The grand hall of our estate was alive with the hum of conversation, the clinking of champagne glasses, and the soft melody of a string quartet playing in the background. The chandeliers, adorned with thousands of twinkling crystals, cast a golden glow over the masked guests, who moved elegantly across the floor in an intricate dance of secrets and alliances. Tonight wasn’t just a birthday celebration—it was an event that held weight in our world.
“Happy birthday, son.”
I turned to my left and saw my mother standing before me, regal as ever. Her deep emerald gown shimmered under the lights, and the mask she wore—intricately designed with silver filigree—added to her already commanding presence.
“Good evening, Trent, Nathaniel. I hope you are having fun tonight.” She offered a polite smi
