OCtober Day 18: Gossamer

After my temporary gig at the Supernova, I’d been looking for something new to occupy my time. Luck seemed to be on my side. Quite recently I’d begun following a popular local performer, Dalmatian, on social media. Whilst scrolling one night, I came upon a post they shared, regarding job vacancies at the club they worked at. Curious, I followed the instructions, booking an interview with the owner.

Gossamer, or Madam as she’d told me to call her. I’d not had the chance to meet her, though I’d heard many things. Based on a selection of photos from her account she was certainly beautiful; a self proclaimed vampire queen. I shivered over the thought of her biting me.

Alright, focus now. 

She set a specific time to meet at the Necro Angel’s erotic parlour. I was to wait in the main hall until called upon. Dressing up in my finest bow tie, I made my way over early, hoping to have a proper look around the place. Before stepping too close to the den of sin, I took a moment to marvel at the exterior. The neon walls glowed with a warm, soft red, like a gently stoked fire. A large, gothic sign hung above the entrance with the club’s name painted on. Beyond the doors could be heard a symphony of lustful music and stimulating chatter. Sinners came and went, smiles on their faces, delighting in hell’s consensual torture chamber.

Seems I’d managed to skip the drudgeries of a long wait in line. At the door stood the snake toting bouncer. The reptiles hiss upon my presence, though not aggressively. So, she nods and grants passage. After going through the coat check, I checked my watch. Still had an hour until my meeting. Just as planned.

Wandering into the main, it seems I arrived partway through a show. Traditional Arabic music played over the speakers, whilst a male belly dancer donning cat ears and egyptian style clothes shimmied across the stage. I took advantage of the moment to grab a drink at the bar. At first I worried that alcohol may seem unprofessional. Something about the atmosphere swayed me otherwise, and I said fuck it, indulging in one of the house cocktails.

After another minute, the cat man wraps up his performance to a dignified applause. A curtain pulls around to cover the stage. In front of that, a holographic screen pops up with an announcement and vocal accompaniment.

“That was Anubis, and the dance of death. Please stick around, as in ten minutes we will be hosting a very special performance from Madam Gossamer herself!” 

Once it ends, they fill the void with a few symphonic metal tracks. The volume is turned down, so as to encourage conversation. Myself, I just chuckle upon realising the obvious timing. Seems the Madam did this on purpose, I expect to set an example of who I’ll be dealing with. In that case I’d best get a good seat. Gratefully, I managed to snag something close to the front, a little off to the side. In due time the music dies down and the lights dim. Over the speakers once again, a smooth voice makes the introductions.

“Gathered sinners, now is the time to take your seats”

Slowly, a gothic metal tune begins to pick up in volume. The curtain unveils, revealing nought but a teasing crack through which smokes billows out. I find myself leaning forwards by instinct.

“Tonight, you are all invited to bear witness to the glamour and gore of the gorgeous Madam Gossamer!”

At once, the rest of the curtains tear open, flooding more smoke. As it dissipates, the vampire queen herself bursts through from a crypt’s entrance. There she stands, the centrepiece of the elaborate graveyard set, holding a pair of large, black feather fans. Gossamer gives them a good twirl, taking her absolute sweet time revealing the full canvas on her body. Flashes of ashen white skin inked with black tattoos. Split black and red hair is held in a pinup, not a single stray overshadowing the intricate skull makeup. Once the song hits the chorus, Gossamer drops the fans, and my jaw. Her beauty in the flesh makes a mockery of anything a camera could capture. Her body is thick, and curvaceous. The outfit she wears is delightfully scandalous, and all matching in black and red. Heels and transparent stockings hitched to a pair of panties on the bottom half, elbow length gloves and a laced corset on the top. The bat tattoo on her chest perfectly aligns the top of her bust. Another bat creeps up through the stockings, and a moon phase lines the neck.

As the show progresses, Gossamer makes tender work of removing each piece. As she does, the vampiress maintains careful eye contact with the crowd. That is, until the beat slows down. Then, her eyes directly lock on mine. Gossamer drops down, creeping over. My heart thumps hard. Her face comes in real close. Briefly, I notice how bright her red irises are against the black sclera, when they disappear as she moves to my neck. The tips of sharp fangs gently brush the skin, and I shudder in anticipation.

Something flutters. 

Gossamer pulls back, gloriously showing off a pair of unfolding bat wings. With that, she swiftly makes a return to the stage, sweeping the fans back up for an energetic finale. When all is said and done, the audience cheers and the curtains close, as Gossamer returns to the crypt from whence she came.

I flop back in my chair, head scrambled. Reflexively, my fingers run over my neck, looking for marks from phantom teeth. After a while, the adrenaline slowly evens itself out, and the thudding against my ribcage returns to its regular rhythm. Sipping my drink to cool off, that’s when she approaches me. Most of the makeup  is wiped off, and a black silk gown covers the rest. Anubis from before kneels beside her. She’s holding a leash attached to a collar on his neck. Curiously, I notice the cat ears are actually made of some black jewel, from the light glittering off them.

“Enjoy the show?” he purrs. Gossamer tugs on his leash, to which he mewls. She smirks.

“I didn’t say you could speak, did I?” She gently scolds. Anubis curls up against her leg, and she pets him. Then, she turns to address me.

“M, if I’m correct?”

I nod, still starstruck. 

“Good. Pleasure to meet you in person. Why don’t we take this somewhere more...private” Gossamer says, slow, and articulate. Her accent is vaguely eastern european. She leans in close and I’m clumsily trying to make sense of what’s happening. Amused by my squirming, she stands back to her full height.

“Oh, I tease. My office will suffice. Come now, this way” 

“Yes, Madam Gossamer” I sputter out.

Walking her pet off to a room back past the stage, and I following behind, a strange feeling comes over me.

Almost like...I’m a lost puppy.

And my new owner is about to train me.