ɴɪɢʜᴛꜱʜᴀᴅᴇ | 𝖂𝖔𝖔𝖘𝖆𝖓

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 18: "𝕸𝖆𝖘𝖖𝖚𝖊𝖗𝖆𝖉𝖊"

𓊈𒆜𝕮𝖍𝖔𝖎 𝕾𝖆𝖓𒆜𓊉

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A few days later, the mansion buzzed with a nervous energy that mirrored my own anticipation and concern. Tonight was the masquerade ball, an event meant to celebrate the arrival of another group of vampires from our extended clan. The grand hall had been transformed into a splendid venue with dimmed lights and shimmering decorations that seemed to float like specters in the shadows.

As the council and I discussed the final arrangements, my eyes drifted over to Wooyoung, who was lounging on the sofa, chatting animatedly with Yunho. His laughter reached my ears over the low murmur of conversation, a sound that never failed to draw my attention. Despite the joy it brought me, a knot of worry tightened in my stomach.

The ball would be a grand affair, filled almost entirely with vampires, and very few humans were brave—or foolish—enough to attend. Wooyoung's presence would undoubtedly stir interest, and not all of it benign. His charm and beauty, so stark even among the undead, would attract more than mere glances. And knowing his playful yet occasionally bratty demeanor, I was concerned about how he would handle the attention, especially when he got jealous if someone flirted with me.

I turned back to the council, forcing myself to focus on the conversation at hand. We were discussing security measures and guest protocols, but half of my mind was occupied with thoughts of how to ensure Wooyoung's comfort and safety throughout the night.

As the meeting wrapped up, I excused myself and walked over to where Wooyoung and Yunho were seated. Wooyoung's eyes sparkled with mischief as he spotted me approaching, and he straightened up, a wide smile spreading across his face.

"San, come join us!" Wooyoung called out, patting the space beside him on the sofa. "Yunho was just sharing some particularly scandalous tales from past balls."

I couldn't help but smile as I sat down next to him, though the concern never fully left my eyes. "Was he now?" I glanced at Yunho, who nodded with an amused grin.

"Yes, but I saved the best ones for when you'd join us," Yunho said, winking conspiratorially at Wooyoung, who laughed.

Turning to Wooyoung, I took a more serious tone, though I kept my voice low so only he could hear. "You know, tonight will be quite the event. A lot of vampires, not many humans. Are you sure you're up for this?"

Wooyoung leaned closer, his hand finding mine and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I can handle it," he whispered back, his gaze firm. "And I know you'll be there if I need you."

I nodded, appreciating his confidence but still feeling the weight of responsibility. "I will, at every step. But please, promise me you'll stay close."

He nodded, his expression turning serious for a moment before his usual playful smile returned. "I promise. And who knows? Maybe I'll steal the show."

Yunho chuckled, adding, "With that charm, I have no doubt. Just try not to cause too much trouble."

As we all laughed, a part of me relaxed slightly, but the protective instinct never quite faded. I knew the night would be a test for both Wooyoung and myself—a dance of shadows and masks, where every step could lead either to wonder or to peril. But with Wooyoung by my side, I felt ready to face whatever the evening might bring, guarding him against any who dared too close, all while reveling in the vibrant life he brought to the eternal dance of the undead.

"Only the ones who dare to flirt with the lord themselves will have to go against me," Wooyoung said, shrugging nonchalantly as he sipped his coffee, his casual tone betraying the boldness of his words. "And I don't care if I'm human—" he paused for effect, his eyes glinting with playful determination, "you know, claiming the lord."