A masked ball

A lonely spymaster.

I was the spymaster, knowing everything about everyone with his shadow powers. I attend the masked ball, for single fae. Cassian practically made me attend. For this ball the tradition is that females ask out the males, and if a male liked the female, he would give her a flower. I was carrying mine on the pocket, if anyone accept it, we can take off our mask though I knew no one will ever accept me. I was waiting if anyone asked me to dance. The idea is to meet fae based on the connection, not only looks. I was looking elegant all in black, my height striking against the other males, my strong build and dark aura repel females knowing I must be dangerous.

Cassian: come on man… don’t be nervous it’s just a ball.

I look at him. This is ridiculous no one will ask me.

Cassian rolls his eyes and pushes me forward, nearly causing me to stumble.

Cassian: “You’re being dramatic. Look around,

there are plenty of eligible ladies. Just don’t scare them off with your brooding.”

I scans the room with narrower eyes, spotting a few fae chatting in small groups. My fingers twitch slightly, gripping the flower in my pocket.

A female fae notices me and giggles with her friends, whispering something. My jaw tightened, my shadow swirling around my feet in agitation.

...----------------...

...Cassian:...

“See? They’re already interested. Just walk over there and ask her to dance.”

Dude they’re literally making fun of me.

The music swells and couples begin forming on the dance floor. My hesitates, my heart pounding against my chest.

The female fae approaches Cassian. And they start to dance.

And I being I just stand there like big wolf, who needs his mummy.

^^^Then. She approached with a quiet, deliberate grace, the kind that draws attention without asking for it. Her black dress flowed with each step- sleek, fitted, and elegant- contrasting sharply against the soft light around her. The black mask she wore obscured her expression, giving her an air of mystery, as if she carried secrets meant^^^

^^^ only for those she chose to reveal them to. ^^^

“Care to dance,” she asked me.”

Me? I look at her surprised and thinking I’m dreaming. Then, my shadow swirling more intensely, sensing her presence. My hesitant again, then nods once, my voice low and gruff. “Lead the way.”

I extended my hand, the flower still clutching in my pocket. The music changes to a slower rhythm. I hold her hand, her hand is so warm against my calloused from years of wielding my power. The contact makes my shadows pause momentarily, as if surprised by the warmth of another person.

I guided her onto the dance floor, my movements precise and calculated despite my nervousness. The other dancers giving us both a wide berth.

She danced with grace and giving me the smile makes me forget who I was. My breath hitches slightly at her smile, I never been this close to someone before, especially not during a ball. My fingers intertwine with hers, looking down at her.

......................

...“I’m surprised women’s are not interesting in you, “I mean seriously you look like from heaven.”...

A faint blush appears on my cheeks, under the mask. I tried to maintain my usual stoic expression but failed.

“They’re afraid of what I can do. And… I suppose they see the shadow as a warning.”my voice is barely above a whisper, almost shy compared to my usual commanding tone.

“What do you mean.”

I shift my weight: “my power. It’s not just darkness- it’s death. The way I move it’s like shadows are my existence. They can kill as easily as they protect.” My gaze flicked to the other dancers, who are watching us dance with mix of fascination and fear.

She looked at me, “you kill… people.”

I nodded a grim acceptance in my eyes.

“Yes. Many people. It’s my party of my job.” I grip on her hands tightens slightly, almost as if I’m testing myself by being this honest. “But you… you’re different. You’re not afraid.”

“I didn’t know you have killed,”She said.”

A bitter laugh escaped me, though it lacks humor. “My lady how could you? I keep it hidden. The court doesn’t need to know everything about their spymaster.” Most people see the shadow and the darkness. They don’t see the monster.” To my surprise. I expected her to run- excepted fear,disgust, anything that made sense. But instead she just looked at me, calm and steady, as if I hadn’t said anything terrifying at all. Then she smiled, soft but certain,but.She giggles and said.“You’re something else.”

The music swelled again, but I don’t let go. My shadow seem to be fighting against my usual control, reacting to her presence. “You don’t look at me like I’m a monster.I lean in slightly,my voice drooping even lower. “But you’re the first who didn’t flinch when they saw me.”

As the music faded, the announcer’s voice rose gently above the crowd, declaring the end of the dance. Attendants stepped forward, offering the flowers to the ladies as the final gesture of the night’s enchantment. One by one, guests reached up and removed their masks. As she removed her mask slowly and for a heartbeat the room seemed to still. Blue eyes met mine- bright, striking, impossible to look away from. Her pink lips curved into the slightest smile, the kind that said more than words ever could. In the simple moment, as her face come into full view, everything else faded, and all I could think was how stunning she truly was. I know what comes next and my nerves return in full force. I hold the flower out to her, my hands trembling slightly.

“I… I don’t usually do this.”

She accepted the flower with soft, smile, her eyes warming as they met mine. For a moment she simply stood there, holding the delicate petals between her fingers, waiting for me to take off the mask. I swallowed hard, my eyes fixed on her smile.” I hope you don’t regret it.”

