Page 99 of Like A Moth To A Flame

We parked across the street at Mae’s Diner and quickly hurried out of the truck. My boots snagged with every step across the well-worn brick street as I followed Amelia up onto the sidewalk and across the steps leading up to the building. A chill wind swept across the parking lot, breathing down my neck and sending a shiver coursing through me. All around us, people talked and laughed, all moving in the same direction—inside.

As soon as we made our way inside, a wave of noise and music hit me. People in elaborate costumes and masks filled the large foyer, drinking champagne and mingling. This year, as every year before, it was a distinctly twenty-one and over event. Amelia led us through the crowd towards the ballroom, where most of the guests seemed to have gathered. A pair of bouncers took our names and IDs at the door, dressed in smart black suits and simple blackmasks. Once they checked our names and ages, they ushered us through the door.

The room was breathtakingly beautiful, decorated with golden chandeliers and cobalt blue curtains draped along the walls, tied back with glittering golden tassels that caught the strobing light. Towering candelabra lined the walls, though the flickering lights atop every candle were LED. It was not only cheaper, but safer that way.

In the center of it all was a huge dance floor where people twirled around each other in elegant waltzes—or attempted to, anyway. This was a small town, after all. Most of them accomplished a slow, twirling slow dance, swaying to the music.

We made our way to one side of the room, near an empty table where we could set down our purses and grab a quick drink.

As we settled in, I noticed a figure across the room that caught my attention. It was a tall figure, dressed all in black, with a mask that covered their entire face. A hood covered their head, clasped in the front and tapering down into a cloak that flowed around their feet as they walked. They moved with purpose, scanning the room with intense eyes. I felt a shiver run down my spine.

That had to be him. Something about the way he prowled told me it was him.

I swallowed hard.

Amelia must have sensed my unease, because she gave me a gentle squeeze on my arm.

“Everything alright, V?” she asked, concern creeping into her voice.

I took a deep breath, trying to shrug off the feeling.

“I’m just a bit nervous, I guess.”

She smiled reassuringly.

“It’s gonna be okay. Let’s order a drink, and then we can get to work.”

We made our way through the sea of people, carefully weaving around couples dancing and groups of friends laughing. The music swelled around us, a mix of classical and modern tunes that created an intoxicating atmosphere.

Amelia and I finally reached the bar, and a friendly bartender in a white mask and tuxedo greeted us. I ordered a glass of champagne for her and a whiskey sour for myself before taking a moment to survey the room once more.

After the bartender poured our drinks, Amelia raised her glass.

“Cheers,” she said. “Let’s do this.”

We clinked glasses, and I downed mine all in one go.

I needed that.

We spent the next hour mingling with the guests, Amelia flirting and laughing with every man who came up to her, while I kept a watchful eye on the mysterious figure in black.

It was getting dark outside now, the rain falling harder and drumming a loud pattern across the roof that we could hear even through the music. The lights were dim, colored golden yellow, deep blue, and dark, velvety plum. I shifted in my seat, feeling a nervous energy coursing through me.

We had a plan; Amelia was going to approach each suspect, and I would be there to witness the interaction. If my stalker decided to make a move, we would have him. I just had to keep my wits about me and not let my anxiety overwhelm me.

“Alright,” Amelia said, flagging down the bartender. “Ready?”

“Ready.”

The barkeep sauntered over, refilling our drinks. After Amelia thanked him, we jumped down from the bar and waded across the room, careful to slide past the bobbing, weaving bodies and make our way back to our table.

As we sat there, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the figure in black was getting closer, watching us from the shadows. My heart pounded in my chest, and I gripped my drink tightly, trying to steady my nerves.

“You okay?” Amelia asked, sensing my unease.

“I’ll be fine,” I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt.

She gave me a reassuring smile and stood up.

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