The orchestra was still in full sway, golden notes spilling from violins and cellos, weaving through the candlelit hall like threads of silk. The chandeliers shimmered, casting a soft golden glow over polished marble, and the perfume of roses mixed with champagne lingered in the air. Dancers swirled around them, gowns fanning like painted flames, masks glittering like jewels in the candlelight.

At the center of it all, Jayden and Penelope moved in perfect rhythm, their steps now natural, fluid, as though they had been dancing together for years. Penelope's flame-shaped mask gleamed each time she spun, her gown trailing like fire licking at the floor. Jayden, wolf-masked and sharp, guided her with quiet power, his hands steady, his presence unmistakable.

As the music softened into a slower waltz, Jayden leaned just slightly closer, his voice low. "By the way," he said, his tone casual, but his eyes flicking with meaning behind the mask, "I couldn't help but notice something… Why was your security system active when I came by your mansion earlier?"

Penelope's lips curved behind her mask. She didn't miss a step, gliding gracefully in his arms as though his question had been expected. "It's nothing," she replied, her voice velvet-smooth. "I'm simply… cautious. You never know who might decide to test their luck."

Jayden smirked faintly, spinning her in a circle before drawing her back in with a firm grip at her waist. "Cautious, huh? Sounds more like paranoia. Should I be worried you're hiding something from me, Penelope?"

Penelope let out a chortle. Her laugh was soft, but sharp.. like the crackle of embers. She leaned in closer, her breath brushing his ear. "And what if I am? Would you bite?"

Jayden chuckled, shaking his head. "Maybe."

They both laughed quietly, their banter weaving seamlessly into the rhythm of the dance. Their movements were smooth, easy, as if the conversation itself was part of the music. For a while they said nothing more, just smiling, chatting lightly between steps, occasionally laughing at something one of them whispered. Around them, the masquerade continued, but for those moments, it was as if they existed in their own little world.

Eventually, the music swelled to an elegant conclusion. Applause scattered across the hall as the dancers parted. Penelope squeezed Jayden's hand once before leading him back toward the edge of the ballroom.

"Let's take a break," she murmured.

Jayden nodded. As they reached the standing area, a waiter glided past with a silver tray balanced perfectly on his hand, glasses of champagne gleaming like liquid gold beneath the lights. Jayden reached out smoothly, plucking two from the tray with practiced ease. He offered one to Penelope, who accepted it with a graceful tilt of her flame mask.

"Thank you," she said, her voice like honey over glass.

"My pleasure," Jayden lifted his glass, but his eyes followed the direction of Penelope's gaze.

At the doors of the grand hall, the next wave of guests entered.. and immediately, the room seemed to shift. Conversations faltered, eyes turned, and the subtle undercurrent of power in the air deepened.

Two figures strode into the hall. A man and a woman.

The man was tall and broad-shouldered, his presence commanding before he even spoke a word. His silver hair, slicked back to his neck, gleamed beneath the chandelier light. A thick, full beard and mustache of the same shade gave him a noble gravitas, and his black tuxedo clung sharply to his muscular frame. A white shirt and a perfect bow tie completed the look, along with a silver Venetian mask that glinted like steel.

Beside him, the woman moved with equal power, though hers was of a different kind… subtle, magnetic, irresistible. Her body was sturdy, her curves outlined by the masterfully tailored black dress she wore. It shimmered faintly with threadwork, hugging her form in all the right places. Her silver hair cascaded in gentle waves, and her lips curled into a mischievous, knowing smile. The phantom mask she wore… silver, sleek, covering only the right side of her face, gave her an air of mystery, half-hidden beauty that made her all the more alluring.

The pair walked with effortless elegance, as though the hall itself bent around their presence. Their aura was undeniable. They radiated influence, nobility, authority. The crowd knew it too, for nearly everyone turned to look, whispers rushing like wind across the room.

Even Penelope smirked, raising her glass. "Well, well…" she muttered under her breath, clearly amused.

Jayden's eyes, however, locked onto the woman. Something about her tugged at him.. sharp, insistent, like a chord plucked on a string buried deep in his chest. She seemed familiar in a way that made his pulse quicken, though he couldn't place why.

The pair moved fully into the hall now, the man and woman side by side. As they passed, heads dipped. Men and women bowed with respect, and voices rose in reverent praise.

-"Welcome, Lord Lunaria."

"Lady Lunaria. We're honored by your presence."

Jayden stiffened faintly at the names, his gaze flicking to Penelope. But she only chuckled softly, eyes glinting with secrets.

"Give me a moment," she whispered, and before Jayden could reply, she slipped gracefully from his side, gliding toward the new arrivals.

Jayden watched intently as she approached them without a shred of hesitation. When she reached the towering man, she dipped into a respectful curtsy, her tone smooth and elegant as she greeted him. He acknowledged her with a nod, formal but firm.

Then Penelope turned to the woman. And instead of formality, she smiled warmly and embraced her. The hug was genuine, rich with familiarity. When they broke apart, both women laughed lightly at something Penelope said. The exchange was intimate, natural, drawing curious glances from those watching.

Then, leaning in slightly, Penelope whispered something into the woman's ear when the man was distracted, speaking to another guest. And then, the woman's eyes flicked instantly in the direction Penelope had gestured.

Her gaze landed on Jayden.

And in that moment, time itself seemed to pause.

Jayden's breath caught in his chest, his body locking under the sudden weight of her stare. Her eyes… bright amber, sharp yet warm, met his, and for a second, he swore something ancient stirred inside him. A wave of comfort washed over him, deep and inexplicable, but laced with something else… something like submission. His instincts told him to bow, to lower his head, but he held her gaze unflinching, even as his heart thundered in his chest.

The woman's lips curved faintly, just barely, as if she recognized him. Then she turned away, back to her companions, leaving Jayden with his thoughts spinning.

"Who is she?" he thought.