Welcome To Masquerade Novels & Stories

A spark runs through me, tingling where I shouldn’t still feel him. I shake it off like a guilty pleasure. Sighing, I reach for something safer. A black dress. It’s long, simple, not revealing and definitely do not scream for attention. But it’s body-hugging and I wonder if I’m ready for that kind of closeness… with myself. Still, it will have to do. Anya will outshine me, anyway. She always does and honestly, I’ve made peace with being the dim light in her galaxy. It’s already seven and the invitation Mama left says eight-thirty. So, I have enough time. Apparently, it’s a masquerade event. How fitting for me. Rich people wearing masks to fundraise a system that’s already broken.

I said calmly, “I did not ask for your opinion. I said you are coming.” Her throat worked as she swallowed. She nodded without speaking, but fear clung to her like a second skin. What exactly scared her so badly about Evergreen? Before she could answer, I continued, “Your customized mask will arrive before nightfall.” She froze. “…Mask?” she repeated slowly. “Yes.” I grabbed my cloak. “The wedding is masquerade-themed. Every guest must wear a gold mask. Including you.” Relief flooded her so visibly I almost laughed. Suspicious little thing.

As her thoughts returned, she realized Shawn had appeared at her side, casually wiping a highball glass. “Why not find some fun after being cooped up on the island for so long?” He smiled, elegantly bowing in a gesture of invitation. “Ms. Sanders, there’s a masquerade ball tonight. Put on a mask, forget your troubles for a while. What do you say?” Mia wanted to refuse at first, but when she caught her own pale, haggard reflection in the mirror, then she nodded inexplicably. Perhaps, she really did need a little disguise and a brief moment to breathe.

Mr Mehra didn't tell me this was a masquerade party. I thanked him before taking the mask in my hand and making my way inside. The hall was packed with many rich and famous people. My eyes scanned the hall looking for Mr Mehra until I heard a voice behind me making me smile. "I knew you would come" Mr Mehra spoke making me smile as I gave him a hug. "Thanks for inviting me sir" I said. He shook his head and laughed, "No need to say thanks my child, you deserve it and congratulations on your new win" he raised his wine glass. "Thank you Sir" I gave him a nod. I glanced at the man and woman who were standing next to him, the woman giving me weird looks.

I quickly flipped it over, tracing my fingers over the gold calligraphy in the front that read ‘Cavernous Sins’. I flipped the envelope back and opened it, pulling out the matching black invitation with gold letters. *** Welcome To Cavernous Sins where we aim to please. This invite includes a plus one to enjoy our upcoming masquerade event. Discretion and privacy is required. Cell phones will be collected upon entering the premises. Any invitees without masks will be denied entry. Your pleasure awaits you beyond the black doors. -CS *** I hesitated before flipping the invitation over. When I found nothing else, I looked up at King Bancroft.

“I’ll see you tonight, then?” “You won’t see me, but I’ll be at the ball.” “It’s a masquerade. Wear a mask if you want to blend in.” With that, Alpha Sydney leaves my apartment.

It started with a whisper: “Masquerade night next Friday. Costumes mandatory. Exhibition scenes encouraged.” A flyer pinned near the bar fluttered as people passed, a single leaf of paper carrying a world of possibility. I lingered, reading the details twice. Masks, anonymity, an invitation to be seen. I felt a flutter low in my stomach—half fear, half desire, a familiar but still unsettling mix. This was a new frontier, a different kind of vulnerability. “What do you think?” Marco asked, appearing at my elbow with his usual uncanny timing.

Expensive perfumes from various brands lingered in the air. Rose was stunned, surrounded by high-society guests. At the entrance, Aaron showed their RSVP invitation. The greeter then handed each of them a mask with a handle. Aaron and Rose exchanged confused looks. “What’s this?” Aaron asked. The greeter smiled widely. “It’s a masquerade theme, sir. You can see it on the invitation.” Aaron handed one of the masks to Rose. “Looks like my prayer was answered,” he joked. Rose simply smiled and placed the half-mask over her face. The sound of classical music flowing from inside made it feel like stepping into a royal era.

" Faye's words alerted the crowd, and all eyes were instantly on Nick and Astrid. Faye studied the anger on Astrid's face and smiled. "I remember that you are the CEO of Allure Designs, right, Ms. Astrid Moore? "You've covered yourself from head to toe and came to our product launch. Is it to bid for our products so you can manufacture counterfeit copies of them? Or are you here to frame us? Her expression darkened. "Regardless of your intention, Ms. Moore, I'd like you to fulfill your promise and apologize to these experts, Light Moon Designs, and the audience.