a Force sensitive as well? The use had been incredibly subtle, easy to miss, but it was definitely there.

“Now then -” He smiled, “You never have to apologize for talking. You see all these people all around,” He looked over, his eyes scanning over them all, “Dolls and painted faces all around us. They are hollow inside and it’s from pretending they don’t have pains and cracks inside,” He took a sip of his drink, “So when I see fundamental and raw emotions in someone, especially in a place like this, it reminds me that there’s more to people than the black obelisk towers,” Ked chuckled, “Ah, now I’m the one rambling.”

Tasha didn’t know what to make of this, but she played along, “That was melancholy,” She smiled faintly, picking up on how he was painting himself as markedly different from anyone around him, “You sound like a caged bird.”

“...Then that makes two of us, doesn’t it?” He said, looking her in the eye as he took another sip from his drink. He had that same look to him that tore through her just like Grey had.

 

[Constantine Drast]

Constantine walked through the crowd, making his way toward one of the refreshment tables. Like before more people tried to talk to him but his mind was focused on something else entirely now, able to hear the entire conversation between Ked and Tasha. Constantine finally made it to the table, thankfully for his own good as he found the interruptions from those around him quite irritating. Just seeing Ked already had an effect on Constantine and he immediately picked up one of the filled glasses, downing it subtly enough so it didn't appear like he was on edge. But when Tasha let the man that he could call her Ana instead, it was like a painful sear went through his head, a flash of memories that he had long pushed back and forgotten about on purpose.

Constantine glanced down at his hand, seeing spider web cracks along the entirety of his glass as it cut his thumb slightly. Two others next to him just stared, giving him a questioning look at the sudden outburst. Constantine just offered them a smile before putting the glass down and picking up a nearby napkin for this thumb, "Didn't realize my grip." They just nodded, already knowing he was from the Grey family and not wanting to bring up a scene for something that little. He had his back turned to the couple, not wanting to see Mr. Lark and Tasha up close and mingling with each other. Constantine had already seen enough of everyone else wanting or even attempting to do it when he was with her.

Constantine also couldn't help but feel another pull in the force as well, tilting his head slightly in the direction of the two as he knew exactly where it came from. He had been expecting it but he didn't expect Ked to be open about it, especially with the others not being force sensitive like them. As the conversation carried on he couldn't help but arch his eyebrow slightly at the mention of his "black obelisk" and how dreary it was. While Ked droned on about the dolls, Tasha would hear in her small receiver Constantine's low voice, "Shall I paint a rainbow on the side of my 'black obelisk'?" He couldn't help but interrupt while he classified everyone as the dolls and approved of fundamental emotions.

The band had picked up their instruments once more, playing a light tune once more as people stepped on the floor again. Ked glanced around them, "It seems Jonothan is only going to take longer or somehow got lost." He looked at Tasha's glass before raising his gaze back to hers with a smile, "I do hope you're refreshed because I would love to have a dance with you dear Ana." Ked already extended his hand forward, his fingers smoothly interlocking with hers as he raised both of their hands up to their gazes. He was confident in his way own ways and he led Tasha back to the floor, his eyes skimming the top of their hands as he stared at her. When they reached the dance floor, he twisted his hand so instead their palms would meet together. Ked pulled her in close against him, his other arm entirely wrapping around her and pulling her in close with cool confidence, a grin touching his lips as he looked down at her.

Ked easily flowed with her as the music played, light on his feet as his focus was on her completely. When the music hit a crescendo Ked spun her around, Tasha's back now to him as he pulled her in once more. She would feel his stand rest in the middle of her stomach, pressing against it lightly. He placed his head on her right side, his lips hovering away from her ear as he let her gaze in front of them. "Please, I know you see it too. Look at all of them, each one smiling through the boredom in order to get through the night and keep up their appearances with each other. All of them are controlled by something, not a single one is free."

Ked then chuckled softly before moving his head to the other shoulder, letting them turn in a slight circle so they can gaze at the dolls around them. "You also know because you're doing it too. I saw you and Jonothan after the dance. It seems like there is no love lost there." He spun Tasha back around gracefully then, having a bright smile on his face once more. "I do hope I can provide at least... a more satisfactory response from you." Constantine heard all of this, his jaw locking slightly as he heard Ked call her Ana once more. He activated his small comm piece once more, speaking softly to Tasha, "You need to get into his office. The longer you stay there and talk, he will pick you apart slowly. Don't underestimate him."

