The Thariel estate gleamed like a wound stitched with diamonds.
Even in her first life, Ashara had never attended a feast quite like this—one meant not for nobles, but for predators. Gold dripped from the walls. Lanterns burned with scented oils. And everyone—every soul behind a mask—was hunting something.
Ashara descended from her carriage in a gown the color of dusk: deep violet lined with starlight threads that shimmered with movement. A half-mask, carved of obsidian and etched in pale gold, veiled the top half of her face. The effect was elegant… and untraceable.
System Notification
➤ Stealth Modifier: +40%
➤ Charisma Modifier: +20%
➤ Event Quest Active: The Dance of Hidden Blades
— Objective: Secure an alliance with House Thariel
— Bonus Objective: Survive the evening without exposing identity
Warning: Fate Fork Imminent – Presence of Divine Interference Detected.
As Ashara entered the marble atrium, she felt it—a thrum in her bones, a low vibration through the threads of the world.
Someone was watching.
Something.
Masked guests floated around her like petals caught in wind. Laughing courtiers and jeweled merchants whispered in corners, glasses raised and veils fluttering. The masquerade's theme was Ash and Flame—and Ashara was both.
Lira Thariel, the hostess, awaited her near the fountain of silver lilies.
Her mask was shaped like a fox, and her gown clung to her like shadows.
"Lady Kaelen," Lira purred. "So glad you came. You look… sharp enough to kill."
Ashara smiled. "Don't we all?"
Lira offered her arm. "Walk with me. There are many watching tonight, and even more listening."
Ashara accepted.
Together, they moved through the hall of glass, weaving between masked guests. The court's secret merchants and informants orbited them like moons.
"I'll be direct," Lira whispered. "You're more than a sword in a pretty dress. You have something the empire lacks."
"Blood?" Ashara offered.
"Vision," Lira corrected. "And no leash."
System Prompt: Decision Required
— Accept Lira's offer of unofficial support and merchant backing?
— Risk: Moderate. Potential infiltration by Thariel agents.
— Reward: Access to black market weapons, information networks, noble debt tokens.
Ashara's smile remained unchanged, but her voice lowered.
"I don't need chains, Lira. I need keys."
Lira's eyes gleamed. "Then let's unlock some futures together."
✔ Choice Made: Accept Alliance (Limited Trust)
➤ Reward Gained: Access to Thariel Intelligence Network
➤ Trust Level: 1/5
➤ Suspicion Level: 3/5
Side Quest Unlocked: Whispers Beneath the Veil.
When the string quartet began the midnight movement—The Emperor's Descent—the floor cleared. It was the cue for the "divine pairing": two veiled strangers chosen to perform the first dance, a symbolic offering to the gods of fate.
Ashara tried to retreat.
But it was too late.
The crowd parted… and her partner stepped forward.
Silver and shadow. Broad-shouldered. Masked in a sharp-faced hawk visor.
Prince Kallad.
Of course.
He bowed without a word.
Ashara, face unreadable behind her mask, curtsied in turn.
And then they danced.
He was fire. She was ice. Together, they made ash and storm.
Their bodies moved in practiced grace, though they had never shared this rhythm before. Every spin, every step, every breath between them was a memory made physical.
His gloved hand slid along her back, fingers pressing slightly too firm. Her hand pressed to his chest, right above where his heart pounded.
"You shouldn't be here," she whispered against his cheek.
"You summoned me with that kiss," he murmured back.
Her eyes narrowed. "Don't confuse weakness with invitation."
He laughed softly. "But they're so often the same."
They turned. Spun. Dipped.
The music crested.
And then—
System Alert – Divine Thread Interference
✦ Godwatch Triggered: A Hidden Deity Has Taken Interest in This Event
➤ Alignment Bonus Detected: Dual Affection and Ambition
➤ Status Effect: Touched by Unseen Flame
✦ Temporary Buff: +25% Charisma, +10% Intuition for next 12 hours
Note: One divine faction has marked you as "Noteworthy." Choose next steps carefully.
Ashara felt it—a spark under her skin, a warmth blooming at the base of her spine. Not desire. Not fear.
Power.
Kallad felt it too. His gaze sharpened. His lips hovered over her ear.
"You're changing."
She smiled against his cheek.
"You haven't seen anything yet."
When the dance ended, applause erupted—but all Ashara heard was her pulse.
Kallad bowed and vanished before she could speak again. Typical.
Lira reappeared at her side moments later.
"You've made an impression," she said, voice smooth.
"Good," Ashara replied. "They needed reminding."
But even as she accepted a glass of Thariel wine, her mind was elsewhere.
System Update – Divine Threat Level Adjusted
✦ Divine Interest: 1
✦ Threat Vector Identified: Cult Activity Intersecting Fate Threads
➤ Cult Influence in Capital: 38%
➤ Upcoming Danger: Unknown Ritual Date Approaching
--------------------
Ashara stepped into the silent garden behind the estate, needing air.
Ezekiel waited in the shadows, leaning against a carved pillar like he belonged there.
"You're late," she said.
"You were dancing with another man."
"Jealous?"
"No," he said. "Just planning where to bury the body."
She laughed quietly.
Then her smile faded.
"Something's coming, Ezekiel. A presence. Not mortal."
He straightened, eyes narrowing. "The gods?"
"Maybe. Or something older."
He looked at her for a long moment.
"You keep changing," he said.
"Would you rather I stayed a ghost?"
"No," he murmured. "But I'd rather you stayed mine."
Ashara met his gaze, then turned back to the moon.
Let them all watch.
She was coming for every crown that had once buried her.