The thought creeps in—what if this party isn’t really a party at all? What if Blade, with all his dark promises and mysterious allure, has something else in mind? A shiver runs down my spine at the idea, a mix of fear and excitement that I can’t quite shake. Part of me is thrilled by the possibility, the danger, the unknown, but another part of me wonders if I’mwalking straight into a trap, if this night is about to take a turn I’m not ready for.
I try to push the doubts away, but they linger, settling deep in my chest as the car turns onto a quieter street. The noise of the city fades, replaced by the hum of the engine and the soft rustle of my dress as I shift in my seat. The excitement I felt earlier is still there, but now it’s mixed with a creeping uncertainty. I asked for this, didn’t I? So why does it feel like I’m walking into something I can’t quite control?
I glance out the window, the darkness outside pressing in on all sides, and I feel the weight of the night ahead. I don’t have the mask yet, but I know I’ll be getting one soon. Will it hide me, or will it only add to the mystery, making it harder to tell what’s real and what’s just part of the game? The thought is both intoxicating and unnerving.
As the car pulls up to the large, imposing warehouse, I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. The structure looms ahead, its dark silhouette cutting against the night sky, and even from outside, I can hear the heavy thrum of music vibrating through the walls. It’s a sound that’s both enticing and unnerving, a promise of what’s waiting inside.
I step out of the car, the cool night air brushing against my skin, and my eyes are drawn to the massive iron doors at the entrance. They seem almost too large, too intimidating for a simple party. My pulse quickens as I approach, every step echoing louder in my ears than the last.
The doors swing open just as I reach them, and I’m greeted by an attractive blonde woman, her hair slicked back in a way that highlights the sharp angles of her face. She’s dressed in a sleek black dress that hugs her figure, a matching black mask concealing most of her features but leaving her red lips visible as she smiles.
“Red?” she asks, her voice smooth and practiced, as if she’s been expecting me all night.
“Yes,” I reply, my voice sounding steadier than I feel.
She smiles wider and hands me an intricate silver mask, its delicate design glinting in the dim light. I reach out to take it, feeling the cool metal in my hand, as she gently takes my clutch from me. There’s a moment of hesitation as I release my grip on the bag, watching as she sets it aside, out of sight.
“Enjoy the party. Blade has been so looking forward to meeting you,” she says, her tone carrying a hint of something more, something that makes my stomach twist with both excitement and nerves.
I nod and step through the second set of doors, the music hitting me like a wave. It’s louder now, pulsing and reverberating through my body, almost overwhelming. The air is thick with the smell of smoke, alcohol, and something else—something darker, more primal. The scent of bodies moving together, of desire and abandonment.
My eyes adjust to the dim, strobe-lit room, and I see them—people dancing, writhing against each other, lost in the music and the anonymity of their masks. The energy is electric, charged with an intensity that makes my skin tingle. But as I take it all in, I feel something else, too—eyes on me. Watching. Waiting.
I can’t see where it’s coming from, but I can feel it, a presence that sends a shiver down my spine. I scan the room, but it’s impossible to tell who’s behind each mask, who’s watching me with such intensity. The thrill, the danger, sends my heart racing, and I know that whatever happens next, I’m not in control anymore.
I slip the silver mask over my face, feeling its coolness settle against my skin, and take a deep breath. I’m here now,and there’s no turning back. The night is just beginning, and I’m ready to see where it takes me.
18
The moment she steps through the doors, I see her. Even in a room full of people, she stands out. The red dress, the silver mask—it’s like she’s begging to be noticed, yet completely unaware of just how many eyes are on her. But mine are the ones that matter. I clock her instantly, my heart beating just a bit faster, but I don’t move. Not yet.
I hang back, letting her take in the room, letting her feel the weight of the night. She doesn’t know where I am, doesn’t know who I am, and that’s exactly how I want it. There’s a thrill in watching her, in knowing that she’s here for us, but has no idea who’s pulling the strings.
She hesitates for a moment, her eyes scanning the room, before she makes her way toward the bar. I smirk as I see Raven already in position, casually leaning against the counter like he owns the place. He catches her eye as she approaches, and I can see his smile under his raven mask, charming and inviting, even from where I’m standing.
I move a little closer, hovering just within earshot, but staying in the shadows, out of sight. I want to hear theirexchange, to see how she reacts when Raven turns on that smooth charm of his.
As she reaches the bar, Raven greets her with a knowing smile. “Red, right?” he asks, his voice low and warm, the kind of voice that puts people at ease. She nods, maybe a little too quickly, and I can tell she’s still trying to get her bearings.
“What can I get you?” he asks, already reaching for a glass.
“Something strong,” she replies, her voice steady but with a hint of the nerves she’s trying to hide.
Raven chuckles softly, shaking his head. “Only one drink,” he says, sliding the glass toward her. “Just enough to calm your nerves.”
I watch as she takes the glass, her hand trembling slightly as she lifts it to her lips. Raven’s eyes never leave her, and I can see the subtle way he’s reading her, gauging her reaction, her comfort level. He’s good at this—too good sometimes—but that’s why he’s here.
She takes a sip, and I can see the tension in her shoulders ease just a fraction. But she’s still on edge, still trying to figure out what’s going on, what’s going to happen next. That’s exactly where I want her—off balance, uncertain, but still intrigued.
I stay where I am, watching, waiting. The night is still young, and there’s no rush. For now, I’m content to let Raven play his part, to let her settle into the atmosphere. But I’m always watching, always ready. She doesn’t know it yet, but this night belongs to me. To us.
I take a step back, blending further into the crowd, my eyes never leaving her. There’s no need to rush—she’s here, she’s ours, and the night is just beginning.
19
Iwatch as she takes the drink, her hand a little unsteady as she brings the glass to her lips. She finishes it quicker than I expect; the liquid disappearing down her throat as if she’s trying to swallow her nerves along with it. Her eyes drift away from me, scanning the crowd, and I can feel the tension radiating off her. She’s wound up tight, unsure of what’s coming next. Perfect.
I plant myself beside her, letting my arm brush lightly against hers. She tenses at the contact, and I can’t help but smile behind my mask. There’s something so intoxicating about that mix of fear and curiosity in her—it’s a potent combination that makes this whole night even more exciting.