Arcane Masks Novels & Stories

She says looking at the masks and picking a few up. She’s so sweet, I wonder where she gets her charm from? “Ooo what about these?” she picks up couples masks and I can’t help but giggle at the thought ‘couple’ is that what Troy and I are? “They are pretty cute and will match my dress perfectly.” The ‘women’s’ one is a black lace mask with purple glitter etched around the eyes and what kind of looks like crescent moons, and the ‘males’ one is a simple design, black with the same purple glitter around the eyes and crescent moons. Perfect.

The guys look so dapper in their tuxedos, and when they add their black and gold masks, they turn into mysterious strangers with eyes that ignite the flames deep within me. Jace wears a gold mask that is identical to my own, with black details, and Jude is wearing an all-black mask but looks similar to mine and Jace’s. Glancing at the reflection of us together in the mirror, I find that we look hot as hell. It only tells me that Jace and I are right to want Jude to join us, he’s our missing piece.

But then again, I kept wondering while deleting my first impression of her. Her one-of-a-kind beauty even outshined when her face flushed red. I thought she would be using a mask as well. In that way, we could not see each other's faces. I see her now. And she wasn't ugly to my eyes. "Just keep your mask on, please." She requested, lifting the white blanket to her not-so-gifted breast. Well. I would not give a damn about whether her breasts were bulging or not. Several celebrities and models were not that gifted. What mattered to me was the ten thousand dollar payment.

Longs spiral curls were flowing on my shoulders and on the left side of my head there was a single side braid. "It's so beautiful." I gushed as I turned my head left to right to see myself from all the different angles. "Thank you. Now for the final touch..." Angelica opened the bottom drawer of the vanity table and pulled out a ruby red sequined mask covered with feathers and embroidery. "It will not be a masquerade ball without a mask."

A porter opens the carriage door and Ares grabs my hand. “C’mon!” His face lights up brighter than a full moon’s and we both jump down from the carriage. I almost stumble on my heels before we even reach the main door though. Maybe I should have worn my boots, no one would be able to notice them underneath the long white gown anyways. Quickly, I slide on my mask. It is a simple white mask with tiny diamonds on the side. The diamonds are fake of course. Ares had swiped it from his sister’s collection of trinkets as well.

It was the masks that changed everything for Sun Li. When she brought in those masks, she changed Sun Li’s life forever. I can see now how this single day, put her on the road to her sick and twisted ways. She said, handing out those rubber masks, ‘Now we’re starting a unit on the Commedia dell' Arte.’ Sun Li put one on of the masks and Mrs. Zhang said, ‘Oh Sarah, if you were in the 16th century you would be allowed to wear that mask, The Gnaga: a female disguise for men only.’

Mom rarely swore, but when she did, it was comedy gold. “Thanks, Mom,” I whispered, pulling away and sliding my white mask over my face. It was beautifully crafted: two silver wolves howling at the moon etched into the forehead, with thin black detailing that traced the cheekbones. The mask made me feel different—stronger, bolder. Like maybe I could fake bravery for one night. “I’m going to find Alpha and Luna Silvermane,” she said, squeezing my hand once before disappearing into the crowd. And just like that, the warmth of her touch vanished.

I forced myself to look away, to not scan their faces for Marjorie’s. Something twisted in my gut when two stylists approached me. They were wearing masks, all of them were. These weren’t ordinary masks made from plastic or fabric, rather some kind of stone with veins of pale marble and shimmering gold. Up close, they were both beautiful and intimidating. Apart from the eyes staring out at me, I could have believed they were statues brought to life by magic. They didn’t speak or touch me as they led me into the dressing room and through another set of doors. I tried and failed not to glance over at the other doe’s, each one barefoot and wearing a plain white robe.

Not only did the masks they handed us match our attire, but each one was embellished with details that seemed tailored to who we were. Azrael’s had wolves leaping along the silver material, howling at a moon just out of sight. Draco’s was similar, though his wolves were larger, interwoven with wisps of darkness, fierce as they stalked their way across his mask with hackles raised and teeth bared. Orion’s, whilst also sporting a few wolves, had bursts of magic that trailed down his temples and across his high cheekbones. Holding mine in my hands, I traced the glittering black material with a trembling fingertip. At the center of my forehead was a crescent moon overlayed with tiny gemstones. C

She danced and mingled with ease, while I found solace at the bar, sipping on a drink and watching the partygoers from afar. As the night progressed, I found myself feeling more at ease with the party's anonymity. The masks allowed me to forget about my past and embrace the mystery and intrigue of the night. But that all changed when I saw him - a tall, dark stranger, dressed in a black suit and mask. He stared at me, making me feel uncomfortable. I quickly averted my gaze, pretending to be interested in my drink, but he approached me nonetheless. "Hey there, beautiful. May I have this dance?" he asked, his voice smooth and low.