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha ignored Grey’s sarcastic commentary about the obelisk. She couldn’t entertain both him and Ked at the same time. Her focus was on the latter, a smile always on her face as she continued the act. Tasha kept sipping from her drink, once again admiring how smooth and rich it was. She hadn’t even realized what truly expensive beverages could taste like. Was this what Grey experienced on a daily basis? Did he grow to take it for granted? Did he grow calloused to such luxuries?

When Ked remarked on Grey taking a while, Tasha sighed, “No doubt some other girl has caught his interest,” She looked guiltily at Ked as if she hadn’t meant those words to slip out. He ate it right up, a glint in his eye as he offered to lead her in a dance. She graciously took his hand, allowing him to take her out to the dance floor. Tasha didn’t resist him pulling her close, though she did feign some shyness. She could tell it was driving him crazy, the way she kept glancing away and not entirely meeting his gaze, the way she bit her lip or kept looking over her shoulder to see if Grey were watching.

She knew right away Ked was a peacock, and he loved flaunting things off. He was showcasing her as if she were some new trophy he just won. He spun her around so her back pressed into his chest, and she felt his breath brush against her ear. Tasha gazed out ahead of them, smiling faintly at his words, “And what are you controlled by? You can’t tell me you’re so different,” She chuckled softly.

When he went on to call her out, Tasha tilted her just slightly so her face just barely grazed against his, “And why do you want to do that? Just because I’m his or...because you genuinely find me interesting?” She had turned the tables on him just as she physically turned back around. Tasha put her arms around his neck, gazing into his eyes, “So Mr. Lark,” She said softly, “Why don’t you take me on a nice little tour of this place? Away from all this noise?”

He stared at her for a long moment, and she could tell a smile was threatening to creep onto his face. He had prepared a rebuttal for her calling him out, but that died as soon as she made her bold question, “Why certainly,” He said, stepping back and smiling. Tasha took another drink from a tray and allowed him to lead the way, hearing Grey’s voice in her mind. She could tell that Ked was genuinely fascinated by her - Pantorans weren’t exactly common in these parts and she could tell he had been craving something entirely exotic.

As she walked behind him, she allowed some distance between them before muttering quietly, “I don’t think he’ll be taking me to his office. Perhaps I can get in there after..you know..” Tasha grinned, finally catching up in stride with Ked.

 

[Constantine Drast]

Constantine could only spend so long standing at the same table and continuing to refill his glass. He was already receiving a light buzz and the two conversation playing in his ear helped him down the drinks. After daring Ked, Tasha finally asked if she could receive a tour of his palace and away from the ball. It worked as a moment later as the man answered before leading them away, Constantine tracking them with his gaze thoroughly until they full left. He stayed where he was, glancing around as he caught eyes from both women and men as they questioned why a Grey was just standing by himself.

It was a few minutes later that Tasha finally answered, revealing the situation. Surprisingly, a surprise flash of anger went through him, Constantine not even expecting it as he exhaled slowly. His eyes glanced to the stairs once more before he suddenly made his way toward them, placing his drink on a nearby tray. Her words made him realize something and he was brought back from whatever haze that affected him. Touching his receiver subtly so he could speak to her, "Have your fun. I'll get what I need." Tasha could at least provide a suitable distraction and Constantine drove up the stairs, sliding one hand into his pocket and keeping a cool appearance so he didn't stand out. He shut off his receiver, not needing to hear the rest, before making his way along the ornate second floor, seeing more couples line the stone railing as they laughed or snuggled close together.

Constantine had committed the plans of the palace to his head, having practiced for weeks and testing himself to make he knew where every single room was located. He suspected Ked was going to bring her to the bedroom and Constantine went the opposite direction, navigating through empty halls before finding a set of stairs to reach the upper levels. Climbing those until he reached the designated the floor, Constantine could still reach out with the force, feeling at least Ked's signature far enough that he wouldn't be disturbed. Recounting the steps through his head, he made his way through practically a maze, taking the lefts and rights he needed before eventually finding a hall that led down to a set of double doors. There two guards stationed there, men in suits with earpieces in their right ears.

