Chapter Twenty-Five
Itwirl in front of the mirror, admiring how the deep crimson silk flows around my legs.
The dress hugs my curves before flaring out at my hips, scattered with delicate gold embroidery that catches the light.
My mask, a creation of black lace and gold filigree, transforms my features into something mysterious and alluring.
“You look stunning.” Eunho appears behind me in the reflection, already dressed in his red suit with gold accents that complement my gown. His mask, a sleek red design with gold trim, makes his dark eyes even more striking.
“And you clean up nice yourself.” I turn to straighten his tie, catching a whiff of his spicy cologne.
A grunt from the doorway draws our attention. Dohwan stands there in his own formal wear, tugging at his collar like it's strangling him. His mask dangles from his fingers—a simple but elegant design in deep burgundy that matches the subtle embroidery on his deeper red jacket.
“I feel ridiculous,” he mutters.
“You look gentlemanly for once,” I counter, earning a reluctant smirk.
We make our way down to the first floor, my heels clicking against the marble. Just as we reach the entrance doors, a sharp chime cuts through the air. Dohwan pulls out his phone, his expression immediately souring.
“What's wrong?” Eunho asks, adjusting his mask.
“Mother.” Dohwan's jaw clenches as he stares at the screen. “She wants to see me. Says it's urgent.”
I exchange a glance with Eunho. “Right now?”
“Unfortunately.” Dohwan lets out a long-suffering sigh. “You two go ahead. I'll meet you there.”
As he turns toward the parking lot, Eunho calls after him. “This better not be you trying to weasel out of the party!”
“I promised, didn't I?” Dohwan waves a dismissive hand without looking back. “I'll be there.”
As soon as Dohwan vanishes around the corner, Eunho's grip finds my arm. He spins me to face him, and I catch the gleam of something wicked in his eyes behind his mask.
“I have an idea,” he says, voice dropping low and conspiratorial.
“What are you scheming?” I arch an eyebrow at the mischievous spark dancing across his features.
Instead of answering, he tugs me back toward the elevators. The doors slide shut and he leans against the wall, crossing his arms.
“Our sulky mate is going to spend this entire party doing what he does best—brooding in corners and glaring at anyone who dares approach him.”
“And?” I prod, though I'm already fighting a smile.
“And I think we should have some fun with that. Make him work for it a little. Maybe even get him to actually participate.”
The elevator deposits us on my floor, and Eunho practically bounces down the hall to my apartment. I follow, curiosity building as he unlocks my door and heads straight for my walk-in closet.
I perch on the edge of my bed, smoothing the crimson silk over my knees.
When Eunho emerges, he's carrying two garment bags.
He lays one across the bed and unzips it to reveal a stunning red gown with delicate black beading.
From the other bag, he pulls out a matching red suit for himself, along with two new masks.
“Change into this.” He hands me the dress with a flourish.
I laugh as I stand, reaching for the zipper of my current gown. “How did you manage to have these ready?”
“I always have a backup plan.” He winks, shrugging out of his red jacket and starting on his shirt buttons.
The new dress fits perfectly, the beading catching the light with every movement. Eunho helps me take down my carefully styled hair and works it into something completely different—loose waves falling over one shoulder.
Just when I think he's done, he reaches into his bag and produces two small vials filled with clear liquid.
“Scent blockers,” he explains, handing me one. “So our grumpy mate can't track us down by smell.” His grin widens. “He's going to have to work for it tonight.”
I giggle and uncork the vial, tipping it back. The liquid is tasteless as it slides down my throat.
The night air whips past as Eunho's car races through the streets of Ruby territory. My heart pounds with excitement, the thrill of our little scheme making me giddy.
We pull up to a sprawling mansion lit up like a jewel box. Masked figures in vibrant colors stream through the grand entrance. I spot the deep blues of House Sapphire, emerald greens, blacks, purples, and plenty of House Ruby reds mixing together.
“Ready to cause some trouble?” Eunho helps me from the car, careful to keep his sleeves pulled down over his mate marks.
Inside, the ballroom sparkles with crystal chandeliers and gilded mirrors. Through my mask, the scene takes on a dreamlike quality—all these beautiful creatures in their finery swirling together in a kaleidoscope of color.
A group of females in sapphire blue approaches us, their masked faces turned toward Eunho with clear interest. My fingers twitch with the urge to stake my claim as one of them steps too close.
