Lux

one

Alexander Davis, a loyal member of Kreis, gets ready for the annual gala, straightening his black tie in front of his mirror. He turns around to get one last look at the city skyline, remembering old memories from when he was younger and the world was less cruel.

The ticking of the clock goes by slowly and Alexander feels the hairs on the back of his back stick up, an icy rush running through his veins. He knew what was coming, he knew his time was up. Yet he still decided to dress up, to act like he was excited for the gala.

The ticking of the clock seems to slow to a stop and time freezes. Alexander can't move, fear overcoming his body. The christmas carols playing throughout Alexander's vast penthouse are tuned out to a soft whisper.

Jingle.

The first bell was heard, it was a signal that they were here.

Jingle.

The second bell was more prominent, more alarming. It intensified the already heightened fear running though Alexander's body.

Everything around him was dark, he felt empty. That's what happens when they arrive. The happiness you thought you held gets ripped away from you and you're in a world of prickling fear and cold.

Alexander silently waited for the third bell, the bell that sealed his fate. There was no use in him running, for he knew that when you ran it made the kill more fun. He also knew that he deserved it and that his time ran out like they said it would.

Jingle.

Alexander barely had time to process the sound of third bell before a sharp silver blade sliced through his pale, wrinkly skin. Blood sprayed out like a fountain, painting his clear glass windows a deep red. He fell quickly to the floor, the light in his pale blue eyes dimming.

The last thing Alexander saw before his death was not a family member nor a dear friend, but a single jester mask. A red and gold one, etched with subtle cracks and dark red lips. The outer side of the mask held spirals, golden swirls decorated it and small golden bells at the ends. Through the dark room, more masks appeared, different colors and styles but all extravagant. But, none however were as beautiful as the red lipped beauty.

"Una voce omnes audiri."

Those words floated through the room, carried by his last breath.

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