Sighing softly, Constantine thought for a moment before stepping out into the hallway, wobbling down as he appeared completely black out drunk. He was mumbling to himself, taking large steps to close the distance under the guise he was drunk. The guards glanced at each other before one stepped forward, "Excuse me, Si -" With his stride, it only took a few steps to close the distance and Constantine launched out a vicious punch right between the guard's eyes. It knocked him out cold, making him close his eyes as he fell to the ground with a soft thud. The other guard was about to pull a blaster but Constantine whipped the force to him, snapping the man's head back and making it hit the wall behind him, knocking him out cold.

Dragging the two bodies into the room, it was clearly Ked's office, massive shelves filled with codecs and books lining both the walls. A massive table sat in the middle, a large glass window behind it to let him soak in the view whenever he wanted. But Constantine didn't let himself get distracted by the view, making his way behind the desk as he pulled out the chair before beginning to type into the computer.

Ked led Tasha through some rooms, either showing collections of antique items or just fancy rooms with even more lavish furniture. The two would eventually reach his room, Ked opening the door for her as his own personal space was about two or three rooms combined. It contained a bed at the very end and holding the same decor as the rest of the building. As he walked further into the room and towards the drink cart, Ked gave her another full smile, "I hope this is far enough away from the noise like you hoped. Seems like the only place where I can actually get privacy." Filling up two glasses, Ked slowly made his way over to her before stopping with a small distance between them, bringing the glass up to Tasha, "And to the beautiful Ana, the other bird trying to escape their cage." Ked took a large sip of his drink, his eyes burning into her's the entire time.

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha was quite impressed with the ornate collection of sculptures, paintings and artifacts that he owned. She had a keen interest in history, and one artifact in particular caught her eye. It looked to be an original Sith crafted dagger, and it was clear it was from hundreds of years ago. Tasha was bursting at the seams to touch it and examine it, but she knew it wouldn’t go so well with her facade. She didn’t know if Ked picked up on her lingering gaze or not, but she focused back to him right away.

He was rather direct, taking her to his private chambers at once. He was bold, not at all concerned that he had taken another man’s promised bride into his own quarters. Tasha was wary about this, but she played the role and kept just the slightest bit of hesitation. She kept glancing behind her, looking up and taking the drink. She smiled awkwardly, taking in sight of the room.

“It’s certainly more welcoming than a dreary old tower,” Tasha said quietly, drinking from her glass as he did. She could feel his eyes on her, but she couldn’t read him entirely. There was a hunger there she saw in most men, but there was also something else. After a moment, he stepped away and walked towards his many shelves of books and tomes. He grazed his fingers along the covers, “When I’m not suffering through these parties to make appearances, I like to read. Actual pages like in the old days, not datapads.”

“Oh? What do you like to read?” Tasha asked, taking another drink from the glass. Her yellow gaze followed his every move.

“All sorts of things,” He didn’t look at her as he spoke, clearly enjoying being able to converse openly now, “I read about history. I read about fiction. There are so many stories I enjoy. One of the ones that have stuck with me,” His fingers stopped along the spine of a particular book, “It’s about this character that weaves into the story of the main character. The entire time you believe this character is absolutely enthralling and a perfect match for the main character. You grow to love the character, but it’s not till the very end that the character turns out to be rotten to the core. It’s a mole that had been planted there the entire time, and it just crushes you.”

Tasha remained silent.

He slowly turned to look at her, taking a long sip from his drink as a faint smile graced his face, “Betrayal, you know. It leaves you with that sense of betrayal even as the reader. But because it’s such a visceral feeling, it’s a book that stays with you.”

“Doesn’t sound like something I’d read for fun,” Tasha muttered quietly, drinking from her glass. She suddenly began to feel uncomfortable, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end.

“I don’t like it when people play games with me,” Ked said in a slightly bored tone, “You are stunning, there’s no doubt about it. But I also know this is all just an act. Grey hasn’t had any interest in marriage or any sort of relationship with anyone since some common whore caught his fancy since… gods, I don’t even remember if his balls had dropped yet,” He gave out a crude laugh, taking another swig from his drink.

It was then that she began to feel the Force begin to constrict around her throat. Tasha gritted her teeth, staring at him. He didn’t look at her, his focus on his drink as he swirled it around, “So when he shows up quite suddenly and with a stunning woman on his arm that he’s willing to marry when no one's ever come close since… I’m more than a little unconvinced. Especially when said woman is so willing to get me alone.”

