Secrets And Masks Cover Art Novels & Stories

A disposable face mask. And something else. Something silver. My brows slowly creased into a frown. I bent down slightly and reached into the bin. When I pulled it out… My heart stopped. It was a mask. A silver mask. Covered in tiny glittering crystals that sparkled under the bathroom light. My grip tightened around it. I knew this mask. There was no doubt in my mind. I had seen this mask before. Over. And over. And over again. In my dreams.

Adults, some in masks, others in more subtle disguises, laughed and conversed, the air was thick with the aroma of roasted nuts and sweet pastries. "I never expected it to be something like this," I said, my eyes wide as I stared at everyone. Seth chuckled behind me and leaned forward. "I know, that's why I insisted you came," I turned to look at me in the eyes, his eyes were warm, nothing like those I saw at the ball, not even when we first met. His smile seemed to be from his heart, I found myself smiling widely at me, my body subconsciously swaying to the rhythm.

But he turned to the band with a flourish, and they began playing another swing tune. I looked at the masks on the walls again, then around at all the masks people were wearing. “What’s wrong?” Zane asked. “Nothing,” I said. He looked at me. I shrugged. “There’s a lot of symbolism from human culture in these masks, but it’s not being used right.” “What do you mean?” “Well, take that one.” I pointed at the one directly above the bass player. “The colors are orange and black, which would indicate Halloween, but there are hearts on it with ‘I LUV U’ and ‘BE MINE’ on them, which are Valentine’s Day candies.”

It held the fire before giving in. I understood the feeling. On the fourth morning, I received an unexpected package. Wrapped in plain canvas, sealed with unmarked wax. Inside, a single item: a mask. Black, carved from something harder than wood, softer than stone. The same sealed-eye emblem from the masquerade auction rested at the brow, but fainter this time. A different version. And a note. No signature. Just two words: “Another stage.” I smiled, just slightly. Because I understood now. The engagement was never the final act. It was just the scene change.

The night before, while Ruby was out on the balcony deep in conversation with Seth, I had slipped a tracker into her purse, tucked inside her favorite tube of lipstick. As expected, her location started to move, first away from the office, then stopping at the Horton Hotel downtown. What irony–that was where we had our wedding. That wedding day snapshot remained my wallpaper all this time. Seven years ago, she was in white, clinging to my arm, tears of joy streaming down her face. Who would have guessed that seven years later, she would be at that same hotel for a secret rendezvous with another man? Of course, I was not in any hurry.

“Ugh, true.” He suddenly snapped his fingers. “What if your name has something about your mask? You’ll be wearing it in the pictures anyway.” I looked down at the small silver mask lying beside me. He had ordered them not long ago and it arrived in a jiffy. He’s really excited for this. “Oh yeah, every mysterious designer needs a mask. I got you three. One silver, one black, one full-face with crystals. No big deal.” I picked up the silver one.

--- AT THE PRIVATE ISLAND As the yacht stopped, the engine fell silent, leaving only the gentle splash of waves. The pier glowed under golden lights, and a cool breeze carried the salty scent of the ocean, brushing against my hair. Demetri turned to me, reaching into his coat pocket. Without a word, he pulled out an intricate masquerade mask, a deep burgundy red with gold embellishments that shimmered under the dim lights. Carefully, he lifted it, securing it over my face. His fingers lingered briefly along my jaw before pulling away.

I jerked and opened my eyes only to see the amusing Blake watching me intensively. "I'm sorry," I mumbled while rubbing my eyes to let go of the remaining sleep in my eyes. "Here! He handed me a book where the word "THE HIDDEN SECRETS" written over the girl's naked back along with some random lines, but the line was too small to read. "Yes! Yes! Yes! We did it!!" Unconsciously I kissed his cheeks and we both froze on our spot. It's just a baby kiss, he won't mind, right? But his eyes say otherwise.

he said. "I am patient," I stated. Deep down, I wasn't that patient. He said, looking at my lips. "I'm not going to be gentle with you tonight, Johan. Be prepared for that,' He kissed my lips lightly, sat properly, and then handed me a mask. It was a black mask, shiny and lovely. "Begin driving to Diego's club,' Haru said, and I was surprised to see a man inside the car. Oh, my goodness. What if something happens and he tells everyone about what he saw? I didn't even realize he was in the car with us.

Nathaniel stood by my side, his unwavering support and love serving as a constant reminder that I was not alone in this journey. But just when I thought the storm had finally passed, a new twist emerged, threatening to shake the foundation of our hard-earned peace. One evening, as I returned home from a long day of rehearsals, a package awaited me at the doorstep. Intrigued yet cautious, I opened it to find a meticulously crafted mask, its porcelain surface adorned with intricate patterns. A chill ran down my spine as I recognized the mask. It was the signature symbol of an enigmatic secret society, rumored to hold immense power and influence. Fear gripped me once again, as the memories of t