Two days later...

The vintage sedan rolled to a stop before the grand entrance of House Desdemona.

Ethan stepped out, was dressed in a tailored three-piece suit. He adjusted the cuff of his sleeve before placing his top hat properly on his head.

There was this grace in the way he carried himself, despite the black masquerade mask placed over his face.

He turned and offered his hand to Princess Isabella who had also stepped out gracefully.

She was breathtaking in the crimson gown that flowed down her frame. The dress hugged her form just enough before cascading outward in soft, flowing layers that trailed slightly behind her.

Resting over her face was a gold masquerade mask, shaped perfectly around her eyes. It added an air of mystery to her already striking presence.

An attendant quickly approached, bowing slightly as Ethan handed over the keys for the car to be driven away.

Almost at the same time, another vehicle arrived.

It was The Arcorys, and they were part of those invited to this gathering.

Mr. Marvin stepped out, looking composed as ever, with his beautiful daughter, Hayley. She held his arm as they walked towards.

Hayley wore a flowing blue gown that accentuated her figure without trying too hard, its simplicity making her beauty stand out even more.

Ethan and Mr. Marvin exchanged a firm nod and a few polite words.

"Good evening Mr Marvin."

"Ah, Ethan my boy, it’s been a while."

It was a short back and forth between them, almost taking the look of a Father who respected his son.

As they talked between themselves, Isabella complimented Hayley. "You look beautiful."

Hayley smiled lightly. "So do you."

Ethan’s gaze flickered briefly toward Hayley as his exchange with Mr. Marvin came to an end. It was quick and subtle, but just enough to take in how beautiful she looked tonight.

Hayley caught it anyway. "Ethan," she said with a teasing smile. "Aren’t you going to say anything? Don’t I look good?"

Ethan smiled back. "Yeah... you look beautiful. It’s a nice dress."

She looked pleased and returned the compliment. "You look like a perfect gentleman."

Ethan gave a nod in acknowledgment.

Mr. Marvin on the other hand, had already been pulled aside by a few other nobles, engaged in conversation some distance away.

With that, they began walking in.

Isabella’s arm rested naturally around Ethan’s right arm as they stepped onto the carpeted path leading into the main house.

Then, without warning, Hayley slipped her hand around his left arm.

Ethan paused for a fraction of a second. Not enough to stop walking, but enough to notice. He then glanced at her smiling face, but said nothing.

Isabella noticed the exchange and smiled, shaking her head subtly.

And just like that, Ethan walked into House Desdemona with both women on his arms.

——

The gathering inside was...alive.

The interior of House Desdemona was nothing short of lavish and classy. The main hall had been transformed into a space of refined grandeur.

Tables covered in white linen were positioned around the room, with each one adorned with fresh flowers and delicate candelabras that flickered softly in the ambient light.

Guests moved through the space, holding conversations that seemed to be mostly pleasantries and suspicious whispers.

And just like Isabella and Ethan, some wore elegant masquerade masks covering only the upper half of their faces, to obscure their identities while leaving just enough visible to maintain recognition for those who knew them well.

The invitation had given them the choice, for those who wished to keep their identities closed off.

Servants in black-and-white uniforms moved through the crowd, carrying trays of crystal glasses filled with wine, champagne, and other refined drinks.

Others bore light dining plates with carefully arranged hors d’oeuvres: delicate pastries, thin slices of smoked meats, cheeses, and garnishes that looked almost too beautiful to eat.

Nobles and certain family leaders who were in good terms exchanged greetings. Business owners spoke in careful euphemisms and then ofcourse there were always Politicians in scenarios like this.

This was not just regular social event. It was a gathering of the top 1%.

Ethan and Isabella had just declined a drink from a servant that offered. Hayley, however, took one, lifting the glass to her lips just immediately.

As the room kept getting filled by new guests, Isabella’s gaze drifted across the crowd, taking in the faces, and the masks.

She saw a few of her siblings, like Alistair who bore no mask, standing among a small group of vampire family leaders. And then there was Sylvia, Alistair’s direct sister, standing beside him.

There was another figure, not so far off. This was Andrea and she wore a mask, though Isabella recognized her instantly.

Bella’s gaze lingered briefly on her siblings, before spreading out to the rest of the gathering.

But Ethan’s attention had drifted towards Hayley whose expressions were beginning to change for the worst.

Her glowing amber eyes were locked onto a single figure moving through the crowd, a masked woman with white hair.

Ethan leaned slightly toward her, lowering his voice. "Hayley... what is it? Why do you look so..."

He stopped briefly when he noticed the fury in her eyes. Hayley didn’t look at him as she replied, "Remember the girl with the white hair... the one who attacked us at the guild? The one who controlled blood?"

Ethan answered. "...Yeah?"

Hayley tilted her head ever so slightly toward the crowd. "That’s her."

Ethan followed her line of sight, until his gaze settled on the masked woman with white hair weaving through the guests. "That’s her?"

Bella, catching the tension in their voices, turned toward them. "That’s who?"

Ethan leaned closer to her and spoke under his breath. "The masked girl with white hair. Hayley says she’s the one who attacked us at the guild."

Bella blinked a few times. Then her expression changed. "...What?"

She turned her gaze toward the woman in question. "...No," she said quietly. "That’s... that’s my sister. Andrea."

Ethan’s eyes widened. So did Hayley’s, though only slightly. Her focus never left the target.

"You’re sure?" Ethan asked, glancing back at Hayley.

Hayley scoffed. "Ethan, I’m a werewolf. I do not forget scents." Her voice dropped further. "That’s her. I’m telling you."

Bella inhaled. Then she leaned closer to Ethan, speaking in a low, measured tone. "The thing is... Andrea’s mother used to be an heir of the Vladimir family before she married our father."

Ethan’s gaze moved back to the white-haired girl. "And the Vladimir family control blood."

Bella nodded.

From across the room, Andrea moved gracefully among the guests, unaware that three sets of eyes were fixed on her.