He began to walk towards her. Tasha pushed back against his hold, and he would know by now that she was a Force sensitive herself. This only made him smile, the choke around her neck now expanding out throughout her whole body. He was a powerful Force user, much more powerful than her. Tasha felt it beginning to bind her tightly, her ribs caving inwards as she couldn’t breathe.

“So who are you really, my dear? And why are you here?”

Tasha had no idea Grey couldn't hear any of this and would be unable to help.

 

[Constantine Drast]

Thankfully, Ked relied on his exterior security for his office and his computer didn't have a password for Constantine to try and break through. He quickly searched through every file, clicking and scrolling through for a second before switching to the next file. When he finally found what he was searching for, Constantine stared at information and pictures, confirming that it was what he was really searching for. Constantine leaned back up from the desk, taking the earpiece out and placing it against the side of the computer. Pressing it like a button, the blue lights before lit up, a box now appearing on the holo-screen as it showed a bar to give the progress of the transfer.

Constantine reached out with the force, sensing no one approaching the office and Ked still in the same spot on the other side. He calmly tapped his finger against his arm, seeing the bar slowly fill before it finally dinged it complete. Retrieving the device, Constantine held it in his palm, considering to just leave it off and wait in the car for Tasha. He was about to slip into his pocket but then he felt another tug in the force, causing his head to snap in the direction towards where Ked and Tasha was. It was probably nothing but when it came to Ked it was never that simple. Slipping the earpiece back in and activating in, his voice cut in, the tone of it completely different from the gracious host to a cold predator. "So who are you really my dear?" Constantine didn't need to hear anymore, already sprinting out of the room and right towards the two.

Ked smiled again, it containing personal amusement as he watched Tasha struggle in his chair from his grip. Her arms would be glued to the arms of the chair and her legs practically the same, her throat still constricted by the invisible power. The chair would suddenly spin around before Tasha would slide back with a scrape before being tilted back, letting Tasha gaze up directly into Ked's eyes. One hand still held onto his glass while the other came up to stroke some hair away from her face, his fingers lightly grazing against her skin. Ked slowly lowered his head above hers, a malicious grin forming along his face as she would slowly see his eyes turn from the hazel to deep and yellow gold, "Do you have any idea who you entered this room with darling?" Ked leaned back up before glancing to the dagger that Tasha had stared at before, flicking his finger as it soared through the air and into his grasp.

The chair would rapidly spin back around, the force still constricting her throat so it wouldn't let her speak. Ked spun the dagger in his palm gracefully with a practiced notion. He suddenly then pressed it against her throat, having a curious look on his face as he slowly then dragged the blade around her throat and up to her ear. "Do you think Mr. Grey would still appreciate you if such beauty was marred? Would anybody still care about you?" Ked arched his eyebrow as he then brought the knife across her cheek and pressed it against her nose, "What if I started with your nose?" He then lifted the blade before lifting it and making it hover directly over her eye, the tip of it a mere inch away, "Or an eye?" Now that she was completely helpless against him, Ked seemed to forget about his originally questioning, knowing he could take his time with this and not wanting to spoil his fun prematurely.

But suddenly the doors behind them slammed open, Constantine standing on the other side, "Jeremiah!" Jeremiah, as he was now revealed, sighed disappointedly, pulling the knife away from Tasha as he gave her another smile, "Seems like not enough privacy."
He spun on his heel to face towards Constantine, spreading his arms wide, "Mr. Grey!" Jeremiah then glanced to Tasha before back to Constantine, "Or since we are revealing our real true nature, should I say Constantine?" Stepping forward, Constantine shut the doors behind him with the force, casting a glance to make sure Tasha was alright before back to Jeremiah, "Let her go now." The Sith chuckled softly as he took another sip from his drink, "Do you really believe you are in control here?"

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha remained quiet as she felt the Force constrict around her. He was vastly more powerful, but that didn’t mean she would be crushed so easily. She used her energy to keep a barrier going, pushing back against the coiling Force. It felt as if a python were circling around her body and getting tighter every moment. She was glued to the seat, unable to do anything as he casually spun the chair around.

