Lussaria; Her Final Blade

chapter 16

The grand hall of Dante Balanche’s estate was a masterpiece of opulence. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in warm light, casting intricate patterns on the polished marble floors. Golden-framed mirrors lined the walls, reflecting the whirl of elegant figures in lavish attire. A string quartet played a haunting melody in the background, setting a perfect tone of elegance and intrigue.

Rosa stepped into the room, her entrance commanding yet understated. She wore a sleek, emerald green gown that clung to her figure, the plunging neckline balanced by long sleeves adorned with intricate beading. A black lace mask concealed her identity, its delicate design framing her sharp, confident gaze. Her hair was swept into an elegant updo, a single tendril curling at her neck.

Across the room, Nolan was dressed in a classic black tuxedo, his mask a simple design of matte black with sharp edges that made him look even more intimidating than usual. His eyes scanned the crowd constantly, a predator assessing the field. Rosa noticed the way his jaw tightened when his gaze landed on her, the slow sweep his eyes did up her body, but she didn’t acknowledge it.

Sonia was the picture of fiery elegance in a crimson gown with a daring slit up her thigh. Her mask, adorned with gold and ruby accents, gave her the appearance of a warrior queen. Ander, standing by her side, was in a charcoal suit with subtle silver embroidery, his mask plain but effective in concealing his identity.

Rosa moved through the crowd with practiced ease, her senses heightened. She was no stranger to events like this; the luxurious setting, the hidden agendas. Her mission tonight was clear—find out Dante Balanche’s plans and leave without drawing attention. But the moment she stepped into the crowd, she felt it again. The presence.

She didn’t see him at first, but she felt him watching her. It was the same as at the shootout, the same as that night in the club. Her instincts hummed, her body on alert. She turned her head slightly, scanning the room. Then, she saw him.

He was standing by the bar, a glass of champagne in his hand, his posture relaxed yet commanding. He wore a midnight blue suit with subtle silver threading that shimmered under the light, paired with a mask of deep silver that enhanced his sharp, chiseled features. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his eyes, a piercing gray, were locked on her.

For a moment, Rosa’s breath hitched. He looked different out of the shadows, but there was no mistaking him. This was the man who had been haunting her—at the shootout, at the club. But here, in the glittering world of the masquerade, he was just another masked figure.

Before she could decide whether to approach or retreat, he moved. With the grace of a predator, he crossed the room, his eyes never leaving hers. He stopped in front of her, his lips curving into a small, knowing smile.

“Care to dance?” he asked, his voice smooth, tinged with amusement.

Rosa hesitated for only a fraction of a second before nodding, her bottom lips rolling in-between her teeth “Why not?”

He led her to the center of the dance floor, where other couples swayed to the rhythm of the music. His hand settled lightly on her waist, his grip firm but not forceful. Rosa let him lead, her movements fluid, her mind working furiously. His eyes scanned her face stopping at the curve of her cleavage, his stare made her hot all over but she masked it by acting like he was just like any other man and not this drop dead beautiful man that she was sure wanted to kill her

“You move like someone who’s used to this,” he remarked, his voice low enough for her ears only.

Rosa raised an eyebrow beneath her mask. “And you talk like someone who isn’t here just to enjoy the party.”

His smile widened, a flicker of admiration in his gaze. “Maybe we're both here for something more.”

Across the room, Nolan watched the scene unfold, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes moved, trying to see the man she was with. Rosa could feel his eyes on her even as she focused on the stranger in front of her. She knew this dance was stirring something in Nolan, but she didn’t care. This was her moment, her move.

As the song drew to an end, the man leaned in slightly, his voice a soft murmur against her ear. “You’re even more intriguing up close.”

Before she could respond, he pulled back, pressing something into her hand—a small, folded note. Then, with a charming smile, he stepped away, disappearing into the crowd before she could stop him.

Rosa stared after him, her heart pounding. She unfolded the note, her fingers steady despite the rush of adrenaline.

It read:
"Not everyone in the shadows is your enemy. Be careful who you trust."

She felt Nolan’s presence behind her before she turned. His expression was a storm of barely contained jealousy and frustration.

“Who was he?” Nolan demanded, his voice low and tense.

Rosa tucked the note into her glove, meeting his gaze with an unbothered smirk. “Just someone who knows how to dance.”

Nolan’s jaw tightened, but before he could say anything more, Sonia appeared at their side. “We need to move. I’ve got the intel.”

As they slipped out of the ballroom, Rosa’s mind was already racing. The stranger’s warning lingered, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight’s masquerade was just the beginning.