I trudged towards the tree dreading each step. I felt embarrassed, uncomfortable, and scared. He was an evil man and I… I dared not think of the thoughts which had occurred in my mind. They were wicked ideas. What was to happen if I don’t keep my promise I made with Him? Yes, indeed Him, that was what I would call him from now. He just had too many names and too many forms. So it would be plain that his name was Him. He deserved no names, none at all.

As I seated myself on to the grass with my disordered masquerade gown, he began. “Now to true business. This is a simple task and one you must do, for if you don’t…” He stopped dead for a moment, as if he was thinking over his plans. He laughed with a sinister twist to it. “Let me start again with my speech.” He cleared his throat gentlemanly. “We are to enter the hall, you are to announce me with great pleasure. Act as if you were one happy child, not innocent, but happy. No sad, displeased face. Just plain joyful. And might I add, you will be my dancing partner. Be graceful and glad.” He laughed haughtily muttering some words to himself.

It was a quiet moment with the wind howling passed between us. I certainly had my thoughts as this long moment passed, while He did too. This was truly to be a dreadful night. I needed to warn someone, of the coming troubles, but whom? I could already imagine what a scene it would be to enter the hall with him. With me being watched by everyone with hatred, with me being seated down by him, with me dancing with him, with me acting as if I treasured talking to him, with me doing things with him. I felt even sick thinking these thoughts. Thoughts swirled in my head. I was already disgusted, tired, and upset enough

The silence was broken soon enough when bells could be heard ringing the ten o’clock tune. “Finally!” he smiled. “Tonight, will be a night of victory. Remember what I told you. Or else...” said Him miming the punishment I would receive if I weren’t to smile with happiness and joy. I gave a fake smile back. “Now, some touch ups with your partly torn dress. Hurry up. Put your powers to work.”

My eyes which were a moment ago examining the dress was now looking into his eyes. Another spell! I was exhausted. I knew another spell would cause my death. I dared not disobey. So with a small hesitation, I thought the first syllable of the charm in my head and was about to begin the spell, when I was stopped. “Wait,” said Him calmly. “A last minute change of plans.” He pointed his finger towards the dress, reconstructing the dress to what its appearance once was, with some extra designs.

Soon enough, the charm was done. He made a signal to inform me to follow him. As I did, he grabbed my hand swiftly, placed his other hand on the tree, and then yelled out an incantation as the bells dawned to a stop.