The ballroom of House Velmore glowed like a dream carved out of wine and gold. Dozens of chandeliers hung above, glittering with enchanted glass, casting a dappled shimmer over the crowd below. Deep burgundy velvet drapes framed the tall windows, and a low, haunting symphony whispered from the corner where masked musicians played violins with unnatural precision. The scent of roses had filled the large hall.
Elias stood still under the golden archway, his form wrapped in a black velvet tailcoat embroidered with silver filigree, matching his intricate silver mask.
"The man had spent much more than a baron could afford." someone whispered near him and he smiled.
Elite businessmen, traders, and viscounts were invited to fill the ballroom. Each of them wore a mask to hide their identity. Many did not understand the use. shouldn't one be able to recognize their guests to make good use of their contacts?
In the past, Elias had been naive too. But now he knew that the masks weren't to preserve mystery, but to hide the vampires among humans.
As one was clinging to his arm even now. He glanced down at Seraphina and sighed.
The vampiress's senses were too sharp. She tilted her head up instantly, catching his gaze with an arched brow and a slow, knowing smile. Her lips were painted in a shade of crushed berries, deep and dangerous.
"Do I look stunning, Elias, that you cannot keep your gaze away from me?" she teased, her voice smooth as aged wine.
He looked at her then with a deep gaze that set people on fire. The gown she wore shimmered like liquid moonlight, clinging to every curve. The plunging neckline left little to the imagination, and the back was bare all the way down to the dip of her spine. The slit on the side revealed a glimpse of her toned leg, pale against the dark velvet. It was a dress made for seduction but not anyone could handle it. But Seraphina wore it with such ease. She was a born seductress.
To her surprise, Elias nodded slowly with a sincere look in his eyes, "I have never seen anyone more beautiful than you," he said in a low voice that sounded almost reverent.
Seraphina blinked as she was caught off guard for a moment, before a soft, velvety chuckle escaped her. "Then… should we sleep together tonight?" she asked with a smirk, tapping a painted nail against the rim of her wine glass.
Elias turned to her fully now, a glimmer of amusement and something darker flickering in his eyes. "I am always ready if you want me," he said plainly. That silenced her laughter for a beat.
She tilted her head, studying him, the playfulness in her smile returning but this time, it was edged with curiosity. "My, my. When did you stop playing hard to get, Elias?"
He offered a slow, wolfish smile but did not reply. He stared at the men and women showing off their wealth in the luxurious dresses and rare gifts they have brought.
Elias's gaze scanned the ballroom once, then locked onto the centerpiece of this farce, Cladria Velmore.
She stood atop the small dais, a vision in lavender silk, surrounded by laughing noblemen and doting women. Her hair was pinned with amethyst combs, her mask a thin lace veil, almost daring the world to recognize her. She twirled slowly in place as if offering herself to every pair of eyes. She didn't notice Elias, but he noticed everything.
The curl of her lips that had always been too proud. The exact tilt of her chin, still believing she ruled every room. The very woman who had once owned him, promised to love him and then betrayed him. His eyes flickered dark at once.
Seraphina leaned in, her breath brushing his ear. "She looks happy because of all the attention she is getting." she purred.
"Let's ruin it," he murmured back with a voice laced with honeyed venom.
Many turned to look at them when they descended in the hall. Looking at the finest silk used to dress Seraphina, they knew they held powers. A few smiled at them while a butler came forward with a tray of wine. But Elias did not take one.
"Baron Crestford," Seraphina said smoothly, loudly enough for nearby ears to catch. "Shall we greet our host?"
The voice caught the attention of many. Baron Crestford was a shrewd man but he did not have much wealth and connections. If not for his sharp mind, he would have lost his position long ago.
Their admiring eyes turned into a snicker instantly and they looked away.
Baron Velmore smiled subtly. Though they both hold equal position in the estate. He was much more admired than baron Crestford who had disappeared from society for a month now.
"Cladria, come. Greet our new guests." The man smiled but he did not stand up from his seat.
Many laughed at his hollow words but their eyes could not leave the girl holding the baron's arms. Even when they could not see her face, they were sure it would be exquisite.
Cladria had noticed the girl too. How the men surrounding her were now looking at the new girl. A look of disdain filled her eyes, but she hid it and smiled at her father, "of course, father."
She descended her dais with a drink still in her hand.
"Baron Crestford, welcome to our mansion. It is our first meeting right now." she stared at him curiously. Though she could not see his full face, he felt oddly familiar.
"Have we met before, you look oddly familiar." She asked as she took a step closer. But the man softly chuckled,
"That is an oddly familiar line, my lady. But I am sure this is my first time meeting you. Thank you for inviting me." Though he said so, Cladria could not shake off the feeling that she knew this man.
"Could you take off this mask please?" this time it was not a request, but he did not move. He only raised a brow and looked at her strangely. In the masquerade ball, no one can force anyone to take off the mask.
Cladria laughed, an awkward flutter meant to cover confusion. She reached up to touch his mask, but Elias caught her wrist mid-air, gently but firmly.
"Let's not ruin the rules of the party."