Masks From The Town Novels & Stories

I nodded slowly. “I know it’s a mask, Akayda.” My eyes locked on hers. “Why do you have this mask?” It was a simple question. But the real question I was asking was much deeper. Why do you have Jade Firefly’s mask? She looked away. That was the first red flag. Then she smiled nervously. “It was from a costume party. Er… Mel forgot it was a costume party so we had to get masks there.” Her voice wasn’t steady. And she still wouldn’t look me in the eye.

Inside, the space resembled a luxurious boutique with plush velvet seating, elegant vanities, and an entire wall dedicated to masks of every description… from simple silk dominos to elaborate feathered creations worthy of a Venetian carnival. "Select whatever speaks to you," Madam V said, gesturing to the display. "For your first visit, I recommend something that feels comfortable while still providing adequate coverage, it will make you feel more comfortable… safe." Honey approached the wall, her fingers skimming over the various options. She was drawn to a deep emerald mask adorned with delicate copper filigree that matched her dress perfectly. The mask covered from her forehead to just ab

Ruby, upon hearing my voice, looked up from the policewoman's arms, her eyes swimming in tears. Her look was a tangled mess of emotions: fear, shame, but above all, a desperate hope, like she was clinging to a lifeline, and a barely perceptible flicker... A silent question, checking if I was sticking to the plan. Choking back sobs, she reached for me. "Honey... honey..." I moved quickly, brushing past Seth's scorching stare, and wrapped Ruby in my arms, shielding her from the prying lenses with my back, a fortress of protection.

I watched with fascination as skilled artisans crafted a custom dress for me, the fabric flowing like water in their expert hands. My hair was styled into an elegant updo, adorned with delicate jewels that caught the light with every movement. As the makeup artist delicately applied the final touches, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves in the pit of my stomach. What would the night ahead hold? This was all so new, so unfamiliar. But nothing could have prepared me for what came next. Miriam handed me a mask, its intricate design reflecting the visage of a majestic wolf. "It's tradition for the guests to wear masks at the masquerade," she explained, her voice tinged with excitement.

A gasp escaped my lips as the light shone on Nana, seated on a chair in the middle of the large room, her mouth gagged and fear written all over her face. A man, dressed in black and in a black mask stood behind her with a gun to her head. "No!" I whispered as I looked on. "So this is the knight in shining armor?" A voice came from my right and I almost jumped out of surprise. There was another man dressed like the first man, sitting on a chair to my right. "Who are you and what do you want?" I asked angrily. "I just want what is mine." His voice was so calm as he spoke. It was eerily calm, like he had done it numerous times, and taken the lives of some unlucky few.

“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.

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.

After a glance, the guard nodded and motioned for someone behind him to bring out three identical masks. These masks weren't the ornate opera-style ones used at parties thrown by the Lowe family. They were plain, white half-masks, stripped of any decorative flair.

She replied and, like a mother, she held my hand and pulled me to the corner where a man sells vagina masks. “Need pretty masks for the party, I got the best”. The man was American, I could tell that from his accent. “Give us two”. Laura said. The man selected two masks from the pile of masks on his table. “Have this”. He handed the masks to Laura. “Three cents”. Laura took the masks from him and dropped a dollar bill on the man’s desk. “Here is three cents and a tip”. She turned to me and handed one of the masks to me. “Have your mask, Betty”.

Some action was needed. -They live on the outskirts of town," he added, "They have a huge mansion," he sighed, and it seemed to me to be a melancholy sigh. -You say that like you've been there before," I muttered. She cleared her throat, playing dumb. -Anyway, I think they're here," he announced, looking at the entrance. I followed his gaze. There Jack was coming in, with three more guys behind him, all of them in suits, with perfect masks on their faces, simple black masks that only covered the eye area. Like the one on the guy who threw the tray at me. -They are so handsome," I heard Carla say.