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.

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.

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!”

Ava The Packhouse’s main hall felt like an entirely different world. The flickering candles and braziers cast dancing shadows on the walls, and the air was thick with the scent of spiced wine and perfume. Streamers hung from the ceilings, swaying in the breeze created by the dancing throng. But most importantly, the low lighting and the sea of masks made it nearly impossible to distinguish one face from another—exactly as we had intended. The entire pack was here tonight, and the room was crowded with warm bodies and swishing dresses.

Bri just smiled, catching herself in the mirror. Bri I found myself staring at a me I didn’t recognize. I was staring back at a woman who was strong and bold. One with fire in her veins and a heart full of love. Celeste handed me my mask. A beautifully crafted piece, its silver glittered and shone in the light. The designs were cut out so my skin would peak through but my identity would be hidden. The fleur de lis on my brow, the sweeps and swirls of floral designs were etched gracefully, each side the same as the other. White feathers accented the tips of the ears while crystals adorned the brow, in the center and in strategic places across the design. Sweeps and curls depicting whiskers wo

He sighed and brushed his hand in his hair the other hand resting in his pocket and he stopped smiling and said in a deep voice, “Seeing you now is risking my life, you know my first name and for the first time I am not afraid to take such a step.” He turned to me and this time he looked straight in my eyes and he continues, “I will try and come back here to see you. But if I can’t and you can recognize me without my mask when we meet once again, then I won’t hesitate to be yours forever. This I promise.”

Riona flinched, moving her face away. "Who is that?" She asked, her voice hoarse from staying long without water. Her tense body relaxed in the slightest when her mask was left intact. The mask that had defined her whole life as the masked luna. It was no praise but a curse to hunt her ever since the accident when her dad died, she had been living with a scarred face that made people murmur and question her capability as a luna. She has had to wear the mask since the doctors said she would have to live with a ruined face but the wound healed within the month she got it leaving no trace of its existence. Who cares?