CHECKMATE.

Stolen Weapon.

The music gracefully filled in the background, as people swayed in each others' arms.

The chandelier dimly flickered to no ones notice.

It seems no one felt shivers down their spines, that is, except Ivory. Although this was one of the many balls that were held at the castle, if felt rather, different. Perhaps it was the incoherent shuffles coming from the halls, or the unknown breeze filling the air. Ivory was the unfortunate only one who noticed this. Everyone else was smiling and laughing, paying no mind to the outside world.

Ivory, was paying more mind to the outside world than the inside.

She slammed her book shut, and shuffled through the crowds of people. The fresh air outside wouldn't hurt, would it? There was one rather big problem—Ivory did not know these halls. Each and every corner lead to more; the castle was like a maze. The classical music faded out as Ivory fled farther. Portraits of the residents in the castle hung on the walls, intricate patterns drawn onto the frames. Anyone would dream of living here, but all was on Ivory's mind was to leave. The gut in the stomach was blaring for her to get out, and her heart was beating louder than ever. She turned the corner to stop in her tracks.

In front of her was the castle's famous museum. The aura this room gave was frightening, but something in Ivory's instinct told her to go inside. No guards stood outside this sacred room, which made it even more alarming. She took slow, cautious steps, scared something might be provoked. The cold silence and taps of her foot steps rung in her ears, as she got closer and closer to the middle of the room.

Her heart dropped.

The golden pedestal stood empty. The kingdom's most infamous weapon has been stolen.

The entire room felt non existent. Before Ivory could alert anyone, she heard more shuffling. But this time, much closer. Spinning around on her heel, she locked eyes with a man wearing a hood, masking his identity. He made a step to come closer, but Ivory was quicker. She threw a smoke bomb she always carried, and took the chance to run outside. The man wasn't far behind. He had to be skilled in whatever he was planning on doing. She ran to her estimated location of the ball, hoping guards there would notice him. Thankfully she was wearing her robes, she couldn't imagine how running would be in a gown. Her lungs were failing on her and her adrenaline was the only thing keeping her together. She looked back to see him still hot on her heels, not even bothered. Before she gathered up her courage to face him, which most likely wouldn't end well, she saw the castles doors. Smirking to herself she turned back, took one glance at him, and shoved her back against the door, opening it instantly.

Guards straightened up and looked at her, only to find out she was there for the ball. She tugged at one's collar and pulled him close, informing them about the stolen weapon. He curtly nodded and instructed the others to grab the thief.

Grinning at his failed heist, she signaled a goodbye and ran off to the kingdom. That would be her last visit to the castle, or not.

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