It was early on a Saturday evening when I left the house, my mask secured firmly on my face. My tailored suit fits snugly to my toned body. I looked something like a model with a strange aversion to showing his face. The mask would not be too out of place; nobles are known to be a bit… eccentric. I wore a white suit with black dragons embroidered all over its surface. With a black tie also embroidered, but instead of dragons, it had white roses. Needless to say, I looked breathtaking. The car was already waiting for me outside, and Simon stood by my door, opening it the second he saw me. He wore a suit as well, but his was in the style of the Whither family guard. It was also completely white with a black tie, but there was nothing embroidered on it except the house insignia on his chest over his heart.
I thanked Simon as I got into the car, and we set off towards the Alister family estate. I would be lying if I said that I was looking forward to the night. When you have gotten used to daily fights for life and death, with adrenaline constantly pumping through your veins. Aristocratic life just seemed so dull in comparison, all the polite nonsense mixed with all the fake smiles from people who would happily rip out your throat for an advantage. I hated it, but what choice did I have? I am Duke of the Whither family; my decisions affected my entire family, or lack thereof. My brother was raised from birth to one day rule the family, whereas I was just left to my own devices. As much as it pained me to admit it, Malach would have probably been able to do a far better job at resurrecting the family. These days, I do not think much of my cruel older brother, almost as if I had begun to move on. Which was strange considering I saw his apparition every single day of my life. My eyes drifted to the seat next to me, where Malach was calmly cleaning his nails. At first, I thought he was only a figment of my imagination, a mental embodiment of my trauma. But after my return from death's door, those thoughts left me; he was clearly much more. I just did not understand what he could be. As always, he sat beside me, quiet as a shadow that refused to leave.
A shiver ran down my spine as my thoughts traveled to the rift where I had almost lost my life. The image of the two glowing green eyes staring directly into my soul was trapped in my mind every time I closed my eyes. I had no way to explain what happened in that rift; it was probably better just to forget it anyway. I had the distinct feeling that it was way above my grade.
The Alister estate was situated at the center of the city on the side of the mountain. Driving up the sloped road, we made our way to the front gate. The Alister estate was absolutely massive, the walls seemingly surrounding an entire forest. The guards checked our invitation before allowing us in. We drove through a path surrounded by thick trees, where other cars were driving in the same direction. From sports cars, all the way to governmental vehicles, all driving in the same direction. If a peasant were to see this, they would probably be flabbergasted. I still remember the days when my own family had this much influence. A sour taste found its way into my mouth as my eyes returned to the apparition of Malach sitting next to me. I forcefully moved my eyes away. I could not afford melancholy to take control, not tonight.
—-
Wu Qu was one of the first people to arrive. I would not miss this event for anything. Not if it meant seeing her… My lips tugged into my brightest smile at the mere memory of her. The smile turned hollow at the reminder of a certain day, but even that was not enough to dampen my spirits. Zeon was a deformed freak now, so I had every chance to succeed. Adjusting my collar, I looked around the ballroom and began to fraternize with my aristocratic peers. I had to keep up appearances after all. "Duke Zeon of House Whither," the servant at the door announced. Every single head present turned to watch as a young man in a black and white suit entered, a mask placed firmly on his face. He walked with absolute confidence, taking all the looks in stride. A decorated sword attached firmly to his hip, his eyes traveled across the room before settling on my own. I could have sworn there was a hint of mockery within them, but it was hard to make out under the mask.
Anger burned in my chest. What is he doing here? He walked directly towards the minibar, ignoring every attempt of other nobles to strike up a conversation as he took a glass of blood red wine. Everyone's attention was focused solely on him. Turning towards Marquis Valesand, my conversation partner, I could not help but ask. "Why is everyone so focused on him?"
The Marquis looked at me with a confused expression on his face before answering. "You really don't know? This is the first time in six years the Whither family has made an appearance at any event. He even refused my own invitations, can you imagine? He refused me, and I am not easily refused. To see him here is quite strange. At first, I thought he was just an upstart, but he refused even Prince Walong Chen." The Marquis responded with a laugh. But his words confused me even further. If that was the case, then what was he doing here?
—--
The atmosphere was suffocating; if it were not for my mask, it would have been far worse. At least now I do not have to give false smiles for these highborn fools. More than half of these bastards have never even come close to death or danger. They were always safe within their high walls, surrounded by their guards. They thought themselves untouchable, and that disgusted me. Strength is the only thing that matters in this world, yet these fools thought money could serve as a substitute. When true power speaks, money turns quiet.
And that was only in regard to the noblemen; the women were another case entirely. Perfume hung so thick in the air that it felt like another mask pressed against my skin. Looking at the faces covered with so much makeup, they looked almost inhuman. Another wave of disgust coursed through me. Taking another swig of red wine while listening to the whispers, the majority of which were speaking about me and my strange mask. A tired sigh escaped my lips involuntarily; all this served as another reminder of why I distance myself from the high aristocracy. The music stopped, and the lights began to dim. The darkness began to dance as a spotlight illuminated an entrance at the edge of the hall.
A woman with fiery red hair stepped into the hall. She wore a dress as black as the night, leaving only her shoulders bare. Her lips were painted black, highlighting her forest green eyes. My breath caught in my throat as I looked at Verity. I had not seen her since that day when I had my gifts' potential tested. She was even more beautiful than I remembered.