Chapter 24
TWENTY-FOUR
Autumn painted the world in shades of blushing auburn and gold.
The roses faded, their petals wilting, while the last summer’s flowers stubbornly held on.
I found solace in the gentle transition of the seasons, how the light changed throughout the hours of the day, and the sun rays grew longer and more golden in the evening.
Days stretched into weeks, and weeks into months as I remained at Thornwood Manor.
Each night, after his late returns from work, Draven would slip into bed beside me, his arms wrapping around me and drawing me close to his chest. Though sometimes I’d awaken to find him carrying me to bed when I would fall asleep in the library.
I expected it, that every morning when dawn arrived, came Draven’s departure. The autumnal sun’s rays through the soft curtains every morning were a reminder of his illness.
However, this morning was different. Draven chose to sit next to me at the dining table. I had pleaded for him to remain in bed with me, and he reluctantly agreed, only for a short while. I was finishing my morning meal when Imalda entered and handed Draven a letter.
“For you, sir.” She cleared away the dishes and departed.
Draven, absorbed in the book he was reading, left the letter on the table.
“Who is it from?” I asked, trying not to seem too probing.
“Open it if you wish.”
I tore open the envelope and unfurled the thick parchment within. The shimmering letters danced before my eyes, extending an invitation to a full moon Masquerade Ball in the nearby town.
“A ball! Draven, we must go.” I read the letter again, my anticipation growing. “It’s tomorrow!” I exclaimed, unable to contain my excitement.
A subtle curve lifted on Draven’s lips for only a moment as he continued to read his book.
I extended the letter toward him and pouted. “Please, Draven, I have never attended a ball before. Think of all the excitement, the music, and the dancing.” I hoped my pleading would persuade him.
“If you insist.” He took the letter from me, reading it over, and flipped it to see who it was sent from. “I must be off. I will return before you realize I am gone.” He kissed my forehead before exiting the room.
I felt a flutter of anticipation, and the rest of the day slipped by in a haze of joy as I practised dancing in front of the mirror, dreaming of the music that awaited us at the ball.
September 18, 1891
Just after nightfall, Draven returned home in a carriage, accompanied by a horse and a rider up front. The rider wore a long, black coat and a scarf to ward off the cold.
I walked down the staircase to greet him, wearing a deep crimson velvet dress adorned with ribbons and small dangling rubies.
I found it in the back of my closet and was captivated by its beauty, having never seen anything so intricately made before.
I almost felt undeserving of wearing such a beautiful dress.
As I reached the bottom of the stairs, my heart raced at the sight of Draven, and he extended his hand to me. He was a vision of elegance in his sleek, all-black suit, his inky hair gleaming in the soft candlelight.
“My heart, you look stunning,” he said with a warm smile.
“Thank you,” I replied, feeling the warmth spread through me.
It was over an hour-long carriage ride to reach the ball, and when we arrived, my eyes widened at the sight of the grand estate before us.
The sprawling manor loomed out of the carriage window.
Its intricate architecture was illuminated by the glow of lanterns that lined the long pathway and the trees.
Dozens of carriages were drawn up along the road, their polished surfaces gleaming in the fading light.
The air was rich with the scent of blooming jasmine and the faint sound of laughter floating from within. I stared out at the grandeur before me. Draven’s mansion was impressive, but this place resembled a castle in comparison.
Draven handed me a white mask; its surface was adorned with intricate filigree patterns and swirls that danced along the edges. It was so lightweight that I could have sworn it was crafted from porcelain.
Draven donned his mark, which was identical to mine, only in black. We exited the carriage, hand in hand, and approached the entrance. A man dressed in a silver coat and mask requested to see our invitations. Draven handed it to him, and after a brief inspection, the man stepped aside.
“Come in and enjoy your evening,” he said.
The grandeur of the event hit me immediately, as sparkling chandeliers cast an inviting spark over the rooms. A vibrant sea of guests mingled and danced; their voices and the music echoed through the opulent halls.
Rich velvet curtains of midnight blue and forest green framed the open windows, offering glimpses of the starry night and the full moon hanging in the sky.
