The Masks We Wear

The stronghold of the Onius Family rose fully illuminated that night.

Its wide base supported a structure of polished white marble, from which several annexes branched out, connected by covered walkways and circular balconies. The lateral domes of polished copper reflected the light of the thaumaturgic lamps that lit the Senatorial Ring even after sunset.

The main tower rose with straight lines of dark metal embedded into the stone, reinforcing corners, cornices, and moldings. Twisted stone columns supported the gilded cornices that projected over the upper terraces. Upon these balconies, life-sized statues of the family’s past leaders gazed solemnly over the city, each identified by name and military or political deeds engraved on bronze plaques at their bases.

The windows were wide, with tall, regular arches, crimson curtains of thick fabric held by golden rods at the sides, revealing the halls lit by thaumaturgic light. Inside, the glow of wall-mounted lamps and suspended chandeliers created a uniform effect, highlighting the golden crests of Senator Prebito’s house fixed between the arches.

Senators, bureaucrats, generals, and nobles of the highest rank from every major city of the empire gathered that evening — voters in the upcoming election — to flaunt their opulence at a masquerade ball offered by the leader of the Swords Party, in one of the most exclusive halls of the capital.

The banquet hall occupied the entire central floor of the structure, its flooring covered with mosaics of geometric patterns in white, gray, and black marble. On each side, hanging gardens held ferns and small shrubs, watered by delicate indoor fountains.

At the center, a larger fountain of pale marble poured water over three levels, its sound echoing softly beneath the vaulted ceiling, harmonizing with the musicians playing fiddles and lutes. The windows were dominated by red and gold stained-glass, depicting in chronological sequence the story of the Great Hero Ys Vattlaml and his victory in the age of the millennial war. Brass plaques at the base of each panel identified battles, alliances, and the legendary final confrontation where he wielded the God-Sword to bring peace to the continent.

Servants moved tirelessly through the hall with trays of wine, candied fruits, and small dishes of rare spices, attending to every whim of the guests.

Daniel wore a long black coat with a high collar and silver buttons. Underneath, he had on a well-fitted dark gray vest and a starched white-collared shirt with a tie fastened by a silver brooch shaped like a lion.

His mask was metal, painted white, molded to the shape of his face, with golden edges around the eyes. Two straight golden lines descended from the forehead to the cheeks, giving the disguise a severe, almost priestly appearance.

Lais, accompanying him that evening — since Sallustia had been ordered to remain at Fort Tinuso, keeping watch over Gupta and the general security situation after the victory and challenge issued to Prebito at the Devanic Coliseum — wore a crimson dress, as red as her hair, with a long pleated skirt, yet without excess. The sleeves were fitted, ending in cuffs embroidered with gold thread, and the straight neckline highlighted the magus’s confident posture. She wore a silver mask adorned with vine patterns, covering the upper half of her face, leaving her lips free to offer cold smiles to the well-born.

Thanatos, on the other hand, kept his usual jester attire. His mask, however, contrasted sharply with his flamboyant outfit: completely white, smooth, with only two black lines descending from the eyes as if shedding ink-like tears. The mouth was a single straight line, expressionless.

While most guests danced, Daniel moved among them with practiced ease. Every gesture was measured to convey confidence, even in anonymity.

Among the guests drawing the most attention was Lady Vina Alerius, from the city of Onórion, in the region bordering the continent’s inland sea. She had fair skin and kept her brown eyes half-narrowed, attentive to every minor occurrence around her. Her bright red hair was long and straight, partially tied back with a golden clasp, with a few strands falling along the sides of her face.

She wore a long black tunic, fitted to the body, with gold-embroidered details running along the sleeves and outlining the high collar. The long sleeves ended at the wrists, and the front displayed vertical panels with intricate patterns. The long skirt reached the floor, paired with black gloves fitted to the hands, conveying discipline and restrained elegance.

Her mask was made of polished black metal, covering the forehead, nose, and cheekbones, leaving the lips and chin free. Symmetrical golden designs ran from the eyebrows to the cheeks, with small red stones gleaming at the edges, reflecting the hall’s lights.

Thanatos waved to Daniel and walked straight toward Lady Alerius, who was speaking with two high-ranking military officers. Watching the jester move away, Grace thought he looked as much like a piece of entertainment as an inconvenient observer.

“Vina Alerius” — he said upon reaching her at last, with an exaggerated bow. — “My lady, what a pleasure to finally meet you.”

The woman turned slowly, assessing the jester with narrowed eyes.

“Have we met?” Her voice was low, firm, without a trace of surprise.

“Not yet, my lady” Thanatos smiled beneath the mask, “but I hope to correct that terrible mistake tonight.”

Meanwhile, Lais danced with a middle-aged aristocrat, extracting trivial information between steps. A role she did not particularly enjoy, but one at which she was certainly more adept than Sallustia.

***

On the top floor of the tower, Prebito’s office awaited.

The room had white marble walls, lined with panels of polished dark wood. The arched windows occupied the entire wall facing the city, and golden brackets at the corners let the thaumaturgic lighting reveal every detail.

The floor was marble, in black-and-white geometric patterns, with a deep red carpet before the desk. The long desk of solid oak was covered with maps, sealed scrolls, and a set of inkwells with quills organized by size and color.

Behind it, a built-in bookshelf held record books, legal codes, and administrative volumes, all cataloged with numbered leather tags. Two carved wooden chairs with velvet seats awaited visitors before the desk.

On the side walls, golden crests of the Onius family alternated between marble columns rising to the vaulted ceiling. Near the windows, a black metal globe rested on an ornate pedestal. Beside it, a small bar held bottles of spirits and crystal glasses arranged by height.

With his master-thief skills, Daniel moved through the tower’s corridors until he reached the antechamber of the office. Two Unconquered Sun Guards chatted on the side balcony, giving him the opportunity he needed.

He opened the door without making a sound and revealed the interior, smelling of polished wood and parchment.

While searching the desk, he found a leather folder with Prebito’s seal. Inside were copies of contracts, personal letters, and financial records — all used by the senator to blackmail Lord Ciniana.

Bingo!

Daniel pulled a flint from his pocket and brought it close to the papers. Soon flames leapt up, quickly consuming the documents, and ashes fell onto the carpet.

The traveler from another world spread them with his boot to stain the decoration and leave his own message for Prebito. When he left the office, nothing remained but the distant smell of smoke mingled with the expensive perfume that permeated the chamber’s opulence.

***

Back in the main hall, Thanatos spoke animatedly with Lady Alerius.

The jester gestured with colorful gloves as he cited names of senators and campaign figures. She listened attentively, her red eyes reflecting the hall’s lights, and more… there seemed to be a taste for dirty jokes about the Empire’s powerful figures in her demeanor.

Lais continued her dance with a second partner, laughing at something said in a low voice while discreetly watching who came and went through the side doors.

Daniel approached Lady Alerius and the military ministers his ally entertained, and Lais excused herself from her dance partner with the same studied elegance with which she had accepted the initial invitation, noticing that he had returned.

The mission was accomplished.

However, before Thanatos could take his leave, a man with shoulder-length black hair, wearing a luxurious sky-blue coat with a cravat fastened by a white rose brooch stained with carmine, approached them.

He concealed his face with a black velvet mask, its edges decorated with silver arabesques, frozen in an enigmatic smile, unsettling in its stillness. Held by a short handle, he carried it in one hand, keeping it before his face.

— Good evening, esteemed friends — greeted Senator Prebito.