Fate of deception

Chapter 35 - Amir's POV

I didn't know what my intention was to confront Victor, but it felt necessary. The adrenaline rushed through my body as I searched corner to corner, room to room, person to person. No where. It shouldn't be quite hard to figure out which person was Victor. He was one of the few people wearing bright colours like silver, white etc.

I wore a classic black suit this time, instead of choosing one that made me stand out. Deep down, I had a feeling this masquerade wouldn't be like the usual ones. The invitation I got seemed strange and out of the ordinary. It didn't have a name at the bottom, it was very vague on the type of activities that would take place. Everything about this felt eerie.

Why did I bring Umaizah and Layna if it wasn't what I expected? To put it in a simple way, I didn't want to come alone. Bringing Umaizah and Layna may have been a mistake. Yes, I should have waited for another ball for a later date, but there was something intriguing about this whole place.

The people were from higher ranks in society, their elaborate masks concealing their true identities. I noticed a whispered conversation between two masked figures near the grand staircase, their gestures hinting at a hidden agenda. Umaizah and Layna—who were afar from me— had exchanged wary glances, sensing the tension in the air as they mingled with the enigmatic guests.

As I continued to scan the room, trying to find Victor, the sharp clink of a glass echoed through the hall. The crowd hushed, all eyes turning toward the grand staircase where the previous woman, dressed in a flowing emerald gown and an elaborate mask of gold, stood at the top step. Her presence commanded the room. She raised her glass, her voice clear and precise, slicing through the heavy atmosphere.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the hostess began, her voice smooth but laced with an almost playful malice. "It's time for a little fun. We have a new game for you all—a game of partnership."

The guests exchanged curious glances, murmurs rippling through the crowd. I felt a chill down my spine, uncertain where this was going. My eyes flicked to Umaizah and Layna, who had both stopped mid-conversation, now watching the hostess with the same suspicion that clouded my thoughts. They had both linked arms with each other ever since we stepped foot into the grand mansion.

"The rules are simple," she continued, her eyes scanning the room beneath her mask. "Find a partner—of the opposite gender—and stay close to them throughout the game. You'll need each other. Trust me."

Something about her words made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. There was an edge to her tone, like the game wasn't as harmless as she wanted us to believe. Around me, masked figures began to pair up, the energy in the room shifting. Some looked excited, others, cautious.

I moved quickly toward Umaizah. "We're sticking together," I said in a low voice, making it clear there was no room for negotiation. Her eyes widened slightly beneath her mask, but she nodded in agreement, her hand resting lightly on my arm as if seeking reassurance. The tension between us was palpable—unspoken, but understood.

Layna, a few steps away, had already found herself a partner—someone I vaguely recognized as a friend from our social circles. She seemed at ease, but I knew her well enough to see the flicker of wariness behind her mask.

The hostess smiled, watching as everyone settled with their chosen partners. "That's it," she cooed, "keep your partners close. You never know when you'll need them." She paused for dramatic effect, her eyes glinting with mischief. "For now, don't worry too much. Enjoy yourselves. There will be another game soon, but until then, have fun."

With that, she descended the staircase, her gown sweeping behind her like a river of deep emerald. The air felt heavier, more oppressive, as though something dark lingered just beyond the surface of the revelry. The colour of her gown, rich and velvety, gave her a an otherworldly air, as though she were a part of the game she had just set into motion.

Umaizah glanced up at me, her voice barely above a whisper. "What do you think is really going on here with the games?"

I shook my head, scanning the room for any sign of Victor. "Don't worry about it too much."