When he leaned in to brush the hair away, she simply glared at him, staring at him unblinkingly without a word as he spoke. His eyes vaguely resembled hers in that moment where he was tapped into the darkest nature of the Force. She could feel power pulsating from him almost tangibly, as if that python were real and he was setting it loose on her.

She was spun around once more, now seeing that sith dagger up close. Tasha closed her eyes as she felt the cold blade graze along her face. Her fingers tightly gripped the armrests. There was no getting out of this, not when he had her so completely subdued. As she felt the blade move across, there was a faint trace of blood as it cut lightly into her skin. She remained unfazed, her eyes still closed.

That was when she heard a familiar voice call out, her eyes flying open. Tasha watched Ke- Jeremiah draw back from her. He just got past mentioning Grey’s name when he was finally distracted just enough. Tasha acted at once, channeling the Force rapidly and pulling from where she had been drawing from it. She made it blast out towards him in a concussive blow.

The blast was enough to send him tumbling across the room, sending him toppling over a seat and his drink flying everywhere. Tasha sprang to her feet, her gaze narrowed as she all but ignored Constantine for now. She was beyond enraged, and she would make Jeremiah suffer for ever making her feel weak.

Without a word, she called upon the Force to ignite flames. However, she didn’t aim it at him, but instead at the vast number of paper books he owned. The fire caught on easily and began to rapidly spread. Within moments they were surrounded by raging flames, and Tasha sent several of the books as fiery projectiles towards the man - knowing that the alcohol all over his body would fuel the flames. It was clear she was tapping into her pure rage, intending on destroying Jeremiah and all his precious books he was so attached to.

 

[Constantine Drast]

Constantine had been staring Jeremiah directly in the eye before he quickly turned around to face Tasha, suddenly hit with a concussive blast from her as he sailed across the room and over the chair. He rolled on the ground before landing on his feet, the dagger still in his hand as he chuckled softly, "Seems like this little bird has some fight in her." When he stood back up, there was a rage that flowed through him, not about Tasha lighting his belongings on fire but the fact that she thought she had the right to hit him. Without lifting a hand, the books that flew towards stopped mid-air, now all of them practically fireballs before Jeremiah simply threw them out the window as the glass shattered.

Tasha would see that the fire she created suddenly warped and quivered before it started to shed off from his furniture and closer to Jeremiah. The invisible python that had constricted her before started to take shape, the flames slithering around Jeremiah's feet that reflected into his yellow eyes and made them shine brighter and give a window into the rage that seemed to be directly aimed at Tasha. "Do you have any idea what you involved yourself with darling?" He flung his hand forward and the streak of flame struck out as he gave her the full blast. Tasha would then feel the force wrap around her again before being forcefully pulled to the side and out of harm's way, making her slide across the room before Constantine picked her up. "We need to leave." The fire was spreading as pieces of the room collapsed into each other. But then Jeremiah came into view, stepping around the corner as the fire slowly followed behind his feet and not even have a care for his room. "Oh, plan on leaving so soon?" There was a grin on Jeremiah's face as he glanced between the both of them, the knife stilling spinning in his hand. Constantine's grip held firmly onto Tasha's arm, pulling her sharply out of the room and not wanting to spend another second in there. Jeremiah had always been stronger in the force than him.

As Tasha was beginning to be pulled out, Jeremiah's eyes locked on her as the knife stopped spinning. "Not so fast whore!" He shouted with venom dripping from his words, the knife flung straight as an arrow and directly at her. Constantine sensed it coming and he gave her a sharp pull, the knife instead of going directly into her spine went across her shoulder, a deep laceration across the back of her right one before the blade slammed directly through the wooden door into his room. Constantine kept pulling her along, not letting her stop as they both could hear Jeremiah in the room as it still burned down, "Come back! We were just getting started, Ana!" He still used the name she told him, knowing it would sting for Constantine.

Black smoke started to flow throughout the building, both of them able to see as other partygoers quickly tried to exit the building, pointing out the smoke. Constantine glanced at the wound on Tasha's shoulder and he quickly took off his jacket, slipping it onto her shoulders as blood started to drip from the wound. He kept close to her, keeping one hand pressed against the fresh laceration as he led them back to the main door. "The driver will be out front, we'll stick to the crowds." Constantine gently pulled her into the mass of people, letting the flow of the crowd push them towards the exit.

