Ethereal Inferno

Chaptee 2: Eyes Don't Lie

Flashing lights came into view. Reporters were buzzing around with questions. Some of them were really awkward and embarrassing. I would be in shame for the rest of my life if I was them. Like how do you even answer to "How many times do you wash your feet in a week?".......... Ye right. Anywho, Elliot and Alvin, our personal body gaurds shoved them away for us. We finally got through them and got into the limo. My parents were already there waiting for our arrival.

"Hey. I don't know why but I feel like tonight would be magical. I know we've been to many balls together before, but I feel like this one would bring a big impact in our lives." Harriet said with a very quiet voice as she held my hands. "... You good Harriet? You've never said anything like this before. You're scaring me you know.." She chuckled. I thought she was joking around but by the tone of her voice, she wasn't. I didn't know why but I also felt the same thing. I felt like something big could happen tonight and we wouldn't know for sometime.

We had arrived at the venue and even though it was my birthday, I didn't know half of the guest. I mean, my parents were the ones inviting them. The only people I invited were Harriet, Jaxon, Zach and Max. We were all best friends but Im more closer with Harriet.

"Hey I forgot to tell you one tiny detail." I stated. "Erica... What is it?" Harriet asked with a suspicious tone. "So.. It's actually a masquerade birthday ball" I muttered. "Oh. I thought you were gonna say something serious." Replied Harriet with a blank tone. But I knew she was hiding something.

As I was going to give her a mask, she suddenly slapped my head from behind, "BITCH! you know how I hate masquerade balls. Why the fuck would you not tell me?" She yelled at me as I tried to run away from her. "You little-" She uttered as she chased me.

Eventually, Harriet caught up to me as my dress was heavier and slowing me down. "Okok. I'm sorry." I let out. "This will be the ONLY and LAST exception Erica." I walked backwards as I put both my hands in the air indicating that I'm taking the warning.

We wore our mask and both headed inside. I heard Harriet gasp as she entered. Would've done the same if I was her. This felt so unreal. Everything was perfectly done. Magically done. The artwork in the ceilings to the crystal chandeliers to the orchestra to the decor to the people. Everything was mesmerizing.

We told our names to the announcer, Harriet going in first. Then as he said my name, everyone felt silent "Princess Erica Yuvina of our kingdom, Helim; the birthday girl!" I walked down the long ass stairs trying my best to keep my head up with all those people looking at me. I felt really uncomfortable but what can I say. Good thing I had a mask on. The only thing I'm holding on to tonight for real. Including Harriet.

As I reached the common level, I did a curtsy to everyone and walked to my seat as people rushed in to give me gifts and wish me. As people were in line, i could not help but keep my eyes fixed on a particular someone. He just had to be there. I've never been transfixed by someone like this before..

His turn came and he bowed then, he took my hand, planting the most gentle kiss on the back of it. My hands were beginning to sweat. Thank God I was wearing gloves. After, he kept my gift on the side. It was a red rectangular box with black ribbons. I could already tell that I would love it.

Some minutes had passed and now it was time for cake cutting. It was a big 4 tier, castle cake and oh my... It looked amazing. Just amazing. Too beautiful to eat but I was hungry as fuck so I blew out the candles and cut the cake. I fed my "parents" First then they fed me. I hated every second of it.

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It was dinner, my favorite part of the year. Where it was actually fun and there was laughter.. Even though some screamed fake, I still had My best friends surrounding me. But this time, instead of facing Harriet and eating, that mysterious dude was opposite me, already munching on his dinner. He is me.

He gave off really orphic yet electric vibes. We didn't talk because I didn't know how to start a convo if it wasn't my friends and I could say he was facing the same thing too. Trying to get out of this awkward situation, I asked him to hand me the salt and he did but without even saying anything. I thanked him but didn't even get a proper response. I will pretend he never kissed the back of my hand. Why did he even come here? Who told him to sit here? Who is this man?

I tried to eye communicate Harriet and the rest but they didn't even turn their heads in my way. I've been betrayed. He was done eating and he went away. Like he literally said "bye".what the heck dude. That was so awkward to even recall back in the future if I ever thought of this day.

Play " Love Story version Orchestral " By Indila

But damn. His eyes though... His eyes were a really dark shade of brown, almost like it was black. And his hair was dark black like ebony wood. He was about 6'2 maybe?. He wore a stunning suit of black and gold. He must be a noble or Dutch. He looked like he's in his 20's I guess. Not sure though.

"Erica?" I snapped out of my trance. It was Jaxon. "Huh?- ye?" "The song's starting. Find a partner birthday girl." He said "... I don't have anyone. Can you dance with me? You know just as friends?" I asked. "No. I'm with my girlfriend today." He stated "W H A T? SINCE WHEN DID YOU GET A GIRLFRIEND?" I asked quite shock that he can pull things other than the push signs. He laughed " I'll tell y'all everything later. But for now, go find someone. Harriet's got someone" He laughed again as he went to the ballroom. Oh well. I'm fucked.

A deep husky voice behind me spoke up, "Princess Erica, would you let me have the honour to dance with you?" That voice. It sent chills down my spine.I didn't turn but I knew who's eyes it belonged to.