Roses Are Red (book 1)

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Shadows Beneath Glitter

The afternoon sun poured through the high windows of the Lancaster mansion, casting long, gilded shadows across the grand hall. The grand ballroom was alive with the murmurs of the elites who gathered, their finest garments swishing as they moved in a swirl of power and privilege. Some were still arriving, nodding politely to one another. Their faces glowing under the soft chandelier lights.

Orion stood at the center of it all, like the sun. his strawberry-blond hair catching the light like a halo. His perfectly composed demeanor only added to the whispers of admiration around him. Glasses of champagne sparkled in the air, raised in toast to Orion.

Orion Lancaster's engagement to Ruby Nightingale had been announced hours before.

And the crowd gone wild—both online & in person.

"Congratulations, Master Orion," a well-dressed man said, with respect and joy in his voice. "The future of The Order is secured."

Orion nodded graciously, offering that signature smile, polished to perfection. "Thank you. It's a great honor."

Before the conversations could linger on pleasantries, Orion's father, Lord Lancaster, cleared his throat, commanding the room's attention. Lord Lancaster stood tall, his steel-blue eyes sharp beneath the faint streaks of gray in his dark hair. Beside him, Lady Lancaster looked as if time had forgotten her entirely. Draped in a flowing sapphire-blue gown that shimmered subtly under the afternoon light, her light auburn hair cascaded down her shoulders. She stood like a figure from a painting—flawless, ethereal.

Lord Lancaster wore authority as naturally as the tailored suit that clung to his broad shoulders. His voice cut through the celebratory air, "Before we get too comfortable in the festivities of tonight," he began, his tone authoritative yet measured, "there's a matter we must discuss—a matter of utmost importance." He cast a glance at Orion, giving him the floor. Orion straightened as he stood.

"We must address the growing danger of The Night Market." he began, "They've infiltrated deeper into our cities than we originally believed. Reports have come in... of bribed officials, vanished assets. They're positioning themselves as a serious threat to The Order."

The subtle shift in the atmosphere was noticeable, as if the sunlight filtering through the tall windows dimmed just slightly. The room quieted, the guests, no longer full of light conversation and toasts, now turned their attention to the heads of the Lancaster family. Eyes narrowed in quiet curiosity, exchanging wary glances. This was not the news they wanted to hear, not when their perfect world was built on stability and control. To them, the Night Market was the definition of a nightmare—-a chaos that threatened their pristine society. Now, The Night Market was no longer whispered about in just the darkest corners—if it's now addressed by the head of the Order.

"Perhaps we should increase patrols in the lower districts," one of the elite members suggested, his face taut with concern.

"Or issue new decrees Of the Order to restrict their movements," another added quickly.

Orion casted a glance at the murmur of agreement rippled through the room, but it was cut short by a sharp, low chuckle from the far end of the grand hall.

Epsilon.

He sat in the shadows, his golden eyes gleaming with dark amusement, a casual smirk tugging at his lips, the light barely catching the perfect angles of his face. He leaned back in a chair at the end of the hall, one arm slung lazily over the backrest, as though none of this mattered to him. His glowing, deep red hair fell carelessly over his forehead. His very presence seemed to defy the formality of the room.

"And what exactly is your grand solution, dear brother?" Epsilon's voice was light, almost mocking, cutting through the tension with ease. "You think you'll just march into the shadows with your shining armor and drag them out into the light? That is...if you can even locate them."

A ripple of discomfort passed through the room, and some of the elites shifted in their standings, exchanging glances. Epsilon Lancaster, the rebel of the family, had always been a topic of disdain. His defiance of The Order was something they barely tolerated.

Orion's jaw tightened, but his expression remained calm, his blue eyes still filled with that angelic composure. "This isn't a joke, Epsilon," he said softly, his tone perfectly controlled. "The Night Market has grown dangerous, far beyond what we anticipated."

"Dangerous, yes," Epsilon murmured, eyes narrowing slightly. "And you seem to underestimate them. I'm not sure you truly understand what you're dealing with." Epsilon's lips curled into a slow smile, the kind that sent a shiver through the room.

"Epsilon," Lord Lancaster's voice cut through the air, sharp as steel. ""Enough."

Lady Lancaster's lips tightened, her cold gaze settling on her younger son. "You've done nothing but embarrass this family, Epsilon. Perhaps you should try to learn from your brother."

Epsilon's smirk deepened as he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. "Learn what, exactly? Mother?"

The tension thickened. The room fell into an uncomfortable silence as the elites shifted awkwardly.

Orion kept his facade of calm, but there was a flicker in his eyes—something dark and simmering just beneath the surface. "Epsilon," he said, his voice smooth yet laced with condescension, "I don't expect you to understand the intricacies of leadership. After all, it's not something you've ever cared about."

"But I understand more than you think," he said, "The Night Market isn't some petty nuisance. It's a force, one you're too blind to see coming."

Lord Lancaster's expression hardened. "Enough. This is not the time for your games, Epsilon. You've proven time and time again that you are unworthy of my name. You can see yourself out of this ballroom immediately. You no longer belong here tonight."

"Games?" he repeated, almost to himself. He pushed himself away from the table, rising slowly. Then, without another word, he turned and walked out of the hall.

The tension remained after he was gone, but the conversation resumed. Orion, straightened his jacket and smiled to the room. "Now, as I was saying..."