Elowen's POV:
The palace has never looked like this before.
Even the corridors feel different tonight, glowing beneath hundreds of candles placed along the walls. Servants hurry past carrying trays of crystal glasses and polished silver. Music drifts faintly through the halls, the sound of violins and flutes warming the air long before we reach the ballroom.
Selene practically glides ahead of us, unable to contain her excitement.
"I have been waiting for this night since the Queen announced it," she declares, adjusting the gold mask resting delicately across her eyes.
Her gown catches the candlelight with every step, the fabric shimmering like liquid sunlight. Hailey walks calmly beside her, though even she cannot entirely hide her anticipation. "Try not to frighten the entire court with your enthusiasm," Hailey says.
Selene laughs softly. "Impossible. They will be far too busy admiring me."
I follow a few steps behind them.
The silver mask rests lightly against my face, cool against my skin. Its delicate filigree curves outward in soft lines that resemble frost spreading across glass. Small blue stones sit at the edges, catching the light in quiet flashes.
The mask is elegant.
Subtle.
Enough to conceal without drawing attention. Much like the rest of my attire.
My gown moves softly with each step, the silver fabric reflecting faint shades of blue beneath the candlelight. The rhinestones scattered along the dress sparkle like distant stars, bright but never overwhelming.
Compared to Selene's brilliance, I suspect I will pass almost unnoticed tonight.
That suits me perfectly.
Because while the others see a celebration…
I cannot forget the shadows waiting beyond the palace walls.
We reach the final set of doors leading to the grand ballroom.
Two royal guards stand beside them, their polished armor reflecting the golden light from the chandeliers inside. The music grows louder as the doors slowly open. For a moment, the sight steals the air from my lungs.
The ballroom stretches endlessly before us.
Hundreds of candles burn from towering crystal chandeliers overhead, their light scattering across marble floors polished to mirror brightness. The walls are draped with deep blue silk, embroidered with silver thread that glimmers softly in the candlelight.
And everywhere—
Masks.
Nobles fill the hall in waves of color and movement. Feathered masks, jeweled masks, masks shaped like birds and flowers, and delicate works of art.
No faces.
No names.
Just laughter, music, and swirling gowns.
For the first time since arriving in the palace, no one truly knows who anyone else is.
Selene steps forward first.
"Oh… this is perfect."
Even Hailey looks impressed.
"It appears the Queen has outdone herself."
Selene immediately disappears into the crowd, her golden dress already drawing admiring glances from several nearby nobles.
I remain near the edge of the ballroom for a moment longer, letting my eyes adjust to the movement around me.
The orchestra plays from a raised platform at the far end of the hall, the music flowing easily through the room. Servants move between the guests carrying trays of wine and delicate pastries.
Everywhere there is movement.
Conversation. Laughter. A perfect distraction. I step slowly into the crowd.
If the men in the alley spoke truthfully, then something is meant to happen before the masquerade ends. Which means someone responsible may already be here. Hidden among silk and jewels.
I move carefully through the room, my gaze drifting from guest to guest.
Hands.
Rings.
Every detail matters.
But so far, nothing appears unusual.
Selene reappears briefly, laughing as she speaks with a tall noble wearing a mask shaped like a golden falcon.
"You see?" she says brightly when she notices me. "This night was worth all the preparation."
"I am glad you are enjoying it."
"Oh, I plan to enjoy every moment." She disappears again before I can reply.
I continue moving slowly along the edge of the ballroom.
My attention shifts toward a group of nobles speaking near one of the tall marble pillars.
For a brief moment, something catches my eye.
A glint of silver.
My pulse jumps.
I turn slightly, trying to see more clearly.
But before I can focus—
The music suddenly stops.
The change is so abrupt that the entire room falls into silence.
Every conversation fades.
Every movement stills.
All eyes turn toward the grand staircase overlooking the ballroom.
A herald's voice echoes clearly through the hall.
"His Royal Highness…"
The crowd parts instinctively.
"…Crown Prince Kael Viremont."
And as the prince begins his descent into the candlelit hall, I realize that the masquerade has truly begun.