C6 Do you want to murder her

In a glamorous mansion adorned with opulent chandeliers and lavish tapestries, Lucas stood with an air of nonchalance near the grand staircase. He sported a sleek, ebony mask that shrouded half of his handsome face, adding an air of mystery and intrigue. The evening had thus far been a mundane affair, with the soirée lacking in excitement and suitable companions. The room was teeming with elegant women, but Lucas harbored a fondness for those of a more demure nature, the docile and obedient kind that contrasted against the flamboyant peacocks that ruled the social scene.

Leisurely twirling his sparkling glass, Lucas scanned the room with his keen eyes. Amongst the sea of faces, he sensed a disturbance. His ears, sharp as a hawk's, caught the faint sound of a door opening, drawing his gaze towards its source. Like a breath of freshness in a stale room, a young lady gracefully entered. Her face concealed behind a muted mask adorned with a hint of golden shimmer, her enchanting eyes peered out inquisitively. Her porcelain complexion glowed in the soft light, and her gown, a wistful gray, seemed to be an extension of her ethereal beauty. The off-shoulder design exposed delicate shoulders and a slender neck that captivated Lucas' gaze.

Mesmerized, Lucas observed her delicate movements from afar, storming over conflicting emotions before calling upon a maid to offer her a drink. As she nonchalantly took a glass of water from the tray, she did not spare it a second glance, captivating Lucas even more. It was then that a gentleman approached her, extending an invitation to dance. Unmoved by his advances, she curtly rejected him, much to the bewilderment of two other suitors who met a similar fate. Intrigued by her nonchalant demeanor amidst the social buzz, her eyes drawn to enigmatic portraits that sought to attract attention and pique curiosity, Lucas couldn't resist the urge to follow her.

Time seemed to lose its grip as he pursued her, his determination fortuitously leading them to the solitary respite of the east balcony. Amidst the serenity of the night, she removed her golden mask, inhaling the crisp, cool air that enveloped them. Upon being disrupted by Lucas' gentle presence, she turned to face him, their eyes locking in an electric gaze. Startled, she let out a gasp that betrayed her surprise.

"It appears that the party did not meet your expectations," Lucas ventured, breaking the silence that hung thick in the air. Her voice, as sweet as a nightingale's melody, escaped her lips as she responded, "Not quite, I merely sought a breath of fresh air amidst the congested festivities."

"It seems as though indulging in revelry is not your inclination. One could scarcely perceive your presence in the ballroom for even an hour," Lucas mused, pausing to soak in the majestic night sky that stretched over them.

"Indeed, my visit was a fleeting one, motivated by curiosity. This grand event was a first for me," she confessed, her gaze once again fixed upon the stars.

"I couldn't help but notice that you arrived accompanied. It would appear you possess an invitation. Might I inquire as to your aunt's identity?" Lucas inquired, masking his interest in a veil of casual conversation. Evie's heart skipped a beat, her lie dancing on a thin line, threatening to become unraveled. Using jest to garner security, she replied, "Why, is there a part of you that desires to do her harm?"

A chuckle escaped Lucas' lips, his amusement shining through. "Rest assured, it is not my intention to bring any harm upon her. The lord would undoubtedly bestow great favor upon such a loyal subject, should he be informed of her commitment."

"Your words bring comfort, however, on behalf of my dear aunt, I must politely decline to reveal her name. Might you be so kind as to furnish me with yours?" Evie playfully left the word hanging, casting a gaze at the man whose enigmatic face was veiled behind a stygian mask.

"Lucas," he declared with a smile, leaving the door open for her to dispense with a name of her own.

"Evelyn, but Evie for short, or 'vie,' as my aunt is wont to call me," she replied with an endearing smile, her eyes locking with his.

"The nickname suits you perfectly, an adoration that certainly emanates from your aunt's heart," Lucas remarked warmly.

A giggle escaped Evie's lips, accompanied by a hint of self-awareness. "Indeed, she adores me, perhaps even a tad excessively."

And so, on the balcony, two strangers found themselves caught in a captivating exchange, their shared secrets dancing in the shadows, creating a bond woven with intrigue and allure.