Arcane Firelights Masks Novels & Stories

I needed full anonymity. “Yes,” I said again, firmer this time. “But tonight, I want one.” She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “All right. A mask it is. What color?” Anything but red, nearly slipped from my lips. But that may give away too much and leave room for questions. “What colors are available?” “Five. Blue, green, white, yellow, and red.” Blue was always Moira’s courtesan signature identity, both in Pleasur’io and now in Naked Den. Taking it would be like impersonating her, and the very idea left a sour taste in my mouth.

Magdalena stood in the middle, looking around with a crazed expression on her face. Then, little by little, she began to notice signs that something was wrong. First, she saw broken branches with small pieces of fabric caught on them. They had the same pattern from Sara's dress, as the hair clip. Then she noticed cigarette butts scattered around and the remains of a small fire. It seemed the criminals had tried to burn the masks, but the fire had not been strong enough to destroy the three makeshift masks made from pieces of synthetic fabric. Magdalena reached down, pulled them out of the cold, burned remains of the fire, and carefully unfolded all three.

Everything seemed so surreal. There were four people at beautiful dark wooden tables adorned with the most exquisite masks I’d ever seen. A shorter woman with fiery red hair, wearing nothing more than silver body paint and a mask covered in silver and gold leaves that must have been taken from a magical realm of the gods. The mask covered everything but her entrancing emerald eyes that glowed with a deep green fire. Looking at me, she said with a haunting smile, “I have the perfect mask for you.”

Fortunately, Lucien comes up to us, smirking. “Alright, ladies, let’s move inside.” He ushers us toward the entrance where he submits our tickets and we were offered masks. Rain gets a crystal tassel mask that covers only her nose and mouth while I get a crystal rhinestone balaclava mask. Lucien settles for a Venetian mask. The inside of Dark Side is truly as it was described. A place where fantasy comes to life. You can be naked if you want. You can still choose to be clothed.

“The black one is good for everyday. The white would look nice if you were wearing a cocktail dress. And the brown is a good option if you feel like switching it up.” “Fantastic,” said Greer. “Here,” said Nate , picking up the black mask and helping Mira unwrap the gauze from around her eyes. As he pulled the mask over her eyes, Greer placed the remaining two masks into white boxes, which she then set into a shopping bag with her studio’s logo on the front. “Thank you so much,” said Mira , finding Greer’s hand to shake.

He picked a red mask. “The colour is–” “This is for you,” Sarang interrupted. “You always wear dull colours. Red is considered a lucky and rich colour.” Sarang slipped the mask onto Lucian’s face. It was shaped like an owl, adorned with rhinestones and feathers, cool against Lucian’s skin. Lucian studied his reflection, hands clasped behind him, giving a nod of approval. “Thank you.” Lucian said. Sarang grinned in victory. Lucian chose a blue mask and gently fastened it on Sarang’s face, his fingers caressed his cheeks as his dark eyes lingered.

I ignore her attempt to make small talk with me and lead her to look for our table. As we approach the main gathering area, a waiter appears with a tray of ornate masks. “Alpha, Luna, it’s a masquerade,” he says politely, offering us the tray. “What! Shut the front door… who thought of such a brilliant idea,” Nicole’s eyes light up as she picks a sleek black mask with gold accents. She places it delicately over her face, adjusting it with a practised grace. I on the other hand grab a simple silver mask, slipping it on without much thought.

“And don’t answer to anyone calling you away from the main room. If someone does, come find me immediately. Do you understand?” “Yes,” Emilia said slowly. “But—what’s going on, Mara? What’s this party really about?” Mara didn’t answer at first. Her gaze shifted, scanning the hallway. When she finally looked back, there was something tight in her jaw. “There are things you’re better off not knowing, Emilia. For now, just keep your head down.” With that, she handed Emilia a small box wrapped in black silk. “Your mask.” Inside was a sleek black mask, simple but elegant, with delicate satin ribbons and tiny silver stitching along the edge. Not as ornate as the others she'd seen guests preparing,

Still, she carefully unwrapped the gift, curious to see what was inside. From the cotton used to cushion the interior emerged a lovely artisan-made domino mask. Its base was a midnight black as deep as the secrets whispered in the moonlit gardens, made to cradle the wearer's features within a velvety embrace. From the elegant curvature of the mask’s forehead and temples emerged a celestial dance of silver filigree, forming delicate crescent moons that seemed to capture the very essence of a romantic night. The eyeholes were adorned by intricate silver swirls. Stardust and miniature constellations spiralled around the edges, creating an otherworldly allure.

His limbs obeyed without hesitation, as though he had no will of his own. Then, his palm ignited. Flames burst to life in his hands, licking up his arms, hungry and untamed. The heat radiated in violent waves, distorting the air around him. His fingers flexed, and the fire twisted between them, almost sentient. The four masked figures stiffened. For the first time, fear flickered in their eyes. The woman with the silver mask stumbled back, her voice rising in disbelief. “W-What is the meaning of this, Celestine?! You can’t do this to us! We supplied you with everything you needed!”