Casmian knew Xiran was dead serious. He rubbed his cheek where Xiran had punched him. This was his mess and he had to get everyone out of it or someone would end up dying or getting seriously hurt.

"Xiran! Wait, listen to me," Casmian rose to his feet and stopped Xiran by grabbing his shoulder before he could leave his study. Xiran jerked himself free and faced him.

"I trusted and respected you Casmian. But going for my girl is a low blow. I know I don’t deserve her but I am extremely selfish when it comes down to my Leia. I won’t share because I am the only person she loves. Did your brother ask her if she loved him?"

This threw Casmian into a pickle because he knew she didn’t reciprocate Jaguar’s feelings or he would have said she loved him too. The silence dragged on and Xiran gave him a dangerous smile that was not reflected in those intense eyes, they were like smouldering thunderclouds about to send forth the jolts of electric bolts.

"He said they are working on it," Casmian slowly spoke, making Xiran scoff in return.

"It will never work, she will never love him. Your brother is delusional and I am going to end that fantasy of his when I separate his heart from his body," a wave of fear ran down Casmian’s spine. He didn’t want to make Xiran into an enemy, knowing they had overstepped. He wanted to continue their friendship.

"Xiran, let me talk to my brother. I request you to give me a little time until this ball is over. I promise to send her safely back and Kamian will step away from her. As a friend, I bid you to spare his life because this is my mess and he didn’t know your relationship with Aselia."

Xiran contemplated for a while, he didn’t want Aselia to get hurt in the process.

"Clean up your mess Casmian. I want that man as far away from her as possible. You have until the ball is over because I won’t be asking him nicely after that," with a final glance towards Casmian Xiran turned and opening the door, left for the hall.

—---------------------

Aselia and Jaguar entered the hall with her hooking her hand in his bent arm with his hand resting on his chest. Her eyes widened at the elegance, which seemed to have transported her into a world of enchantment and mystery. The grandeur of the masquerade ball was evident in every corner of the well-decorated hall.

The walls were draped in cascades of luxurious fabrics, adorned with shimmering gold and silver trimmings. The delicate folds of satin and lace billowed like ethereal clouds, creating an atmosphere of intrigue and serenity.

Glowing chandeliers, resplendent with a myriad of crystal prisms, cast a soft, warm silvery light on the hidden faces of the dancers which reflected from their adorned masks, ready to be unveiled.

The hall was transformed into a symphony of sights and sounds. Miscellaneous masks of various shapes, sizes and colours adorned the walls, showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of talented artisans. Feathers, sequins, crystals and gemstones adorned their surfaces, catching the light and casting a kaleidoscope of colours throughout the hall.

Suspended from above were cascading garlands of fragrant flowers, interwoven with silken ribbons creating an enchanting canopy that embraced the revelry below.

A grand stage stood at the far end of the hall, adorned with velvet curtains and golden tassels. The King sat on his throne with both his queens at his sides, in marvellous gowns, their faces hiding behind intricately designed masks.

As they stepped further in, elegantly dressed waiters moved gracefully, with trays of bubbly champagne, serving the guests. Jaguar took two glasses and offered one to Aselia. She quietly took it and began to sip the fine wine.

As the music swelled, laughter and whispers filled the air, blending with the rustle of gowns and the clinking of glasses. The well-decorated hall for the masquerade ball was captivating all who stepped foot within its ethereal embrace. It was a haven where masks concealed identities so everyone could blend in.

"Come! Let’s dance," Jaguar whispered to her, guiding her toward the dance floor, where numerous couples were entwined in each other’s arms, dancing and chatting away. They began to sway with the rhythm of the beautiful music.

"This seems straight out of a fairytale. I never thought I would attend such a ball in my life," Aselia had her mouth hanging open as she confessed to Jaguar who smiled at her, his eyes focusing on her painted lips. He twirled her around and caught her in his robust arms.

Jaguar had earlier guessed that the man was indeed Xiran because he was one of a kind. He had never seen anyone with such long silver hair and those grey eyes were unique only to him.

But after knowing his relationship with Aselia and the way he abandoned her, he decided to not tell her about him. So, he lied. He didn’t know Xiran well but the possessive glances Xiran gave Aselia told him that he had not given up on her. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

But Jaguar was not a quitter and he had made up his mind to fight for her, he knew Casmian would support him, besides Aselia didn’t even remember the guy, how much effect he could have on her, unaware that he was so dead wrong.

"You seem lost," Aselia murmured as he gently swayed her.

"It’s nothing," he plastered a fake smile on his face so she won’t get worried, "Just stay close to me and not leave my side at any cost," Aselia nodded at him and began to enjoy the music and chatter of people around her.

She noticed that a confident-looking man clad in a hue of melted gold and adorning the same coloured mask approached them. A slick back-combed blonde hair covered the entirety of his head. There was this smirk playing on his lips as he stopped near them and tilted his head at Jaguar.

"Big Brother, needs you. I am to entertain the lady in your absence," his words reeked of sarcasm and mischief. Jaguar’s hold on Aselia tightened and his body became stiff like a tree.