After her death

As a couple strolled past the stairs, it was the man who first noticed the figure sprawled unnaturally on the ground. His voice rang out in alarm. "Look there!"

The woman, nestled comfortably in his arm, laughed dismissively. "They must be planning to give us a scare since it's Hallow night. Lord Salvador has placed skeletons all over the mansion. This is probably just another prop."

"Are you sure?" he replied with a frown. He stepped closer, and stated, "It looks like she's bleeding. Wait—this is the woman who was with Lord Hadeon."

The woman's light-hearted demeanour faltered as realisation dawned, and her eyes widened in shock. "That's Lady Mallory…!"

Meanwhile, inside the ballroom, filled with lively chatter and music, Hadeon turned to scan the room for a third time, noticing Mallory hadn't returned. Excusing himself, he pushed through the throng of guests, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses beginning to fade behind him.