I walked past performers playing instruments, including a pianist playing the most beautiful piano I had ever seen. It was so shiny and pristine that my fingers tingled for me to reach out to touch it.
Tables were laden with pastries, fresh fruit, and glasses of wine.
Women wearing gowns of satin and silk, adorned with lace, beads, and feathers floated gracefully across the polished marble floors.
Their masks ranged from delicate and ornate to bold and whimsical, each adding an air of mystery to the occasion.
The men, mostly dressed in black suits like Draven, moved like shadows amidst the crowd.
Yet, Draven stood out like a phantom among them, his long ebony hair catching the candlelight, and his pale eyes sparkled as they met mine.
“Is this everything you were expecting?” he asked me.
“Yes, and more.” I leaned into him, and he kissed my forehead. I felt him stiffen beside me, and I gazed up, but he was not looking back at me. He was watching a man with a bird-like mask making his way toward us, determination etched on his face.
“Draven!” he called out. “I need to speak with you, it is important—”
Draven turned slightly, his expression already cool, and with a subtle shake of his head, he interrupted the man. “Not tonight, Martin.” His tone was calm but firm, signaling an end to the conversation before it even began.
But the man pressed on, “We need to discuss—”
“Whatever it is can wait.” Draven’s voice was steady, and he stepped closer to me, gently guiding me away from Martin.
I sensed Draven’s discomfort as I followed his eyes as they searched around the room. I took his hand and whispered, “Let’s go get some air.”
I brought Draven to the corner of the grand room, close to the large windows. “Who was that?” I asked.
“A coworker,” he replied dismissively. “I have no interest in working tonight.” His expression softened as he turned to face me. “I only want to enjoy this evening with you.” He kissed the knuckles of my hand, and I felt a swell of warmth throughout me.
I watched the party again, and I saw a familiar figure with golden hair. She wore a deep blue dress that flowed elegantly around her, and her cat-like mask added an air of mystery to her presence. Her long hair was interwoven with small blue flowers.
“Vail!” I called out, pulling Draven along with me. It was time for the two most important people in my life to finally meet. I tapped her on the shoulder, and as she turned around, her eyes lit up, and she gave me a warm hug.
“What are you doing here?” I asked her.
“I came with a friend,” she replied. “It is a wonderful surprise to see you tonight! This place is enchanting, is it not?”
I nodded, feeling a rush of happiness. “It is. I am so glad you are here.” I felt a loving hand on my back, and I caught Vail watching Draven standing beside me.
“You must be Draven,” she said, her voice taking on a stern tone.
“Pleasure to meet you, Vail,” Draven replied, taking her hand and kissing it gently. A surge of possessiveness swelled within me, but I suppressed it as I watched the interaction I had been so nervous about to unfold.
“I have heard much about you,” Vail continued, her gaze steady. “Rosie has strong feelings for you.”
“And I feel the same about her,” Draven responded, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me gently to him.
“Should I get us something to drink?” I interjected, trying to break the tension that hung in the air between Draven and Vail.
“None for me,” Draven declined. “One of us must remain responsible,” he added with a smile.
“I shall have a glass of champagne,” Vail said, pointing her gaze at Draven. “One of us must ensure the festivities continue.”
Leaving to fetch drinks, I navigated through the sea of guests, my heart fluttering with a strange cocktail of excitement and dread.
I had imagined this moment for weeks—what it would be like for the two people I loved most to finally meet.
In my dreams, they laughed together, exchanged kind words, and saw in each other what I saw in them.
But now, seeing them face to face, I realized how delicate this meeting truly was.
Their approval of one another mattered more than I wanted to admit.
My hands trembled slightly as I picked up two flutes of champagne.
I wanted this to go well. I needed it to.
I returned to the dance floor, only to witness an unexpected sight. Draven and Vail were twirling, moving in perfect harmony with the music.
Confusion washed over me, and I quickly downed both glasses of champagne in disbelief. Draven and Vail, dancing together? Draven leaned in slightly and whispered in her ear. Her expression changed, and a smile blossomed across her face.
Frustration and jealousy surged within me, compelling me to grab another glass of champagne and flee the dance floor, desperate to clear my thoughts.