Kings Of Night The Kings Of Barrington Hall

The Masquerade Ball

Hundreds of people gather inside the ballroom. Everyone dressed in beautiful gowns and expensive suits. Every single person wears a mask, each different except for some men hanging out around a table. All of their masks cover their entire face, and they’re red with the face of a skeleton. I walk around the dimly lit room, and grab a glass of whatever alcohol they’re serving to calm my nerves. The ballroom is decorated in hanging black curtains with torches alongside of the walls. Red tablecloths with black lace line the round tables among the floors. A grand chandelier hangs in the middle of the room encrusted with black jewels hanging down. The floors are red marble. It’s emasculate to look at. A woman walks by and I notice she’s wearing the exact same dress as me. Not the same style as me, but the same colors, and the same mask. Crinkling my nose, I look around and stop when I see four other women wearing the same dresses and masks as me. That’s odd, I guess they wanted everyone to be the same. At least the dresses are beautiful. The tapping of a microphone cuts me out of my thoughts as I finish my drink and grab another.

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Barrington Hall!” An old man announces at the front of the room. He’s wearing a red suit with the letters KN embroidered in black on his jacket pocket. “Thank you all for attending our annual Masquerade Ball. It is with great pleasure that I announce this year’s Kings of Night’s newest members!” He exclaims as everyone starts clapping and cheering. Just then the red masked men walk toward the front of the room, with the old man. “As you know, Barrington has been here for centuries and we pride ourselves in everything we do. We are honored to have such an incredible group of young men to keep our legacy going. We all can expect great things from these young men, I know I do.” He laughs as he motions for the first man. “Without further ado, let the introductions begin. First we have my grandson Archibald Barrington!” He smiles and claps as the first man comes to stand by his side. He takes off his mask revealing brown hair and blue eyes. Archibald smiles and holds his mask in his hands. “Next we have Simon Andrew’s!” He claps and smiles as he waits for Simon to take his place by Archibald and unmask. Two more men are unmasked and introduced, as I grab another glass of alcohol. I’m pretty sure it’s champagne, but honestly I’ve never had it. “Now our last two members are the highest ranking members of the year! They’ve truly gone above and beyond to prove their worth and loyalty to the Kings of Night, and I’m so proud and pleased to present them to you tonight. Please give a round of applause for Nathaniel Black and Vincent Graves!” The man shouts and he gestures them over. The last two men strode over the man and take off their masks. My eyes widen when I finally see the two men. They are absolutely handsome. Nathanial has dirty blonde hair along with a beard, and the most beautiful green eyes I’ve ever seen. He’s got an eye brow piercing, and I can see tattoos running up his neck. Both of their necks actually. Vincent has dark black hair and hard hazel eyes. His hair is longer than the rest of the men, to his shoulders. He also has a beard and two piercings on his bottom lip. Good lord these men are delicious to look at. All the men stand there and wait for the old man to finish his introductions. “Now that introductions are out of the way, I’d like to ask the six women that received and invitation to this years ball to make their way to the front of the room please.” He says. Shocked, I look around and see five women wearing the same dresses as me move to the front of the room. What the f**k? Am I supposed to go up there too? Slowly I move one foot in front of the other, as I make my way towards the front. The old man smiles as he waves his hand to stand in line with the other women. I face forward towards the crowd and take a deep breath. “Here are this year’s tributes.” He says as he waves to us. Tributes to what? I look around at the other girls and they wear smiles on their faces. “If you will all follow me, we can start the main event.” He shouts to everyone. What f*****g event? What the hell have I done? “Let the hunt begin!” He shouts. “Oh fuck.” I can’t help but say in a gasped breath.