When A Villain Falls [Yandere Villain x Hero]

Chapter 16 - Waiting

The grand ballroom was a kaleidoscope of swirling colors and ornate masks as I twirled from partner to partner. Each time Plague tried to reveal himself, the music would swell, sweeping me away into another stranger's arms. 

I could feel his intense gaze burning into me from across the dance floor, a searing reminder of the danger lurking behind every graceful step.

I tried to maintain my composure, but my mind was a storm of conflicting thoughts. Plague was here, somewhere close. Every mask hid a potential threat. I had to keep moving, keep blending in, but the anticipation was unbearable.

What if he saw through my disguise?

What if he recognized me? The fear gnawed at the edges of my resolve.

Suddenly, a burst of static crackled in my earpiece. "Y/N? You there? We're losing video feed."

Julian's voice was laced with concern. I tried to subtly adjust the hidden camera tucked into my gown, but it was no use—something was disrupting our communications. Damn it. Why now?

"I can hear you, but the camera must be malfunctioning," I murmured under my breath as another partner pulled me close. "Going to have to fly blind for now."

There was a tense pause before Julian responded. "Copy that. But be careful in there, we've got your back."

Yeah, easier said than done, I thought. My eyes darted around the room, searching for any sign of Plague. The anticipation was a weight pressing down on my chest. I had to stay focused, keep my cool. He was playing with me, trying to unnerve me. I couldn't let him see he was getting to me.

As if on cue, the music reached a dramatic crescendo, and the dancers began clearing the floor. I found myself alone for a brief moment, scanning the crowd desperately for any sign of Plague.

That's when I spotted him—standing near the stage, that unnerving half-mask concealing his face. Our eyes locked, his gaze boring straight through me. A slow, sinister smile spread across his visible lips.

There he was. My heart skipped a beat. Every instinct screamed at me to run, to hide, but I forced myself to stay put. This was the moment I'd been preparing for. I couldn't let fear control me.

Before I could make a move, the host took the stage, tapping a microphone to get everyone's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" he boomed jovially. "What an incredible night of celebration for a tremendous cause. But before we commence with our grand finale, I have an extra special treat for you all."

My blood ran cold at his ominous tone. Plague hadn't taken his eyes off me, his smile stretching wider and wider. T

his was it—whatever twisted game he'd been playing was about to reach its crescendo.

What did he have planned?

"Please, everyone take your seats," the host continued. "And prepare yourselves for an evening you'll never forget!"

The ballroom erupted into polite applause as the guests began filing towards the dining tables set up around the perimeter. I moved with the crowd, trying to appear calm and unflustered. Inside, my mind was racing—what did Plague have planned? Some sort of attack? A grand public spectacle?

As I took my seat, I caught a glimpse of him slipping through a side door, presumably to prepare for his "grand finale."

This was my chance to regroup and formulate a new plan.

"Julian, it's me," I hissed under my breath. "I've lost visual on Plague but he's up to something big. Get your team ready to breach on my signal."

There was a crackle of static, then Julian's voice came through, tense but reassuring. "You got it, Y/N. Just say the word."

Okay, deep breath. I settled back in my chair, palms sweating as the other guests chatted excitedly around me. Whatever Plague's twisted mind had cooked up, I was going to be ready. One way or another, this obsession of his would come to an end tonight.

The only question was...

how many lives would be caught in the crossfire?

I glanced around, taking in the sea of glittering gowns and polished masks. Innocent people, blissfully unaware of the danger that lurked just out of sight. I couldn't let them get hurt. This was my fight, my burden to bear.