I hesitated my hands hovering over the mask. This moment feels monumental as if removing it would change everything between us. With deep breath I slowly remove the mask, revealing my sharp features and those piercing hazel eyes that have seen centuries of war and darkness.

She stares at me for a moment, then said.” My name is Catherien

I repeat her name under my breath, testing it out. My voice is still rough but softer than before.

“Catherine.”

I take a step closer to her my fingers brushing against hers. “You’re different, I repeat, this time with a hint of wonder in my tone. “You’re not scared of me at all.”

“Why will I be,” she said.”

I shake my head slightly a mixture of confusion and disbelief on my face. “Most people are. They see the shadow and they run. You… you’re standing here, talking to me.”

I gesture vaguely to the other couples who are now exchanging mask and stories.

“They don’t even know my name. And no one will be interesting to to know.”

“I will love to know your name. She said.”

My eyes widen little at her words, and a flicker of hope appears in them. I look at her. “ I’m Azriel.”

“Azriel.”

I nod, my expression softened at the sound of my name on her lips. The shadow seem to calm down slightly, reacting to the familiarity. “Yes Azriel.”

I take another step closer, now only a few inches away from her face. “And you’re Catherine. My first dance.”

She smiled. “I also never been to a ball before.”

My eyebrows raise in surprise, and a hint of a smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. “Never? Not even once?”

I was genuinely curious about her admission, as if the idea of her being a virgin to dancing with me is amusing to me.

She replied. “Yes.” She hold my hand.

My breath hitches as her hand meets mine. The shadows around me seem pulse in response, reacting to the contact. I stare at our joined hands, I grip gently but firm.

“You’re not afraid of the shadows either,” I whisper, a mix of shock and disbelief in my voice. “Most fae avoid them.”

“What shadows.”

I glances down at my hand in hers, then back at her with a hint of confusion.

“The shadows I’m holding. They’re… alive. They react to my emotions.”

I squeeze her hand a little, as if to demonstrate the way they swirl and dance around our intertwined fingers.

“They’re dark and dangerous. But you’re holding them like they’re just part of me.”

“I think your shadows are warm and dark, but beautiful to me.”

My heart raced again, and for a moment I lost words. The shadows seem to flicker at her compliment. “Beautiful?” I echoed, my voice barely above a whisper. “No one has ever called them that before. They’re just shadows to everyone else.” I step closer, the space between us shrinking further.

“You’re different from everyone else Catherine.

You see me as something… worthy appreciating.”

“Every one is special to one person I mean to the right person.”

I swallow hard, the intensity of my gaze intensifying. The shadows around us seem to be listening intently to her words.

“The right person,” I repeat, as If trying to understand the concept. “I’ve never been anyone’s priority. My free hand moves up to my chest where my heart beats steadily. “You’re making me feel things I thought were impossible.”

“I’m sorry,” she said.”

I shake my head quickly, “No, don’t apologize. It’s not a bad thing.” It’s just… overwhelming. I’m not used to feeling wanted.”

“Oh.”

“Yes, ‘oh.’ You’re either the bravest or the most foolish person I’ve ever met.”

I pause, studying her face again. “ Or maybe you’re just very epecial. And I’m very lost in you,”

….

My expression becomes more serious, my eyes searching hers as if I’m trying to decipher her thoughts. “You’re not saying much now,” I observers, a slight from forming. “Did I scare you off with my honesty?”

“No it’s something I never thought I could see someone being so honest so genuinely.”

Honesty is rare in our world. Most people hide behind masks and facades.” But I don’t want to hide from you anymore.

… “I have to go.”

My face falls, the mask of indifference slipping back on for a moment before I catch myself.

“Oh.” I let go of her hand reluctantly, my shadows seem to protest the separation.

“When will I see you again?”

She looked at me, “you want to see me again.”

I nod firmly, a flicker of determination in my eyes. “Yes. More than anything.”

The shadows around me swirl more intensely, almost as if they are agreeing with me.” Meet me at the eastern garden tomorrow night. No mask, no people just just us.”

“I cant.”

My expression harden slightly, though there’s a flash of disappointment in my eyes. “Why not? Is it because of your duties?”

My…

I wait patiently, my fingers twitch I wante as If I wanting to reach for her again. “Your duties are important. I understand that.” But I won’t ask you between me and your responsibilities.”

“No darling I don’t have responsibilities at the moment to worry about it.”

“Then… what’s stopping you?” Please, Catherine. I need to know.

I…

I watch her intently my heart catching slightly. “You’re what? You can tell me anything.”

“I have to go.”

I nod slowly. Understanding her reluctance. “I’ll wait for you tomorrow. No matter how long it takes.” I hesitated then add with a hint of desperation. Promise me you’ll come. I need to see you again even if it’s just a moment.”

“I’ll try.” She said.”

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