Arcane Masks Novels & Stories

exactly what they came for. **** The evening sun set behind the horizon, bathing the resort in a gentle glow as Cassia and her friends got ready for the masquerade ball Quinn had insisted they attend. The excitement was evident as they picked out their masks. Cassia’s mask was elegant, black with gold accents, shaped like delicate wings that framed her face. It perfectly matched her flowing dark dress, giving her a mysterious yet stunning look. Kiara’s mask was bold and vibrant, decorated in red with feathers, while Quinn went for something simple but sparkling, lined with silver beads.

Act like I was something they owned and turn to raw muscle powers and force if I didn’t obediently bow my head and agree. The kitchenette door slammed open, and I quickly wiped my face off with my sleeve. I washed down the food that felt like it had expanded in my throat and mentally put on my old mask. I turned around to face the person waiting at the door with a smile and playfully arched a brow. My heart beat harder, and I struggled to keep my smile normal and don’t let it be too stiff. Arcane eyes looked over me with caution, taking me in and threatening to rip my smiling mask off. And for a second, I feared that he would manage it. So, like nothing happened, I turned back to my food but

I do not want to lose my only family. Kinuha ni Nanay ang pot holder na nakalapag sa isang mesa bago buksan ang bagong lutong pagkain. The smoke from the newly stewed pork mounted and spreading on to the high ceiling. Iwinasiwas ko ang kamay para alisin ang usok na tumatakip sa paningin. Nanay was wearing a mask to keep herself from being exposed in too much smoke.

The sun set did not deter the onslaught of noble from the three worlds and students from experiencing the famed newly city after the execution of the criminal, the city that never sleeps, especially at the night of the Lunar Festival. The citizens and tourists wore the splashes of kaleidoscopic masks crafted by talented artisans in the three worlds with stretched grins. “Masks for the Lunar Festival, everyone! One spirit stone for three pieces of masks!” A fairy merchant with a protruding belly held out his hands to the crowd passing by his stand as he showed them a couple of masks. Masks carved into a demon, an angel, a wizard, a fairy, and the kraken. “Mom! Mom!” One zombie kid tugged his

Yet, it added an air of mystery and intrigue to the evening, leaving me both nervous and exhilarated at the same time. As the makeup artist began to pack up her tools, I turned to Miriam with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "What's the significance of the masks?" Miriam smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "The masks allow guests to conceal their identities, adding an element of mystique to the festivities. Each guest will be wearing a mask that reflects their wolf." I glanced down at the pristine white mask in my hands, a sudden wave of uncertainty washing over me. Would my mask, reflecting the image of a white wolf, give away my true identity as the White Wolf?

Adorning the edges of the mask were wisps of lace-like filigree, curled fingers crooked in a beckoning welcome, luring one in as surely as an anglerfish might draw in an unsuspecting fish. Finally, there was the ribbon trailing from each side; silk-soft and the colour of refined obsidian. The mask was a symphony of delicate intricacies, a dance of torrid passion frozen in the form of a porcelain attire. Vivienne was almost afraid to touch it, let alone wear it. “Is this…” she lifted it out of the box with her fingertips. “Marcus, it’s beautiful! Where did you even get this? How did you know I was going to wear red?”

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.

Miya said, and luna Nesta nodded. “In that case, all of us represent Arcanes. All of us pick up properties from people around us to form an identity of our own. If we see on a broad scale, none of us have a unique identity of our own, we borrow identities of others now and then and dispose of parts of those identities like the skin of a snake. Don’t we?” I said. Luna Nesta smiled, “you are absolutely right, Diana. Maybe Zephyr is indeed normal because Arcanes are normal too. They are the invasive species of the Gloom forests.”

"Do I really have to wear this?" Ivy asked, staring at the mask in her hand—a sleek piece made of deep black velvet, its shape narrowing at the corners to elegantly frame her features. There were no gaudy feathers, no over-the-top embellishments. Just a single satin ribbon meant to be tied at the back. Simple, but striking in its elegance. Mysterious. Alluring. “Does everyone have to wear masks to a MaC banquet?” Ivy raised one brow, glancing at Josh, who sat beside her, perfectly relaxed in the backseat of the car.

Behind my own mask, I feel strangely free, as if that small piece of red lace grants me temporary invisibility, a chance to be just another servant, indistinguishable amidst the crowd of masked nobles. The guests are evidently nobles, easily identifiable by their luxurious attire and the jewels glimmering in the gentle light. The fine fabrics, rich with intricate details, the silks, brocades, and lace, each piece chosen with utmost care, speak of a life of opulence and privilege. The masks covering their faces are as varied as the stars in the sky, some adorned with exuberant feathers, others encrusted with gemstones, each a symbol of status and wealth.