“Is this truly wise?" Jareth muttered, adjusting the clasp of Reno's ceremonial cloak.
Reno fastened his collar. “The queen hides behind masks. It's time she saw mine."
Outside, the palace bells tolled. A masquerade ball, hosted by Queen Vicar herself, in honor of her son's impending coronation—an attempt to reclaim control under the guise of celebration.
Inside the ballroom, chandeliers sparkled with red crystal. Wine flowed like rivers. Nobles laughed too loudly, watched too closely.
And every mask—every smile—hid a blade.
---
##Entrance Hall – Moments Later
A hush fell as Reno entered, dressed in black and silver, a wolf's-head mask covering half his face.
At his side, stepping from the shadows—
Adele.
She wore a silver-feathered swan mask and a gown woven from the moonlight i
