4 THE EVENT
The ballroom glittered with a cold elegance — all polished marble, gold accents, and crystal chandeliers that bathed the room in a warm glow. The air smelled faintly of wine and perfume, an intoxicating blend that made Magnus Lennox head spin.
He didn’t belong here.
Not among these silk-draped aristocrats who whispered behind lace fans and crystal glasses. Yet here he was, trapped in a conversation with Zephyr Duskholm, a man who seemed to thrive in places like this — all charm, sharp smiles, and perfectly styled hair.
Zephyr's fingers curled around Magnus’s wrist, just tight enough to suggest he wasn’t letting go.
Zephyr Draeven
I don’t think you’re listening, Magnus.
Magnus Lennox
I heard you. I’m just not interested.
Zephyr Draeven
Zephyr’s grip tightened.
Zephyr Draeven
That’s not how this works.
Magnus stiffened, his pulse quickening. He shot a glance toward the crowd — a sea of unfamiliar faces, none of which seemed to care that a man’s fingers were digging painfully into his arm.
Theron Valkier stood above them, hidden in shadow. His face was concealed beneath a sleek black mask trimmed with silver — simple yet commanding. From his vantage point, he watched Magnus squirm under Zephyr’s grip.
Theron didn’t know Magnus. Not really. But he knew Zephyr — and that was enough.
Theron Valkier
(to himself) Poor bastard’s picked the wrong enemy.
With a quiet chuckle, Theron turned and began his descent down the marble staircase, his steps slow and deliberate.
Magnus finally twisted his arm free.
Zephyr Draeven
(mocking) I don’t understand what you’re walking away from.
Magnus Lennox
(gritting his teeth) I know exactly what I’m walking away from.
As Magnus turned to leave, a hand shot out from the crowd — strong fingers curling around his arm and yanking him aside.
Magnus Lennox
(startled) Hey!
Before Magnus could react, the stranger grabbed Zephyr’s wrist as well.
Theron Valkier
(coldly) I believe he said... let go.
Magnus turned sharply, locking eyes with the masked man now standing between him and Zephyr.
Zephyr Draeven
(sneering) This isn’t your concern.
Theron Valkier
(grinning beneath the mask) I’m making it my concern.
Theron shoved Magnus roughly into a darkened corner, pinning him against the stone wall.
Magnus Lennox
What the hell is your problem?!
Theron Valkier
(calmly) You’re asking the wrong question.
Magnus Lennox
Magnus’s gaze hardened.
Magnus Lennox
Fine. Who the hell are you?
Theron leaned closer, his masked face barely an inch from Magnus’s.
Theron Valkier
(low voice) Someone who knows what happens when you get too close to Zephyr Draeven.
Magnus Lennox
(defiant) I can handle myself.
Theron Valkier
Theron scoffed. You think this is about pride?
Magnus Lennox
Magnus shoved Theron back.
Magnus Lennox
(gritting his teeth) I don’t need a masked stranger saving me.
Theron Valkier
You’ll regret that.
[Moments Later – Back in the Ballroom]
The whispers had spread. Curious faces peeked from behind their masks. Magnus knew they were talking about him — about Theron, the masked man who had just dragged him away like a misbehaving child.
And then Zephyr returned — calm, composed, his smile faint but sharp.
Zephyr Draeven
Seems like some of us forgot their manners tonight.
The crowd chuckled — light and empty.
Magnus started to speak, but before he could form a word, Zephyr was beside him again, his smile widening.
Zephyr Draeven
(quietly) He’s not your friend. He’s using you.
Magnus Lennox
(flatly) so are you?
Zephyr Draeven
smile faded.
Zephyr Draeven
(leaning closer) Be careful, Magnus. You don’t know what you’re stepping into.
[The Gardens – Later That Night]
Magnus stood by the fountain, breathing in the cool night air, trying to clear his head. He didn’t hear the footsteps behind him until it was too late.
Theron’s voice broke the silence.
Theron Valkier
You should’ve listened.
Magnus Lennox
(Magnus spin around)
Magnus Lennox
(angry) I told you, I don’t need your help.
Theron Valkier
(calmly) No. But you’re going to need answers.
Theron reached into his jacket and pulled out a folded letter — wax-sealed with the Draeven family crest.
Magnus Lennox
(confused) What’s that?
Theron Valkier
(quietly) Proof that Zephyr’s not just here to make friends.
Magnus hesitated, then took the letter. As his fingers brushed the envelope, Theron’s hand closed over his.
Theron Valkier
(warning) This isn’t just politics, Magnus. People die when they get involved with Zephyr.
Magnus Lennox
(muttering) Then why are you involved?
For a moment, Theron’s mask seemed heavier — as though it wasn’t just hiding his face, but something far deeper.
Theron Valkier
Because I already lost someone to her.
And with that, Theron turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Magnus standing alone beneath the cold, silver moonlight.
Magnus Lennox
(Thoughts) seems like there's more secret yet to be unfold, i need to be more extra careful.
Sassy Author
Hello guys if anyone interested on adding a more character let me know your opinion or suggestions
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