Shadow Of The Prey

CH5. Beginning Of The Games.

The theme for the Red Jade Lounge tonight, is a dignified masquerade. The mask I brought for the recon was nothing more than a prop to show I confused the dates—marking in the target's mind that I'll be undoubtably attending tonight.

As my hair is styled, a sense of worry falls upon my shoulders with how to proceed.
However, even if he subconsciously searches for me in the crowd, the masquerade will pose a challenge to catch his attention. I have an hour at most to catch his eye without directly approaching him—any longer, he'll unquestionably latch onto a different woman to entertain him for the night. With a mask on, the target won't be able to easily find me. If he's wearing a mask as well, it'll provide to be difficult to find him too.

The other challenge I'll face is even if I recognize him first, the target's a capricious one and if Miss. Barrington approached first—it would break the spell of the elusive fawn that enticed him the other night. I'd be cut off from him, losing my worth and being thought of as the same as the other ladies who desperately throw themselves at his feet.

Focusing on my reflection in the mirror as vague plans come to mind, I step into the fitted navy satin gown—the bodice a stiff corset with cinched fabric draping over my bosom—taking a deep breath as a beautician zips the gown closed. Adjusting the draped sleeves that hang off my shoulders, I admire the long flared-out skirt that allows the tips of my crystal heels to peek out. The gown elegantly emphasizes my figure—teasing a glimpse of the curves of my hips beneath the loosely gathered satin at the waist of the gown. A dainty layered necklace diamonds are layered on my neck with elegant diamond earrings secured to my earlobes—finally a dark navy colombina mask is secured to my face.

The outfit is extravagant enough for the theme, but won't outshine other guests or call for unwanted attention—simply radiating a quiet elegant call of seduction.

I tilt my head back to use my eyedrops. As the formula spreads over my eyes, I stare at the woman in the mirror. A voluminous high ponytail with the front pieces left out to accent the shape of my face, my eyeshadow subtly dramatic from a brown smokey look, but my lips remain the same shade the target has seen me wear before—Miss. Barrington's signature muted berry lipstick with a subtle gloss.

Elise Barrington always radiates a gentle air of elegance—but tonight she wears a hint of ferocity.

Stepping out of the luxury car, bystanders are quick to attend their gazes onto me the moment my heels click against the pavement.
Assisted to the Red Jade Lounge, I follow my routine of analyzing the lounge for a few seconds. Unfortunately, some guests have already set their eyes on me—undoubtably from the alluring air of seduction Elise proudly wears—but this doesn't interfere with my plan, it only means I lose two seconds of my analysis.

The lounge is entertained by a small orchestra as guests dance to the classical-jazz toned music. The room decorated lavishly for the theme, a few extra tables added, and some of the games tables moved from the places they were in from before—the lounge practically feels like a different space than last time.

However, the target and his associates are nowhere to be found.

My eyes scan the room for the target, yet it's impossible to find him without drawing attention to my eyes searching the room. The target's booth-empty, with none of his associates to be seen.

Alas, glasses on his table are left with only ice, and a gentle touch of brown liquor at the bottom of the recently finished cocktails—confirming that the target's present.