When A Villain Falls [Yandere Villain x Hero]

Chapter 15 - Masquerade

The intelligence had come in hot—a high-profile charity masquerade ball being held at the luxurious Bellvue Hotel downtown. Normally, an event like this would be far beneath our radar. But when the cyber team confirmed it was the same location we'd traced Plague's deranged video feed to, everything changed.

"You think he's planning something at this ball?" Viola frowned as we pored over the details. "Seems a little...extravagant, even for that psycho."

I shook my head grimly. "With Plague, nothing is off the table. We have to take this seriously."

"Well, we can't exactly roll in like a SWAT team," Yvie pointed out. "It's a black-tie event—we'd stick out like a bunch of rogue cops."

An idea began formulating in my mind. A way to get inside, keep a low profile, and hopefully catch Plague before he could execute whatever twisted scheme he was cooking up.

"What if..." I started slowly. "What if one of us went undercover?"

The guys exchanged uncertain glances before Julian spoke up.

"You want to be the one to infiltrate, don't you?"

I gave a resolute nod. It was a huge risk, putting myself directly in Plague's crosshairs like that. But if anyone could bait him out and keep him distracted long enough for the team to move in, it was me.

"Are you sure about this, Y/N?" Viola asked carefully. "After everything that's gone down with this psycho's obsession... it could be walking right into a trap."

"I'm sure," I stated firmly. "Plague wants to play these mind games? Well, two can play at that game. I'll keep him busy while you get a tactical team in place. The second things go sideways, you storm in shooting."

The plan was extremely risky, putting my life in grave danger. But after the way Plague had been toying with me, I relished the chance to turn the tables. To dangle the object of his obsession right in front of him, only to snatch it away at the last moment.

If nothing else, it would absolutely shatter him.

And so, the arrangements were made. An evening gown was procured, a mask crafted to conceal my identity. When the night of the ball arrived, I was a vision of elegance, poised to play the role of Plague's dark fantasy.

As the team ran last-minute comms checks, Julian pulled me aside, concern etched on his features.

"You don't have to do this, y'know," he said gruffly. "We can find another way."

I offered him a reassuring smile. "I've got this, Julian. That sicko has had his fun, but tonight... tonight, I'm taking him down once and for all."

With that, I adjusted my mask and strode towards the waiting town car, ready to step into the lion's den. Plague thought he could unravel me with his twisted games?

He was about to learn just how wrong he was.

The Bellvue Hotel's grand ballroom was a dazzling spectacle of glittering chandeliers, towering floral arrangements, and elaborately costumed guests swirling across the marble dance floor. I moved through the crowd, sipping a glass of champagne and trying my best to play the part of a wealthy socialite.

My heart pounded with a mixture of anticipation and dread. Plague was here somewhere, lurking behind one of the ornate masks, no doubt with sinister intentions. I had to keep my wits about me and stay vigilant.

As the music swelled, a distinguished older gentleman in a tuxedo approached and offered his hand. "Care to dance, my dear?"

I smiled politely and accepted, allowing him to whisk me into the waltz. My eyes scanned the crowd as we turned and glided across the floor. So far, no signs of Plague or anything out of the ordinary.

The song ended, and my partner bowed graciously before another tuxedoed figure cut in, sweeping me into his arms. I suppressed an eye roll as the new partner pulled me a little too close for propriety's sake.

"Why hello there, beautiful," a voice purred in my ear. "Fancy meeting you here."

I tensed, recognizing the tone instantly—Plague. Of course he would find a way to insert himself into the festivities. Steeling my nerves, I played along.

"Indeed, it is a pleasure," I replied smoothly. "Though I don't believe we've had the, ah, pleasure of meeting before."

Plague chuckled deeply. "Oh, I think you'd remember if we'd met, gorgeous. A man could get lost in those eyes of yours."

He was laying it on thick with the flirtatious banter. I forced myself to remain calm and unfazed as his gloved hand traced tantalizing patterns along my back.

"You seem to have me at a disadvantage, sir," I said coolly. "Though I admit, there is something... familiar about you."

Plague's grin was wolfish behind his ornate mask. "Is that so? Well then, allow me to reintroduce myself..."

Before he could reveal his identity, the music came to a crashing crescendo, and the dancers parted, partners switching up once again. I found myself swept into the arms of yet another masked stranger.

But as I turned back towards where Plague had been standing, I could see him staring unabashedly in my direction, that same unsettling grin on his face. He knew something was up—he just couldn't put his finger on what yet.

The game was most definitely afoot. I just hoped I could keep him distracted and guessing long enough for the team to lock him down.

As the event went on, I kept an eye on Plague, occasionally catching glimpses of him through the crowd. My heart raced every time our eyes met. I couldn't afford to slip up, not now. The team depended on me, and more importantly, I depended on myself. This was my chance to end it all.

But as the night wore on, doubt began to creep in.

Was I truly ready for this?

What if I couldn't keep him distracted?

What if I missed something crucial?

Every scenario played out in my mind, each one more disastrous than the last.

Then, amid the flurry of guests and clinking glasses, my phone buzzed. A coded message from Viola:

"Ready."

My pulse quickened. It was time.