Chapter Three: The Masquerade's Secret
The next evening, Blackthorn Manor buzzed with life. Servants hurried, musicians tuned their instruments, and guests arrived wearing masks that hid more than just their faces. The masquerade was the perfect cover—perfect for secrets, and perfect for spies.
Aria adjusted her silver mask, her heart hammering as she scanned the grand hall. She knew Kael would be here somewhere. He had promised to meet her… and in his world, promises were as dangerous as swords.
She moved through the crowd, keeping to the shadows, noticing the subtle glances exchanged between masked nobles. Whispers floated in the air like smoke: "The arrow… the prophecy… the Shadow Court…"
A laugh caught her attention. She turned—and froze.
Kael was there. Cloaked in midnight blue, his mask reflecting the candlelight, a ghost in the crowd. He waved subtly, and she slipped toward him.
"You always make entrances like a shadow stalking its prey," she whispered as she approached.
"And you always speak like the heir to the Order, analyzing everyone," he replied, a teasing lilt to his voice. "But tonight, Aria, we're not observers. We're hunters."
Aria's stomach tightened. She hated that he could make even the most dangerous words feel intimate.
Kael led her through a hidden passage behind the music gallery. They emerged in a dimly lit balcony overlooking the garden. Here, whispers and intrigue would be impossible to hear.
"Someone in this hall is working with the Shadow Court," Kael said, his eyes scanning the ballroom. "They've been manipulating the Order for months. Tonight… they'll strike again."
Aria clenched her fists. "And you expect me to just—watch?"
"No," Kael said, stepping closer. The faint scent of midnight roses clung to him. "You'll help me stop them. But you have to trust me."
Trust. The word felt heavy on her tongue. She wanted to, but Kael was danger wrapped in silver-lined shadows. Yet… something deep inside her stirred.
"Alright," she whispered. "I trust you. But only tonight."
A flicker of movement caught Kael's eye. He pulled her back into the shadows just as a servant carrying a tray of champagne froze mid-step. A dark, flickering symbol glowed on the floor near the ballroom doors—a shadow rune.
"They're here," Kael murmured. "And they're already marking their target."
Aria felt her heart skip. Her instincts screamed danger, but another, quieter voice—one she couldn't name—told her excitement was rising inside her.
Suddenly, the lights flickered. Music faltered. A wave of chill ran across the hall. Guests shivered, murmurs growing. The shadow rune pulsed. Then, a scream.
Kael grabbed her hand. "Now," he whispered.
They dashed through the balcony exit and into the gardens. Outside, the night was alive with the scent of wet earth and roses. Statues glimmered under the moonlight, casting long, threatening shadows.
"Who is it?" Aria asked, breathless.
Kael didn't answer immediately. He pointed to a figure at the edge of the maze—a tall figure draped in black, carrying a bow that shimmered with dark energy.
"The Shadow Court has begun their hunt," he said quietly. "And they've chosen someone here tonight… as bait."
Aria's gaze narrowed. Her hand brushed against Kael's, and for a heartbeat, the chaos around them disappeared. She didn't know if it was fear, adrenaline… or something else. Something dangerous and thrilling.
"Then we hunt," she whispered back.
And together, they vanished into the twisting maze, shadows dancing at their heels.