Chapter 13

"Under the moon's silver glow, I'll linger until dawn. Till I see your eyes."

.

The carriage glided smoothly along the snow-covered path, its wheels crunching the frosty layer. Inside, Belladonna sat, smoothing her ball gown's delicate folds. A smile spread across her face as the distance to Lord Valitis' mansion dwindled. The gown's silk rustled as she shook the cloth in a playful manner, admiring its intricate patterns.

"This feels like a fairy tale," she whispered, her eyes sparkling. "Like Cinderella's transformation."

Headstone's gaze drifted from the window, his expression tense. "You look stunning, Belladonna." His voice, with distraction.

"Are you okay?" Her brow's furrowed.

Headstone blinked, his eyes refocusing. "Just thoughts." He reassured her with a nod, his hands still clasped behind his head.

Belladonna's smile faltered. She had to change the subject, "What about Darren, the Half-vampire hunter? Did he complete his mission?."

"He's fine." Headstone's gaze returned to the window. "I'm sure he succeeded."

Belladonna's curiosity persisted. "He said he'd save everyone. Were there other residents in the town who went to the merchant's mansion?"

Headstone's silence stretched before he replied, "No... I just wanted it handled, That's the merchant's death, before we return to Evergreen after winter."

Belladonna's eyes narrowed, but she said no more. Instead, she adjusted the black mask covering her face. The soft fabric molded to her features, secured by a delicate rope tied behind her head. The mask's edge grazed the tip of her nose, and each time, it felt quite odd than comfortable.

Headstone's dark blue mask, covering only half his face, seemed to blend seamlessly with his skin. No visible straps or ties held it in place, puzzling Belladonna.

As the carriage halted beside the other vehicles, Belladonna gazed out at Lord Valitis' mansion. Fear seemed to cling to the henchmen perched atop the carriages, their faces gaunt, eyes sunken. Yet, they sat impervious to the biting cold.

The henchman assisting Belladonna down from the carriage offered a stoic face, his outstretched hands devoid of warmth. "Thank you," she smiled, but her gesture vanished before his expressionless mask. Seeing this, she added, in a mumble, "Or maybe not."

Headstone descended from the carriage, adjusting his tuxedo with a flick of his wrist. The Proud Bevy's leader, had mocked this very outfit as "Rotten old cloth." Headstone suppressed a retort, knowing better than to engage with a sharp-tongued woman. He knew fully well a word of exchange against a woman, would be futile.

With that said and done, he headed towards the door, With Belladonna joining him. Her eyes roved over the mansion's unsettling facade: an ancient well stood sentinel to the left, while a withered tree loomed, its branches like skeletal fingers grasping for the moon. She shivered at this sight.

"DON'T TALK TO ANYONE," Headstone whispered as she came to his side, his eyes locked on hers. "JUST NOD AND PLAY NUMB. OKAY?"

Belladonna nodded, her gaze darting to the mansion's entrance.

Just as Headstone raised his hand to knock, the door swung open, revealing a butler with a croaked voice and a monocle on his right eye. "Welcome, Mister....."

"I'm Headstone. Mister Headstone," he replied.

The butler's gaze snapped into focus as he adjusted his monocle. A flicker of recognition crossed his face. "Oh, Mister Headstone! Lovely to see you again. My Master will be pleased."

Headstone gulped subtly at these words, but Belladonna remained oblivious to his anxiety. The butler turned to her, "Miss? Or Mrs?"

She nodded, recalling Headstone's instruction to remain silent. The butler's confusion deepened, "My Lady?"

Headstone intervened, suppressing frustration, "She's my friend's niece, and she's... numb."

The butler nodded understandingly, "Oh, do forgive me, My Lady."

Belladonna offered a slight bow, determined to maintain her silence throughout the ball. However, as the butler swung open the door, the grandeur within stole her breath.

"Beautiful!" she exclaimed, forgetting her vow of silence.

The Butler hearing this, gazed at Headstone who laughed nervously, "It comes and go."

Now, the lavish hall bustled with elegantly dressed guests, their laughter and gentle violin music filling the air. Candles lined the hall, with a majestic chandelier illuminating the center. Belladonna's gaze roamed, captivated by the varied ball gowns and black tuxedos.

One figure stood out – a man with striking white hair, dressed in an imposing outfit. The mysterious man wore a long, dark coat, its collar framing his striking white hair. His white shirt's lace trim seemed almost ethereal in the candlelight. Black leather gloves encased his hands and black trousers clinged to his knee. The presence he had, commanded respect, and notably, he wore no mask. This made Belladonna know it wasn't everyone she had to talk to.

Just as she stepped further into the hall, the butler ushered Headstone down a separate path. Seeing this, Belladonna's heart sank.

"Why would he leave me alone?" she whispered to herself, anxiety creeping in.

She drifted toward a lavish table, laden with wine, fruits, meats, and an enigmatic red liquid.

As Belladonna reached for a grapefruit, a red-haired girl approached, wearing a simple yet exquisite purple turtleneck gown. Her sad face and fragile demeanor stood out amidst the ball's opulence.

Breaking the silence rule, Belladonna decided to make a new friend. She smiled and greeted, "Hi."

The girl turned to her side then back, surprised, and pointed to herself. "To me?"

Belladonna nodded. "Yes, hi."

The girl bowed elegantly. "Evening, My Lady."

Belladonna's confusion deepened. "Why bow? We're probably the same age."

"Not the same status," the girl replied, her voice laced with resignation.

Belladonna sensed something amiss. "Look here, I'm from Evergreen, a small town—"

The girl's eyes widened. "So you're the leader?"

Belladonna clarified, "No, just a resident."

"Oh, I'm sorry... Please, punish me if I offended you. The name's Coraline."

Belladonna reassured her, "I'm Belladonna."

Coraline's smile faltered. "May I converse with you?"

With each words spoken, Belladonna found Coraline's deference unsettling. "Must you ask before doing anything?"

Coraline's eyes dropped. "Yes... Is that okay? Can I freely speak with you?."

Belladonna however agreed with a nod. She knew trying to lecture the red hair would deem impossible.

"What brings a beautifully dressed maiden like you to this cursed mansion?" Coraline whispered.

Belladonna began to explain, "Our town struggled to find food, so Mister Headstone made a deal with Lord Vali—"

Coraline's face contorted in fear. "Lord who?"

"Lord Valitis," Belladonna replied.

Coraline's eyes wild with terror, she grasped Belladonna's hands tightly.

"Leave!" she urged. "Before it's too late. Before he claims you as payment for his hospitality."