Secrets And Masks Cover Art Novels & Stories

Isla~ I hated masks. Not just because they itched or made it hard to breathe...or, worse, messed with my makeup, but because they were the perfect metaphor for everything I had grown to despise in this new world of mine: secrecy, deception, danger dressed in elegance. "Do we really have to wear these stupid things?" I grumbled, holding the ornate mask delicately between my fingers as the limo hummed smoothly beneath us. Dante didn't say anything right away. He was seated beside me in the back of the stretch limo, his posture relaxed as ever, one long leg casually draped over the other. He turned his head toward me, eyes gleaming with quiet amusement behind his unreadable expression.

And, masked man is really basic, I honestly expected her to be a little more creative. "Let's just say I have got my reasons for using this mask, that hides everything." I answered her, trying to let her know about how stupid her question sounds specially when I am standing packed like a bundle of secrets in front of her. And, secrets are not meant to be shared. "Not everything." She said, almost immediately, making me frown in confusion. "Your eyes," She pointed at my eyes with her index finger before adding in a soft yet somehow authoritative voice, "They are visible."

"Hello, brother." Men wear their signature plain black mask that only covers their eyes and women wear their embellish golden half-mask with intricate design to hide their identity. Garrulous speeches and chatterings from the horde of businessmen quickly filled the auction house. Trevor and Sumire walk among them can't help but astonish to see the simple yet elegant black handrail, art galleries hanging on the wall of red and the golden baluster artistically drawn on the spiral stair is truly admirable.

“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.

I wanted to rip the mask off, to let him see the monster and the woman, and to lose myself in the heat of his embrace. But as his fingers moved toward the silk ribbons at the back of my head, a cold splash of reality hit me. I am a murderer, I reminded myself. I am an impostor in a dead girl's palace. He is a man of the South, a man of secrets. If I let him see me—truly see me—I would lose the only armor I had left. The power of my eyes was my greatest weapon, but my mask was my greatest shield. Just as his fingers brushed the knot of the ribbon, I grabbed his wrist. My grip was unnaturally strong, fueled by the desperation of a cornered animal.

She fought back tears, not wanting to give Nicholas any more questions. “Why all the secrecy, is it so bad that you can’t tell me what’s going on?” Aria’s gaze dropped for a moment. “All your answers are in there.” She stood from the seat and slipped her shades back on, but before she could leave, Nick held her forearms in place.

Previously, I used to wear a mask that covered the face from the nose down. But this gift from Kacey was different. With a dark color, this traditional engraved mask covers the nose up. “Wow! This is very cool. Is this the mask I'm going to wear to the gig tonight?” I asked. "Yeah, you should wear it," Kacey replied, "what do you think?" "This is cool," I said, "I never thought I would wear a mask that covers the top of my face." "I'm glad you like it," Kacey said.

I put the lid on the counter and grabbed the envelope, opening it. "It's more profitable to bind together in the wrong direction than to be alone in the right one. To an evening of mischief and unforeseen allies, Balor." I furrowed my brow as I read over the letter again. "What a strange man," I muttered to myself. I placed the envelope down unfolded the tissue paper. My breath caught in my throat as I took at the beautiful mask. It was covered in black feathers. Diamonds were encrusted into the silver spirals that sat on the top ends of the mask. A black ribbon made of the softest velvet sat on each side to secure it to my face. As I moved onto the dress, my hands froze.

And now they were here, expecting a stranger to dance for them. But Genny recovered almost instantly. A slow, wicked smile formed behind her black lace mask. If anything, this made it even more thrilling. As the slow, sensual music started. She began to move. She wore a sheer black babydoll that barely reached the top of her thighs, with matching lace panties underneath. A delicate black mask covered the upper half of her face. The moment the music started, Genny began to move in a slow, sexual manner.

“Not here - later..” she mindlinked him. A neutral mask slipped over Marcus’ face as he understood and sat back. Laptops and notes spread out, the scent of Althea’s freshly brewed coffee mingling with anticipation. Damien, Beta Althea, and Gamma Leo joined them again, their presence a testament to the growing alliance against the Nightshade Pack. It was going to be a long night.