Arcane Firelights Masks Novels & Stories

CHAPTER ELEVEN “Amara, you forgot about this.” Amethyst handed me a mask. The mask would only cover half of the wearer’s face, including the forehead and the area surrounding the eyes. It was a masquerade mask. It was shaped like those butterfly wings. It was crafted from silver, with crystal beads designed at its corners and a black sun with four rays at the upper center. It has a lace at both ends. “Who owns it?” Amethyst asked curiously.

Miasma could not stop talking. Ilyria laughed to see her so animated and lively when she had only known her as sweet, sleepy, charo-loving Miasma. Now she was buzzing with talk of the trinkets and gadgets she planned to buy. She held onto Ilyria’s arm as they walked, her other arm looped through Flame’s, a girl with coppery hair and skin pale as goat’s milk. She wore a gold and silver striped mask, like a tiger. Ilyria thought their names were a little obvious, but she could see how they were easy for the clients to remember. She glanced over her shoulder, seeing the three other market goers and behind them, Bonbon and their guardian.

Hasen said as he took out a box and placed it on the table. Amanda grabbed some and examined them. They are modern masquerade ball masks, some of which were white, black, or silver in color. They were embellished with sparkling glitter, side feathers, jewels, and glossy silk. There are half, full, or had handles that cover the upper part of the face. "I will go now, I—" Jin said as he stood up, but he was pushed by back Hasen and Goro. "Hey man! No fair! Have some fun as well!" Hasen pats his back and side-hugged him, "Come with us to the nightclub!"

“He’s auctioning kids, Marcus! What the fuck is going on?” We had already put on the masks Marcus had procured from the trunk of his car – simple, elegant black half-masks that covered our eyes, common enough in these high-society, illicit gatherings to not draw attention. They were meant to conceal our identities, but right now, I felt like mine was screaming.

People in masks spun near the center, and even though it was called a masquerade ball, people didn't need to cover their faces—the masks were just decorative, some shaped like Lycan heads or skulls for dancing. Some people had painted streaks of color across their arms, and some wolves who'd shifted were challenging each other to strength games while vendors shouted over the music, selling drinks in tall crystal flutes. The scent of wild jasmine hung thick in the air. "It's beautiful," I whispered to Tova, and she handed me a glass of something whitish and sweet. "Wildfang specialty, supposed to calm your nerves," she said. I took a sip and it was bubbly and light.

On her feet sat soft-soled tabi boots with segmented soles for near-silent movement, reinforced at the ball and heel for spurts of speed, and Knee-high gaiters strapped with fold-away grappling hooks for scaled walls or rapid retreats. A lightweight half-mask of lacquered steel and leather, covering nose and mouth; built-in carbon filter neutralises toxic fumes. The mask’s surface bears a subtle crimson blossom motif - her personal emblem, visible only when moonlight strikes it just right. Alec had to blink a few times. He was certain this woman with flaming carmine hair and apple green eyes was his mother, even beyond the mask. However, she ignored him and walked right up to Artemis. The wa

"Kaelen isn't stupid. He heard the rumors." ​He tossed me a sword—a sleek, black blade made of obsidian glass. ​"Suit up, Elara," Alaric commanded. "You wanted to know if you were ready? Tonight, we find out." ​"I can't fight them," I said, panic flaring. "If they see me... if Kaelen is with them..." ​"You won't fight as Elara Vance," Alaric said, pulling a mask from a shelf. It was made of bleached bone, shaped like the upper skull of a wolf. It covered the eyes and nose, leaving only the mouth exposed. It was terrifying.

"Maybe not. The decision is up to you. I just did it for your information but I hope we're inside the hideout. Outside let's go back to the past and our hidden Identity, is it clear?" "Yes!" the women answered at once. Everyone had fun. "Guys, do you agree that we should remove our masks at the same time?" Astra asked happily. Dindo is just waiting to see what happens next. He wanted to approach and hug Amore but he felt embarrassed. He was contented to just watch his friend first. He was also happy because she was safe. It’s his fault why she almost perished at Regor’s hands. "Are you all ready? One, two, three-," Astra said then they removed the masks at the same time.

Darren continued to explain as we looked at our masks. I haven’t been to many gatherings, but I doubt others would go so far as to provide custom masks. I glanced at the purple half-face mask Valter was given and the swirls of gold and black decorated it. I then looked at the more delicate purple eye mask in mine and Delilah’s hands with the gold details and purple stones to make a tiara effect. They are gorgeous, and I will keep mine forever, especially if I find my mate tonight. The Madonie pack house was lit up and decorated in rich purple, gold, and black to match the ball’s theme. As we exited the limo, Darren led Valter to the other entrance, where all the males gathered.

She twirled and the red glowed in the candlelight. “I do,” Izzy said, entranced by the look of the skirt. Her mask was made of blood red, Susanna’s was blue, and Izzy’s was a deep, forest green. They tied their masks onto their face and turned to leave. Nate, Logan, and Seth were waiting in the hall, they had been talking with several of the Kreil warriors when the girls finally opened the door to descend to the great hall and the ball. Nate turned with a start, his eyes gleaming with admiration.