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

He was powerful. There was no denying that. Tasha knew this, but that didn’t mean she would simply let him walk all over her as he pleased. Her ego got the best of her, and she kept hurling the fiery objects at him. He commanded strict control effortlessly, and the sight was daunting. The fire obeyed his every whim, and she suddenly lost the control. Within moments, that same coiling energy from before grabbed her once more.

She could barely call the Force to herself again before she was sent hurling backwards. Tasha had no defense, preparing for a great crash. That was when she felt herself get tugged to the side and towards ‘Constantine’. She tried to orient herself to keep attacking but he was having none of it, focused on yanking her out of there. In the end, Tasha knew it was best to abandon her efforts and leave with him.

She was pulled out of the way, and she let out a yelp from the knife jamming directly into her shoulder. Tasha knew it was a deep wound, but she had no time to do anything about it. She escaped with Constantine, putting as much distance between them and Jeremiah as possible. To say that Tasha was angry was an understatement, but she kept rushing out. She could sense panic all over, the other guests flooding out and giving them an easy way out.

Tasha waited till they were outside and the driver was coming around. She turned to Constantine and slammed him against the wall by the front doors. No one was paying any attention, everyone too busy rushing out. Jeremiah wouldn’t come down here or make a scene, knowing it would blow his cover. Tasha glared at Constantine, “What the kriff was that?” She hissed, ignoring the throbbing pain in her shoulder, “You didn’t give me any indication of what we were dealing with. A simple warning not to underestimate is not enough when dealing with such a lethal Force user,” Tasha finally released him, though anger still flashed in her eyes, “Who the kriff are you really?”

 

[Constantine Drast]

Constantine could already sense the anger basically pumping out of Tasha and it wasn't stopping. He could already sense it directed at what just happened to them and him. The crowd was working to their favor, helping them exit from the building as Constantine glanced behind him once more. Jeremiah stood in the same spot where they first spotted him, his hands resting on the railing as his gaze seemed locked on both Constantine and Tasha. As they made it near the door, Jeremiah offered a smile before lifting a hand and giving them a wave goodbye. He wasn't going to come down, indeed not wanting to make a scene and knowing he did enough damage for tonight as it was.

When they reached outside, Tasha suddenly slammed Constantine against the wall, letting out a soft grunt before he stared down at her. There was a flash of anger in his own gaze but it quickly diminished, Constantine, inhaling slowly as he just waited for Tasha to finally unload. She finally let it out, let him hear it for not warning her earlier that she would be dealing with someone of that magnitude. Constantine thought they would be in and out so he saw no point in informing Tasha about Jeremiah but clearly he was wrong about that. Tasha finally released him, her shoulder still bleeding as he could sense the pain emanating from her and the wound. Constantine opened his mouth to speak but the driver finally pulled in, his comm dinging as the driver alerted them that he was there. "C'mon, let's leave here first." Walking past her he made his way towards the car, finally reaching it before opening the door for her to get in. Tasha was still wounded and bleeding and they would need to take care of that quickly.

Tasha would be able to notice Constantine's own anger in him but it controlled, none of it directed at her but it was there. It was more like he was angry that it went down just the way it did, wishing that they made out quietly instead of practically setting the house on fire as sirens could be heard in the distance. Constantine got onto the other side of the car, opening the door before sitting down in the seat as the driver peeled away from the courtyard and made it's way to the front gate. Constantine exhaled slowly, staring out of the window as silence took the car, clearly thinking to himself. After a few moments, he finally spoke aloud, "My name is Constantine, Constantine Drast." His gaze slowly was brought over to Tasha's, it piercing through her as he finally revealed the truth of what his family was. Glancing at her wound for a moment, Constantine brought his eyes back to hers before adding, "The man you met, Jeremiah. He's my brother, Jeremiah Drast."

Constantine held his gaze at her for a moment before suddenly snapping it towards the driver, "Get us home quick." The driver nodded through the rearview mirror, "Yes sir." When the gate finally opened the car went a little faster than before, taking either shortcut or passing other cars as it also took a different route than before as a precaution. Tasha would see through the ride that Constantine chose to be silent, clearly sunken into his mind as he reran the encounter over and over through his head. He didn't think Jeremiah would see through the guise so quickly but that's when he reached into his pocket and pulled out the little black ear piece. At least they still completed the mission even though the escape was a little hotter then he liked.