The ballroom shimmered beneath towering crystal chandeliers, their light spilling over polished marble floors and gilded balconies. Every guest hid behind an ornate mask—some adorned with feathers, others with gold leaf or glittering gemstones—as conversations melted together with the steady rhythm of the orchestra.

Laughter drifted through the air.

So did the unmistakable scent of expensive wine, champagne, and the faint curl of cigarette smoke lingering near the open balcony doors, weaving itself into the perfume-filled atmosphere. Servants slipped effortlessly through the crowd with silver trays balanced in practiced hands, glasses clinking softly as they disappeared into the sea of masked strangers.

You wanted to be anywhere else.

Instead of dancing beneath the lights, you stood at the far end of the refreshments table, leaning one elbow against the polished counter.

Your gown flowed to the floor in layers of deep navy blue, nearly black whenever the light failed to catch it. Tiny silver embellishments shimmered across the fabric like scattered stars.

Your mask matched perfectly.

A midnight-blue design, darker than your dress, dusted with silver crystals that sparkled whenever you shifted beneath the chandeliers.

You absentmindedly twirled the stem of a chocolate-covered strawberry between your fingers before taking another bite, the shell of chocolate cracking softly.

Around you, people laughed too loudly, toasted to things you couldn't hear, and disappeared into dances that seemed to go on forever.

You sighed.

One more strawberry. One more minute.

Then maybe you'd find a quiet hallway to disappear into.

A figure stepped beside you. Close enough to be noticed.

Not close enough to be intrusive.

Yet.

For a brief moment, neither of you spoke. Then, his voice—

"Hey."