The world seemed to still as his presence overwhelmed her. His coat was black velvet, cut so impeccably it seemed tailored by the hands of perfection, the lapels embroidered in dark silver thread. Beneath it, a pristine white cravat was knotted flawlessly at his throat, a single sapphire pin fastening it in place. His shoulders were broad, his frame tall and elegantly built, his appearance imbued with an effortless grace.
The mask he wore was obsidian, sweeping sharply across his brow and cheekbones, accentuating rather than concealing the remarkable symmetry of his face. It drew attention to the lower half left exposed: the strong line of his jaw, the curve of lips that seemed forever on the verge of a knowing smile, the aristocratic cut of his nose.
Even veiled, he was magnificent, and as if that wasn't enough, his presence seemed to stir the air itself.
"You can either come out or remain hidden. I wouldn't advise the latter if you certainly don't wish to implicate yourself,"
