Masquerade | Marshmello

Prologue

Nikolai walked down the hall, scanning each entryway to make sure he was headed the right direction. His friend had invited him to a dinner, yet failed to explain to him that his house was a massive mansion. Nikolai didn't come from money. His own home wasn't much of a sight externally, but he'd made sure to spruce up the inside to make up for it. Now this... This absolute mansion of a home left him dumbfounded at every turn down yet another long corridor. He gently grasped one of the maid's wrists, causing her to stop and look at him with concern.

"H-Hey... Could you show me where the dining room is? I seem to have lost my way entirely." He could feel his cheeks turning a light pink from embarrassment.

"Yes, sir. Please follow me." She answered softly, motioning with her free hand.

He followed behind her, watching the way her hair flowed behind her, the air moving around it. The light caused it to shimmer, showing just how healthy and maintained it truly was. She reached the doorjamb and halted. He almost ran into her, but managed to stop a few inches from her. She seemed to sense this, so she didn't turn around.

"Dining room is just through here. The other guests are waiting patiently for your arrival." The maid gave him a flattering smile before leaving him standing alone next to the entrance to the crowded room.

Nikolai inhaled sharply, exhaling slowly as he tried to calm his growing nerves. You have a mask on. No one will ever know it's you. There is no need to be so anxious. He reminded himself, fingers dancing delicately over the mask. It was an intricately designed mask, holding dozens of sapphires that lined the shape of the mask. It was painted a sky and stone blue gradient. Indigo feathers decorated the sides. He peaked around the doorjamb, taking note of the amount of people and where he would be able to sit without getting to close to anyone. There was only one option.

He gulped, pressing his back into the wall as he began to silently panic at the amount of human contact he would have to endure. Do it for your friend. You promised. He nearly groaned with frustration at himself for agreeing to such a thing. Especially with all of the rumours that have been flying around the internet about him. Just as he stepped into sight, a hand yanked him back, luckily not drawing much attention. He whipped around, about to defend himself, when he met beautiful, kind eyes. He could only stare, his words caught tightly within his vocal cords.

"Are you okay? You seemed you were going to have a panic attack." The man asked, voice filled with concern.

"I-I'm okay... Just not used to such large gatherings." He admitted lowly.

"You're the wild card, aren't you?" Fuck, am I that obvious? Nikolai frowned at the man before him, wishing he would have just gone to the table. He wished he had even an ounce of the self-confidence these people seemed to.

"You could say that."

"What's your name, wild card?" The man grinned.

"Alexander." He answered with his alias. The only one that knew his true name was the host. And the host wouldn't be arriving until the after party.

"Well, Alexander, it's certainly a pleasure to make your acquaintance. You may call me Caen." The man answered, extending his hand to Nikolai.

"The pleasure is mine, Caen." Nikolai grinned, giving Caen's hand a gentle shake.

"Shall we join the others? Sit beside me, so that we may speak more." Caen requested. Nikolai obliged with the respectful bow of his head, following behind the elegantly dressed man with the silver mask lined with diamonds. There was a single obsidian bead that dotted the center, between the eyes.

"Are there even enough seats?" Nikolai whispered under his breath, wishing to keep the attention off of himself. Though, that mission proved impossible with all of the stares Caen was getting. Everyone watched his every move. Nikolai hoped he was invisible behind the man's spotlight and natural charisma. I wonder what it's like to have people naturally gravitate toward you. He couldn't help but wonder as he watched the way this man interacted with the world. But that's all he did. Was watch. Watch from the sidelines, where he belonged.