"Don't worry, sister. We'll definitely find a way to help our dear Evelyn," Damien said in response to Cece's plea.
Ivan stayed silent for a moment, thinking and then said, "We'll need a trustworthy lumen to train her. We can't entrust this to just anyone, especially not someone who might sell her out for greed."
Cece went into deep thought, and then suggested, "How about we speak to Edward, my partner? He doesn't seem like the type to act out of malice, and he clearly holds strong loyalty to his kingdom. I'm sure he'll help Evelyn if we explain everything to him."
To this, Damien replies, "Don't you think it's too early to trust him with something this important? My sources told me that there's currently a faction in the Kingdom of Luminear, formed by the current queen herself, to support Prince Ryan as the next ruler. How do we know where Edward's loyalty lie? What if he sells this information to the darkrots or someone else to harm her and clear the path for the prince?"
"Hm, you're right," Ivan responded. Then, narrowing his eyes at Cece, he added, "Let's not be hasty. We'll observe him first and make the decision later."
He didn't like the idea of another man training Evelyn so closely, but their options were limited. More importantly, he didn't want to rush into a decision, especially one that could cost them a far greater prince if it turned out to be a mistake.
Cece sighed and said, "Alright." She got up from her seat and added, "Let me go check on Evelyn. Anyway, there's a ball tonight, we'll need to prepare for that."
Saying that, she left the room, leaving Ivan alone with Damien.
Damien's expression turned serious as he said to Ivan, "I have reports from Alex. He said they've tightened security at the borders and every other city has been placed on high alert after the massacre in that abandoned village."
He paused before continuing, "It seems you were right about the dark potion they've been brewing to alter their appearance to blend with others. That's likely why our soldiers failed to stop them. We have to be very careful, Ivan, as I can smell treachery from snakes hiding in noble's skin."
"I already suspected as much," Ivan said, his lips curling up into a devilish smile. "Let's set some bait and catch those rats. I think it's time to remind them who rules this city."
"I'm ready for the hunt," Damien replied, a wide grin spreading across his face.
.....
Far from Ivan's room, another noble was setting his own plan into motion for the night's ball. A man with grey hair sat on the sofa in his room, holding a small glass bottle filled with pink liquid near his light red eyes. As he stared at it intently, he asked, "Are you sure this is the strongest one available?"
Gabe, who sat in an armchair next to him, replied, "Yes, the shopkeeper told me this brew is the strongest one he has. I had to go all the way to a dingy corner of Raven Street to get it. He charged me a fortune for that tiny bottle, apparently, it's already been banned by the authorities."
Hearing him, Drake grinned widely and then licked his fangs. "Don't worry, I'll reimburse you for it." He then curled his hand around the glass bottle and said viciously, "Tonight I shall claim what is mine." His eyes burned with obsession and madness. Drake didn't forget the last time he had interacted with Evelyn and how she sternly told him to address her with proper title and how that loathsome Ivan told him that she didn't belong to him.
Drake intended to change that in the ball tonight to claim Evelyn as his in every possible way, until she cries out nothing but his name.
Gabe cleared his throat, the unease clear in his voice as he asked "What about the Silver siblings? They always seem to be around the princess?"
Drake waved a hand dismissively, his eyes still fixed on the bottle and said, "Don't concern yourself with them. I've already made arrangements to keep them….distracted."
Gabe nodded slowly, but a cold sweat began to form at the back of his neck. With Damien's temper, Cece's sharp instincts and Ivan ruthlessness, this was more than a game, it was a battlefield. And in a room full of predators, one wrong move could end in blood.
All he could do now was pray…that Drake's plan didn't get them both killed.
...…
Evening arrived quickly, making every corner of the academy buzzing with excitement. The rustle of silk, murmurs of whisper and echoes of hurried footsteps filled every corner as the long awaited ball was about to commence.
Women glided through the halls in their finest gowns and masks covering half their face, hoping to entice anyone who laid their eyes on them. While men were dressed in their sharply tailored tuxedos paired with their fancy masks that concealed their identities but revealed just enough to intrigue.
The path to the ballroom had been transformed into a corridor of dreams, where multiple bouquets of red roses were set on golden stands on each side with dark blue drapes cascaded from the ceiling elegantly. Above, crystal chandeliers filled the entire academy in a warm glow. Hundreds of candles lit the entire space, giving it a mystical, dark fantasy allure.
As students entered the ballroom, some with partners, some single or with friends, they were filled with awe at the sheer allure of the place. Servers moved gracefully through the crowd, offering drinks on silver trays, while a number of students made their way towards the lavish food table set in the far corner, lined with an array of mouthwatering dishes. The atmosphere was lively and filled with soft music playing in the background as people kept pouring in one after the other.
After sometime, a hush rippled through the air as three figures stepped into the ballroom, their presence was enhancing and commanding.
Damien stood at the center in a crisp black tailored suit, with his blond hair pushed back and his half-silver mask covering one side of his entire face. He looked every inch a dark prince ready to steal the hearts of countless women.
His right arm was held gracefully by Cece's gloved hand. She was adorned in an off-shoulder, red wine gown that hugged her body beautifully, her blond hair styled in an elegant bun. A golden phoenix mask framed her face, making her look both regal and unapproachable.
Damien's left arm was held delicately by Evelyn. She wore a stunning deep midnight blue gown with a dramatic mermaid shape that hugs the body and flares into a long, flowing train. The fabric is covered in sparkling beads and silver embroidery, creating patterns that look like stars and vines. The sweetheart neckline and sheer middle panel add a touch of elegance and allure. With her hair styled from the top and rest falling freely on her deep back made her look absolutely breathtaking. Her delicate face was adorned with a silver mask with intricate swirls and lace-like patterns.
As the trio entered the hall, a long night of masquerade ball begins...