NIGHTFALL
408 Words
Later that evening...
The duke's palace slowly began to fill with guests from all corners of the empire.
Everyone wanted to catch a glimpse of the duke's long-lost daughter.
Some came with the intention of mocking the duke. Others arrived out of pure curiosity. Some simply came for the excitement of an extravagant celebration.
The centre of all attention, however, was currently facing a crisis.
Lilac's debut gown ,the dress specially prepared by the duke himself for this important occasion, had disappeared.
And there was no doubt in her mind that one of the duchess's daughters was behind it.
The entire room was thrown into chaos.
Maids rushed around in panic, frantically searching every corner for the missing gown.
Lilac, meanwhile, sat on the edge of the massive bed, exhaustion clear in her posture.
A doe eyed maid named Mary suddenly knelt before her.
"My lady, if the dress is not found soon, it will be a disaster," Mary said anxiously.
"Really?"
Lilac's voice was lazy and amused.
She waved her hand casually.
"Everyone, leave."
The maids immediately froze before hurriedly obeying.
The moment the room was empty, Mary's innocent expression vanished.
"My lord, I believe you are being sabotaged."
"Dorian."
Lilac called his name lazily.
A shadow emerged from the corner of the room, kneeling solemnly before her.
"My lord."
Among all of Lilac's subordinates, there were six whom she had personally chosen.
The ones she called Death's Shadow.
They were...
Dorian — her loyal knight.
Mary — her deadliest assassin.
Valko — her informant.
Cassian — her infiltrator.
Nyx — her divine alchemist.
Alaric — her shield, the strongest among them in defense.
To Lilac, they were priceless assets.
And she was growing tired of constantly suppressing the true nature of Death's Shadow.
This was not her style.
"You will be my plus one tonight," Lilac said, a smirk forming on her lips as she popped a grape into her mouth.
"And make sure you are the first person to ask me for the first dance."
"Yes, my lord," Dorian replied.
"My lord, what do you have planned? , Do you really want to be a substitute bride ...... boo hoo , that's no fun, " Mary asked with a playful smile, gently holding Lilac's hand.
Lilac's lips curved upward.
"Well..."
She leaned back lazily.
"It's time, isn't it?"
Her eyes gleamed beneath her veil.
"I need to have that long-awaited conversation with my beloved father."
- Writer