“Lord Eunho! We missed you at the last gathering.” She reaches for his arm, but he smoothly steps back.
“Ladies.” He gives a polite bow while maintaining distance. “If you'll excuse us, I promised this lovely creature a dance.”
He whisks me onto the dance floor before they can protest. I can't help laughing as he spins me in elaborate circles, our feet moving in perfect sync.
“Having fun yet?” He grabs two wine glasses from a passing server without missing a beat, liquid sloshing over the rims as we twirl.
“More than I should be.” I take a sip of the sweet fae wine, warmth spreading through my chest.
The other dancers give us space as Eunho leads me through increasingly dramatic spins and dips. Wine splashes across the marble floor, but no one seems to care. The whole room feels caught up in the revelry—masks hiding identities and inhibitions alike.
Another female in ruby red tries to cut in, but Eunho smoothly pivots us away. “Sorry darling, my dance card is full tonight.”
I hide my satisfied smirk behind my glass. Let them wonder who's captured the attention of one of House Ruby's most eligible males. For once, I don't mind the curious stares following us across the floor.
I catch Eunho's lips curving near my ear, his breath warm as he whispers, “Showtime.”
Following his gaze to the entrance, I spot Dohwan immediately.
He stands out in his original outfit from earlier, the deep burgundy mask still dangling carelessly from his fingers.
His sleeves are pushed up, mate marks clearly visible as he scans the crowd.
His neck cranes left and right, frustration evident in the set of his shoulders.
“Time to make our grouchy mate squirm a little,” Eunho murmurs, releasing my waist. We exchange knowing smiles before melting away in opposite directions through the sea of masked revelers.
I weave between the other party-goers, using their height to my advantage as I circle toward where Dohwan has taken up his predictable post along the wall. Just as Eunho said he would, he's scowling at the crowd, one foot tapping an impatient rhythm against the marble floor.
A cluster of females in ruby red gowns provides perfect cover as I slip behind him. Close enough to catch his scent but just out of reach, I lean in near his ear.
“Looking for someone?”
Dohwan spins around, but I'm already ducking behind the wall of females, suppressing a laugh as I watch him search their faces. His irritation sparks visibly when he can't find me, jaw clenching as his eyes dart between masks.
I back away a few paces, blending with the dancing couples while keeping Dohwan in my sights.
Right on cue, I spot Eunho approaching from the opposite direction.
He moves like a shadow through the crowd, and I have to bite my lip to contain my glee as he reaches out, fingers ghosting across the back of Dohwan's neck.
Dohwan whirls, fangs flashing, but Eunho's already vanished into the throng of dancers. A giggle escapes behind my hand as I watch Dohwan's frustrated growl scatter nearby party-goers.
I weave through the dancers, catching Eunho's eye across the floor. He nods slightly and we begin our little game, taking turns circling Dohwan like sharks in the water.
I slide past first, close enough that my skirts brush his legs. His head snaps around but I'm already gone, ducking behind a tall male in emerald green. Through the gaps between dancers, I watch Dohwan's nostrils flare as he tries to catch our scent.
Eunho darts in next, quick as a shadow. His fingers trail along Dohwan's shoulder before he melts back into the crowd. Dohwan spins, growling under his breath.
The dance floor shifts and moves around us like a living thing.
I time my next approach carefully, waiting until Dohwan's attention is fixed on a flash of red across the room that could be Eunho.
My fingers ghost across the back of his hand—just enough pressure to let him know it's me.
His whole body goes rigid, but I'm already sliding away, suppressing my giggles.
“Where are you?” he mutters, finally stepping away from the wall to prowl between the dancing couples.
Perfect. Just like Eunho predicted.
I catch Eunho's grin as he swoops in again, this time bold enough to trace his fingers along Dohwan's exposed mate marks. Dohwan's curse carries across the music, and I have to press my lips together to hold in my laughter.
The next time I pass, I let my hand brush his waist. His fingers snap out but grasp empty air as I twist away.
Eunho ups the ante, reaching out to tug playfully at the tip of Dohwan's ear. The growl that rumbles from Dohwan's chest sends nearby dancers scattering.
My mate's eyes are starting to glow with that dangerous fire I know so well. But before I can decide if we should ease up, Eunho darts in one final time. His hand connects firmly with Dohwan's backside in a sharp pinch before he vanishes into the crowd.