Sebastian didn't need to knock when he entered Isabella's room. He never had. Years in her service, years of guarding her like his daughter, had stripped away most formalities. He was the one person beside Camilla who could get away with it.
He stopped mid-step when he saw them.
"Tell me i'm wrong" Sebastian gritted his teeth
Isabella caught his reflection in the mirror and arched one perfectly sculpted brow. "About what?"
"You're not seriously planning to step into a masquerade full of vipers." His voice carried the edge of command, though it softened under the weight of his worry.
"I am", she simply, adjusting the silver trimmed mask that rested in her hand.
Sebastian took two long strides forward, placing himself between her and the door. "Isabella. This isn't some casual gathering. A masquerade hosted by a rival family is a den, not a party. if you go, you put yourself in their jaws"
Camilla smirked, tilting her head. "You say that like she hasn't walked into worse and come out untouchable."
"This is different". His dark gaze flicked to her before returning to Isabella. "One misstep in there, one wrong move and we lose you."
For a heartbeat, silence filled the room. Only the ticking clock and the faint rustle of silk broke the silence. Isabella slid her mask onto her face, the silver edge glinting like moonlight. Her green eyes cold , serpentine locked on Sebastian.
"I'm not a child, I'm La Rosa Negra, Isabella Wilson Moretti. I do not ask permission. I give orders" She said quietly.
Her words struck like frost, but Sebastian did not flinch. He had faced her anger before, her ice, her wrath. He had stood his ground when others trembled.
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "And i swore to your father, to myself to protect you and to never let any harm come near you again. So if protecting you means standing in your way, then so be it."
Camilla sighed dramatically, tugging at her gloves. "Always the brooding knight, aren't you, Sebastian? You can't lock her away forever. She has to breathe".
Sebastian shot her a look, but Isabella lifted a hand, silencing them both. She rose from her seat, the black velvet of her gown trailing across the floor like spilled in. Each step she took towards him was measured, deliberate. When she finally stood before him, she reached up and touched his arm, a rare, almost tender gesture.
"Sebastian", she said, her voice quieter now. "I know the danger. I know the cost. But tonight, I need to be seen. Power is not only held in the shadows. Sometimes, it must walk into the light and remind them why they fear it.
For the first time, hesitation flickered across Sebastian's stern features. She pressed the advantage.
"And besides" Camilla chimed in, slipping her arm around Isabella's "she won't be alone. You'll be there in the background"
Sebastian exhaled slowly, as though wresting with himself. At last, he stepped aside, though the fire in his eyes did not dim. "Then i go with you. And is anything feels wrong, we leave. No arguments"
Camilla grinned, victorious Isabella inclined her head, regal even in concession. "Agreed"
The Wilson car purred to life in the courtyard, sleek and black, as loyal guards prepared the way. Sebastian sat in the front beside the driver, his gaze fixed on the road ahead, every muscle coiled with vigilance.
Inside the car, Isabella adjusted her mask, the silver trim cool against her skin. She sat composed, one leg crossed elegantly over the other, though her eyes betrayed the weight of thought
Camilla, by contrast, buzzed with excitement. She leaned towards Isabella, whispering, "You know, this is going to be fun. A room full of secrets, half-hidden faces, whispered threats behind champagne glasses. It's practically theater."
"Fun," Isabella repeated flatly, her gaze drifting out the tinted window, The city lights blurred past like fleeting stars. "That is not the word I would choose".
Camilla laughed softly. "That's because you don't know how to have fun anymore. Maybe tonight you'll remember"
Isabella didn't answer, but the faintest curve touched her lips
The car slowed as they reached the host estate. Music drifted into the night air, swelling through the marble facade and open balconies. Lanterns glowed like captured fireflies, illuminating the grand staircase where masked guests streamed into the mansion.
The driver rounded the car swiftly and opened Isabella's door first. She stepped out with effortless grace, black velvet trailing like midnight. The mask sharpened her beauty into something untouchable, something dangerous. Heads turned instantly.
Camilla followed, radiant in crimson, her golden mask gleaming under the lights. She adjusted her skirt with a dramatic flourish and flashed a grin that made several men pause mid-step.
Finally, Sebastian emerged. He wore no mask, no disguise, his presence alone marked him. His dark suit stretched over broad shoulders, his stance a silent warning. He was a wolf among lambs, the shadow behind the rose.
The three of them stood together at the base of the marble steps, music pulsing from inside, laughter spilling into the night. For a brief moment, they were statues carved in contrast, death, flame and steel.
Camilla leaned close, her voice a whisper meant only for Isabella. "Showtime"
Isabella lifted her gaze to the mansion, eyes sharp behind the silver edge of her mask. With a single nod, she ascended the steps, Camilla at her side, Sebastian just behind. The night swallowed them whole.
But Sebastian lingered a moment longer at the threshold. His eyes followed the women until they vanished into the swell of velvet and masks. His fists clenched at his sides. He hated this, the uncertainty, the danger he could not strike down before it touched them.
"Don't scowl too hard Sebastian."
The voice was smooth, laced with amusement. Sebastian turned, already recognizing it.
Marco Moretti approached, Isabella's Uncle, his presence commanding without trying. Silver streaked his dark hair, but it only added to the gravity of his charm. He moved with ease, hands clasped behind his back, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"She'll be fine," Marco said, coming to stand beside him. "That girl has steel in her bones. You know it better than anyone".
Sebastian's jaw worked as he replied, low, "Steel shatters if you strike it hard enough."
Marco chuckled, laying a hand lightly on his shoulder. "And that is why she has you, no? To keep the hammer from falling"
Sebastian didn't answer, but his stance softened, if only slightly.
Marco tilted his head, studying him, eyes glinting with something sharper. "You worry like a brother or perhaps something more?"
Sebastian stiffened, his gaze shifting away. Marco's grin only deepened. He leaned in, voice dropping, playful. "Careful, my friend. if you keep frowning like that, someone might forget you're a man beneath that armor."
It was half comfort, half flirt, the kind of line Marco always seemed to get away with. Sebastian rolled his eyes but didn't protest, the corner of his mouth twitching despite himself.
Marco clapped his back gently, steady and warm. Come. Let's keep watch. If trouble finds her tonight, it will find us first".
Sebastian gave a curt nod, and together they stepped towards the mansion doors, the music rising to meet them. Inside, the masquerade waited glittering, dangerous and alive.
And somewhere within, destiny stirred.