Beginning

“We should spread for now, everyone will look separately for suspicious behaviour” I whispered into Teiran’s ear.

“Call me if you find something!” He reassured me.

And then we separated. Just like I expected, though anyone could recognize Teiran at a glance. The women, although knowing that he had a fiance, swarmed around him like a swarm of bees.

Even the imperial family that seemed to have arrived were looking towards Teiran’s direction. The crown prince looked just as lifeless as before. Was that just his personality? Maybe he wasn’t interested in all these aristocratic encounters. His fiance however seemed to also have an interest in my Teiran. She was chatting rather cheerfully with him, with a big bright smile. Really in front of your own fiance? Why would you? I mean I already guessed she was interested in him, since she tried to give him a bouquet the last time but it still didn’t make much sense to me why she would be interested in my man! All these girls and their idle ways of acting innocently and kind.

Should I hit them? Just take your hands off my man already! Wait! We didn’t even marry yet. Why do I get so upset? I am just his fiance on papers…For some reason this triggered me more than I expected. I gulped my jealousy down and tried to calm down.

Focus! Focus Sherya! I have to focus for now, I have more important things to do than getting riled up. I scanned the ballroom and recognized Mica, Dalton and Carina standing next to the buffet with keen eyes looking for the possible threat. Since Rusha was probably somewhere hidden between those three I joined them for a moment.

“Shershy!” Mica whispered and hugged me. Dalton probably told him to be careful so no one would recognize us. His hair was dyed with a ink-black color and he had purple eyes just like mine, so his identity wouldn’t be revealed.

“Mica you look really great!” It told him. His face lit up. He must have been stressed out since his family was right before his eyes but he couldn’t greet them. Because they didn’t remember him. How cruel is it to make such a young boy suffer? Why would you do this to him!

My gaze caught the Aluris family in a faraway corner, their blonde wavy hair and blue eyes could be recognized even with masks on. It must be hard not to get closer to them although they are right there. You are holding on really, really well Mica!

I patted his head gently. I will make sure that everything will go back the way it was. I promise, utmost and foremost to you Mica!

“Here my dear, we created a potion with Rusha” Carina handed me a light blue colored vial. Rusha was inside a pocket of Dalton, she showed her face, waved at me then decided to hide inside again.
“I am right here master, don't worry!”

“Alright, stay right there!”

“So the potion can help with what exactly?” I wondered.

“If someone is hiding anything for example their appearance or is using their powers without us knowing and it seems to have a threatening aura, this potion will turn red.” Carina explained.

“Just with a little contact on the body?”

“No, you just have to be standing near that person. It also might activate though if someone just doesn’t like you, if you do have suspicions around the person open the vial and throw the liquid inside at them. It will show you the truth.” She mentioned further.

“I see, if there is for example someone shape-shifting they will return to their original appearance? And if someone is using manipulation like Mica told, will their powers be interfered with?” I questioned.

“Right, that’s exactly how it works, hence why I prepared a few vials. I already gave them out to everyone else. For now it will be the search for the Black Obsidian masterminds. We should capture the heart and the soul of that organization.”

“Thank you so much for your hard work! I should also no longer linger around here since it might draw some attention if we keep talking. Then I will be going for now! Stay safe!” I whispered towards them.

“You too Shershy” Mica uttered.

“Be careful my lady!” Dalton expressed.

I continued on my search for suspicious people. I went towards the musicians playing the songs, thinking starting with them might not be a bad idea. However the potion didn’t react so I decided to retreat. There were a lot of men and women paired to dance together as the orchestra started to play their first notes.

“Would this beautiful lady be interested to dance with me?” A sudden hand reached out for mine. Shocked at the sudden invitation that seemed to be for me, I looked up at a tall man with a big build. He had red ruby eyes and the same colored hair. You could tell at a glance that he was a handsome person and also must have been one of my suspects. Who would this person be? This was a great opportunity to find out.

“I don’t intend to dance with people who do not introduce themselves properly” I said.

“What would be the point of a masquerade ball, if I gave out my personal information to my lady? You are a rather interesting woman for wanting to know who I am.” He smirked and kissed the back of my hand.

I jolted at the touch of his lips on my bare skin.

Is this person sane? While I wondered about his sanity I could feel a soft touch and an arm wrapping around my shoulders. A cold breeze brushed against my back. So you couldn’t stand back, isn’t that right Teiran?

There he was standing firm and tall, holding on to me tightly as if someone tried to steal his treasure. I mean I didn’t mind it, I actually felt happy that he seemed to be jealous. But Teiran, didn't you forget something? I wanted to stay undercover! Undercover! Now everyone will know my identity if you stand so close to me. Well, guess there is no helping it. He definitely won’t back down now.

“You should take some steps back from my fiance, Sir Blackwell” Teiran uttered with a gaze filled with malice.

“Why should I? Isn't it my right to dance with such beauty at a masquerade ball? Remember these facts wouldn’t matter here, Sir Vermonde.” He scoffed while trying to drag me by my hand. At the brute force I felt pain and tried to break free from his hold, but since Teiran was right behind me I didn’t have to force myself at all. Teiran reached for my hand and let me hold onto his arms now both arms wrapped around me. He glared at the man from Blackwell. The commotion caused everyone's attention to be on us. Yeah, so much for undercover just because of this man who suddenly came for me like a lion for his prey! Damn it!

“If you try to force her like that again, I will break that arm of yours!” Teiran declared.

“Is that so? Fine I will go then. It’s not like your beloved fiance is the only beauty in this hall!” He said and went away. I tried to take a look at the vial but it didn’t turn red at all. So this man was just a player? He wasn’t the one we were searching for, although he seemed rather suspicious.

“Thank you for your help Teiran, but look at us, now everyone knows who I am! What am I supposed to do now? Everyone will run away from me. I can’t investigate like this.”

“It’s alright, let’s just stay together!”

“I guess there is no helping it after all?”

“No, somebody stop them!” A chilling voice echoed from the crowd dancing in the middle of the hall. I could see a few men on the ground and blood splattered around.

With everyone’s eyes focused on the commotion in front of us nobody noticed though, the glass of the windows shattering and a group of black hooded men entered from there.

So you have made your first move.