#Chapter 58: The Masquerade

Raven It felt surreal, stepping back into this world of polished smiles and manufactured charm. The moment I stepped into the grand hotel, I could practically smell the competition mingling with the expensive perfume in the air. Everyone seemed to be trying to outdo one another, each gown and mask more outrageous than the last. I had once thrived in this environment, but now it felt hollow. Neil stood beside me, his broad frame impossible to ignore even amongst the throng. The sleek black suit he wore clung to him perfectly, but it looked out of place on him, especially without his signature cloak. His mask was a simple but elegant black piece I’d found buried in one of my sprawling closets. “You didn’t tell me parties were this loud,” he muttered, his voice low enough for only me to hear. He kept fidgeting with his mask, clearly uncomfortable. “I guess I got used to it,” I replied, grabbing two flutes of champagne from a passing waiter and handing