𝕸𝖊𝖑𝖔𝖉𝖎𝖊𝖘 𝖔𝖋 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝕰𝖓𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖉 𝕸𝖆𝖘𝖐: 𝕭𝖔𝖔𝖐 𝕺𝖓𝖊

A Maquerade of Hearts II (ᴍᴀQᴜᴇʀᴀᴅᴇ/ᴡʜʏ ꜱᴏ ꜱɪʟᴇɴᴛ)

Adrian and I had been dancing for what seemed like an eternity, and our feet were growing tired. We decided to take a break and look for some treats to eat, hoping to find a quiet corner away from the bustling dancefloor.

"I must admit, I am quite exhausted," Adrian said with a chuckle as we made our way towards the refreshment table. "It seems we have danced enough to last a lifetime."

I smiled, feeling the same weariness in my legs. "Indeed, a moment of rest and some refreshments will do us good," I replied.

I noticed that the dancing couples of the ensemble had taken to the grand staircase, forming lines and twirling around in perfect harmony. Adrian and I decided to join them, feeling a renewed energy as we got lost in the enchanting rhythm of the waltz.

"Masquerade, paper faces on parade!" the ensemble sang, their voices resonating through the hall. Adrian twirled me gracefully, and I felt as if we were floating on air. The masks and costumes added an air of mystery, and every couple seemed like a part of a beautiful ballet.

"Masquerade, hide your face so the world will never find you!" I sang along, my voice blending with the harmonies around us.

The ensemble's voices grew stronger, and the tempo quickened, guiding us into a lively dance that left us breathless but exhilarated. Adrian's hand held mine firmly, and I felt a sense of security and trust as we twirled and spun together.

"Masquerade, every face a different shade! Masquerade, look around, there's another mask behind you!" I saw as Christine and Raoul made their way next to us and danced along to the ensemble..

As the ensemble continued singing, "Masquerade, burning glances, turning heads! Masquerade, stop and stare at the sea of smiles around you!" we caught glimpses of familiar faces, both masked and unmasked, reveling in the celebration.

"Masquerade, grinning yellows, spinning reds! Masquerade, take your fill, let the spectacle astound you."

But then, as if to accentuate the unexpected twists of fate, the music abruptly stopped, leaving everyone in momentary silence.

A hushed murmur spread through the hall as the masked guests exchanged curious glances. The sudden interruption had everyone wondering what had happened. Adrian and I shared a puzzled look before we looked behind and saw a figure on top of the left staircase.

It was Erik, the Phantom of the Opera, dressed in red military suit it looked like, with a black belt and gloves... And white mask took shape of a skull that covered both sides of his face and leaving a space for his mouth, he looked like 'Red Death'. His presence seemed to cast a haunting spell over the grand hall, enveloping us all in fear.

Adrian and I exchanged concerned glances as we made our way to the center of the ballroom, and then we saw Christine and Raoul also approaching next to us, drawn by the mysterious spectacle unfolding before us. The atmosphere was charged with tension, and I couldn't help but feel a mix of fear and curiosity.

Erik scanned his surroundings with a smirk, his masked face giving away no emotions. His eyes seemed to pierce through the crowd, as if he was searching for something or someone. My heart pounded in my chest as I wondered what his intentions were.

With a purposeful stride, Erik descended the staircase, each step echoing ominously in the silence. As he reached the point where the two staircases met, he focused his attention on the Monsieurs Firmin and André, the managers of the opera house. Carlotta and Piangi were also under his intense gaze.

"Why so silent, good Messieurs?" Erik's voice rang out, deep and menacing. His words sent a chill down my spine, and I could see the fear in the eyes of those he addressed.