Fate of deception

Chapter 32 - Umaizah's POV

The rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels rolling over cobblestone streets filled the silence between us. I sat across from Layna and Amir, his gaze occasionally drifting out the window, lost in thought. I tried to match his stillness, but a growing sense of unease bubbled in the pit of my stomach. I couldn't quite place why.

We passed through quiet neighborhoods, the buildings growing grander as we neared the heart of Serendria. The streets were lined with tall, iron street lamps, their warm glow flickering like candlelight. Despite the calm exterior, something inside me was stirring—the vague remnants of the dream I had tried to forget lingered at the edge of my mind, like a forgotten whisper that refused to fade.

Amir informed me earlier on that we were heading out of the Serendrian Village. It alarmed me at first since I don't know much about the different places of the Serendrian Kingdom, however I shoved that sense in the back of my head.

"You're awfully quiet," Amir said suddenly, breaking the silence. His voice, though gentle, was filled with curiosity.

I blinked, startled. "Just... tired, I guess."

Layna glanced at me, her eyes briefly meeting mine before she turned away, her fingers tracing the edge of her gown in silent contemplation. I couldn't shake the feeling that both of them knew something I didn't, their aura felt different. I was missing a vital piece of the puzzle that tied this whole morning together.

We arrived at the estate hosting the masquerade, a massive structure that loomed over us with its towering spires and intricate stonework. The mansion's exterior was lit by hundreds of lanterns, casting a soft glow across the finely manicured gardens. Guests in extravagant attire milled about the entrance, their masks transforming the gathering into something out of a storybook—a mix of elegance and mystery.

Amir offered his arm to both of us as we stepped out of the carriage. I hesitated for just a moment, but Layna's hand slipped into his without hesitation. I followed Amir, allowing him to lead us toward the grand entrance. The closer we got, the more my heart pounded in my chest, though I still couldn't explain why.

The moment we entered the ballroom, I was overwhelmed by the opulence. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting shimmering light across the room, while the floor was a sea of swirling fabrics and glittering masks. The air smelled faintly of roses and polished wood. An orchestra played from a raised platform in the far corner, the sound of violins and cellos weaving through the conversations like a second layer of music.

Layna immediately drew attention as we entered, her inky black gown catching the light like stars trapped in the night sky. I, too, could feel eyes on me, the bold red of my dress commanding attention as we moved through the room.

"Amir," a voice called from behind us. We turned to see a man approaching, dressed in an impeccable silver suit and a black mask adorned with delicate feathers. I thought the men would dress in black? He moved with the kind of confidence that only came from power and wealth.

"Good to see you, Amir," the man greeted, his voice smooth, with just a hint of amusement. His eyes flicked toward Layna and I, lingering for a moment longer than was comfortable. "And you've brought company, I see."

"Of course, Victor," Amir said smoothly, his voice relaxed as though he had been expecting this man all along. "May I introduce Layna and—"

"No need for introductions," Victor interrupted, his eyes fixed on me now. "I've heard plenty about you." He gave a small bow, his voice dripping with the kind of politeness that felt like a mask of its own. "Welcome."

I blinked, unsure of how to respond. Heard plenty about me? Did he know I was a royal? Did he mean by Amir talking about me to him? I glanced at Amir, who merely offered me a calm smile as though none of this was out of the ordinary.

As Victor turned to engage Amir in conversation, I felt a gentle pressure on my arm. Layna was guiding me away from the two men, her grip firm but not unkind.

"Let them talk," she said softly, leading me toward a quieter corner of the ballroom. Her eyes scanned the crowd as if searching for something—or someone.

"Who was that?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Victor?" Layna's tone was casual, but her gaze remained alert. "He's... someone you should be careful around. He and Amir have a history." She paused, as if weighing her words. "A complicated one."

I frowned but didn't press further. Something about this entire evening was beginning to feel more than just strange. The people, the place, even the way Layna moved through the crowd—it all felt calculated. Like we were part of some intricate game, one I wasn't privy to the rules of.

As we neared the back of the ballroom, a sudden flash of color caught my eye. A figure in a deep blue mask with silver detailing stood alone by a marble pillar. Unlike the rest of the guests, who mingled and laughed, this figure seemed almost statuesque, watching the room with an intensity that made my skin prickle.

For a brief moment, I locked eyes with them through the swirling mass of people. A chill ran down my spine. I tried to look away, but something about their stare held me captive. It was familiar, unsettlingly so, though I couldn't place why.

Before I could ask Layna if she noticed the figure too, a loud gong echoed through the ballroom, signaling the start of the night's festivities.

The crowd shifted, drawing toward the center of the room where a grand staircase descended from the upper levels. At the top of the stairs stood a woman in an emerald-green gown, her mask obscuring most of her face save for her sharp, calculating eyes.

"Good morning, guests," she began, her voice cutting through the hum of conversation with ease. "We are gathered here today for more than just revelry. As with every year, the masquerade holds secrets, and it is up to you to uncover them."

A ripple of whispers spread through the crowd, but the woman continued, unperturbed.

"Let the games begin," she said with a wicked smile, raising her glass.

The ballroom erupted in applause, but my mind was elsewhere. Games? What kind of games?

I felt Layna's hand on my arm again, her grip tightening. She leaned in close, her voice barely audible over the noise. "Stay close tonight. Trust no one."

I turned to her, alarmed by the sudden shift in her tone. But before I could ask her what she meant, the lights dimmed, and the masquerade began in earnest.

As the crowd dispersed to mingle and explore, I glanced back toward the marble pillar where the figure in blue stood. They were gone, vanished as though they had not been there at all.

A dull ache began to pulse again at the back of my skull, and for the first time this morning, I wasn't sure if I was ready for what was to come.