17 The Masquerade Part 2

Most of the guests had already arrived by the time I arrived. This was good I thought to myself,

my entrance would be less noticeable.

Stepping out of the carriage, I made my way into the mansion. Still in awe of its absolute beauty.

Loud music was playing in the ballroom. Music I hadn't heard before.

It was dark and dramatic, the violinists seemed to drag their bows across the string as their violins let out sorrowful cries. The tempo was erratic, slowing down and speeding up in odd bursts. It made me feel uneasy.

The ballroom was darkly lit, looking up I noticed the crystals on the chandelier had been replaced with stained glass. It gave the room a red tint appearing as if we were under a blood moon.

Everyone around me wore intricate masks that concealed their face, some only half concealed like mine and others fully concealed, There were wolves and lions, butterflies and cats. Some woman adorned their hair like magnificent peacocks. It was incredible.

I wasn't able to recognize anyone around me as they spoke in their little circles and danced around the ballroom in waves.

"Good evening, Miss Blackwood." Next, to me, a tall figure had appeared. I recognized the velvet style of his coat and although he wore a mask, I could see his dark eyes clearly.

"Good evening, Lord De Lioncourt... err. I was pleased to receive your invitation." I smiled as I bowed, "My parents were sorry that they could not join us tonight. They have gone to the coast. My father had business matters to attend to."

He nodded slightly as he listened, "I see, so you are alone then?" His smile made me uneasy.

" yes, milord."

He took hold of my hand and begun guiding me to the dance floor, "We shall have to take good care of you then. But for now, let me introduce you to my eldest, Silas." A tall man met us halfway in the center of the dance-floor.

Releasing my hand he replaced it with his sons, "It's a pleasure, Miss Blackwood. My father has told me of you and your family. I am glad to finally meet you for myself." His voice was deeper than Caleb's and had a thicker accent similar to the Lord.

Although he seemed friendly enough there was a strange tone to his voice, he too wore a masque – A Crimson Skull, but it completely concealed his face. All I could make out was his hair, I expected it to be dark like his fathers but it was silver-white and cropped short around his face and his eyes were lilac in color. I had never seen eyes like his before.

"Would you honour me with a dance?" Taking a hold of my waist he glided me effortlessly across the floor, matching the timing of the music perfectly. Unlike Caleb, he was rougher with his movements, more determined to lead. Guiding me as if I were a puppet on his strings.

We danced silently as he jerked me around the room, not once did he hurt me, but he was almost forceful with the way he danced, it was passionate and dominating.

As the tempo of the music slowed he drew me closer, "Everyone is staring at us." he whispered amusingly.

I looked around the room and noticed the eyes on us as we danced. "Staring at you." I corrected, "They have no reason to stare at me. you, however, are a very good dancer."

"You underestimate yourself Miss Blackwood." his eyes were piercing my very core.

"You flatter me, Ser."

This man was intimidating like his father, There was a coldness to him. I felt uneasy in his arms.

The music died down and the dance came to an end. Silas bowed in front of me, "I look forward to dancing with you again Miss Blackwood. Please enjoy the rest of my masquerade. I am sure our paths will cross again tonight." and with that being said he walked off to join a crowd of guests across the room.

I looked around and still hadn't managed to see Caleb anywhere, I began to wonder if he was even here tonight.

Why would he miss his brothers masquerade? Unless he was avoiding someone, avoiding me perhaps.

Remembering the room he had taken me to upstairs, I decided to go and look for him.