I soon left the presence of Carmilla. I felt silly for crying. Why did I just have to think of them? And in the middle of conversation. I sighed and stared at my shoes as I quietly sat in the cab. It was the night of the masquerade. I was looking forward to it. I decided not to ask about the house. I had a full agenda this evening with that ball. As cab slowed to a stop, I stepped out of the black carriage and into the inn. Quickly, I changed into my blue ball gown and dug through my closet for my mask. Aha! There it was. I put on my slippers, placed my mask over my face, and then rushed out of the inn.

My cab arrived at the hall. I was late, an hour late. I sauntered up the stairs and brushed myself up. I entered into Drakesheath. There in front of me, music rang through the hall, people waltzed across the room, and I stepped in. A sudden realization came upon me. Unlike, Drakesheath this room was balanced. Neither, too much evil nor too much good filled the air. It was a strange sensation to once again be in a place where neither of them two lies. Something was playing here…

I sat myself at the table as I watched people dance. It was like when I was 8. I had sat on a bench, watching everyone, admiring everyone, staring thoughtfully. This time though I knew I had to find a partner. It was too boring for me now to just look at people.

As I glanced through the crowd, my eyes came across a large man. He looked very familiar, yet I couldn’t tell since he was under the mask. The more I stared at him, the more able I was to identify him. Beran. Of course, it was him. Who else could it be?

I moved to his side. “Beran?” I whispered softly. He did not notice. I once again called his name. “It’s Artie.”

He looked up. “Someone familiar, I see. Now please try not to say my name out loud.”

“What are you doing here? I never expected you to be here. Did you receive an invitation?” I was intrigued. Why would Felix ever invite Beran? They were enemies. It was a known fact.

“Some business here and there,” he paused to think, “And no. I didn’t receive one from Felix.”

“You mean, Victor. He signed the invitations at least.”

“Really? Now that’s an odd thing.”

We were silent for a moment. As I glanced around again, an urge to dance began to bug me. I sat there silently, waiting for the question. Nothing came. To break the disturbing silence, I talked. “And why is that?”

Beran began to answer, and then he stopped. He must have realized my thoughts or heard them, for I did have a strong urge to dance. “Would you like to dance?”

I nodded. Swiftly, we walked towards the dance floor and waltzed to the music. I had to admit, he was an excellent dancer for his size. I laughed to myself quietly. A few minutes passed by rapidly, songs changed here and there. Finally, we halted. Everyone halted. The music stopped. Candles flickered and went out. A screech could be heard. A shadow flew over everyone and onto the grand staircase rail. It was Eleanor, I thought. Suddenly, the door bashed open. Footsteps, then a clap of a hand. The candles flickered and light gradually once again filled the room. At the doorway stood Victor Godwinson. The crowd gasped.

His voice echoed through the hall. “No one shall party, without my permission.”

A screech. Heads turned toward the stairs, where a black crow stood. Heads then turned back to the door to where Victor stood. It was a deadly silent room.