Blood Waltz

The night fell, enveloped in a thick mist, like a silk cloak that flowed through the twisted trees. The black marble castle rose in the distance, imposing, like a wound in the desolate landscape. The arched windows, covered with ruby and golden stained glass, shimmered faintly under the flickering light of the torches that adorned the stone path leading to the iron gates.

Hinata walked slowly, his heart racing, his body tense with an anticipation he could not explain. The invitation had arrived that very morning, a letter of pale, stained paper sealed with crimson wax. The words, written in elaborate calligraphy, announced an exclusive event reserved for a few, but did not reveal the host, nor the purpose of the gathering. He only knew he was expected to attend the ball.

The suit he wore was a work of art, made of black satin like the night, hugging his silhouette, with finely embroidered lace. Around his neck, a necklace of rubies sparkled, like drops of fresh blood. His steps echoed softly on the stone path until he finally stood before the giant gates of the castle.

The gates opened by themselves, creaking with a nearly human lament, revealing a foyer decorated with candles and golden candelabra. The air was laden with a sweet scent, of dead roses and incense. The music came from somewhere distant, soft yet intoxicating, a slow and captivating rhythm that seemed to guide him forward.

As he entered the main hall, Hinata held his breath. The hall was vast, its high ceilings supported by columns adorned with carvings of mythological creatures, all enveloped in scenes of decay and lust. The dance floor was dominated by couples twirling in an enchanted waltz. They were beautiful and elegant, but there was something strange about them: their skin was too pale, their eyes shining with a supernatural intensity. A shiver ran down Hinata's spine, but for some reason, he couldn't look away.

— You have arrived. — The grave and melodic voice came from behind him, wrapped in a tone of pleasure and curiosity.

Hinata turned and found himself facing a man of overwhelming presence. He wore a flawless black suit, his hair falling in perfect waves over his shoulders. But it was his face that impacted him the most—eyes as red as blood that made him feel exposed, as if his soul were being devoured.

— Who are you? — Hinata asked, trying to keep his voice steady, but feeling his heart race in his chest.

He tilted his head slightly, a mischievous smile curving his lips.

— I am the host of this night, my dear. And you are the special guest.

Before he could respond, the man extended his hand. Hinata, hypnotized, accepted without hesitation. The touch of his skin was cold, but the warmth growing inside him felt explosive, merging with the music that now sounded louder, more enveloping. He was led to the center of the hall, where the waltz continued in a strange, almost ritualistic rhythm.

— This ball... is different — he murmured, spinning him with an almost supernatural grace. — Here, we dance not for fun, but for something much more... profound.
Hinata felt his breath quicken. Something was wrong, but the music, the intense gazes of the other guests, the cold touch of his partner... everything held him, like a golden spider's web tightening around him.

— What do you want from me? — he whispered, his voice trembling.

He looked into his eyes, his smile widening dangerously.

The floor of the hall began to tremble slightly, and a light mist rose from the polished marble floor. The rhythm of the music accelerated, and Hinata felt that something terrible was approaching. His body was growing lighter, almost as if he were floating, but at the same time, the feeling of dread grew inside him. With every turn, every step he took in the waltz, he drew closer to an abyss he could not see, yet felt he was on the brink of falling.

Suddenly, the other dancers began to stop, the pairs dissolving. Now, everyone was motionless, their gazes fixed on Hinata. Silence filled the hall, interrupted only by the soft sound of their breaths. The host held him more tightly, pulling him closer, their faces inches apart.

— The blood ball, my dear, is only the beginning — he murmured, with a tone that mingled tenderness and malice. — You have been chosen for something greater... something eternal.
With these words, he leaned in, his lips brushing against the skin of Hinata's neck. The cold touch of his lips made him shudder, but what came next terrified him: a sharp, deep pain, as if something was being torn from within him.

Hinata tried to fight, but his strength abandoned him.
His vision began to fade, the sounds around him becoming distant and distorted. The last thing he heard before surrendering to the darkness was the soft, almost gentle laughter of the man who had led him to the ball.When he finally succumbed to the void, the hall resumed dancing, the couples returning to their places, twirling in perfect circles, while the melody continued, deeper and more enveloping.