Paola reached into her dimensional bag for the final touch: a sleek, black cat mask adorned with subtle silver accents. The mask fit perfectly over her eyes, giving her an air of mystery while letting her golden-flecked brown eyes shimmer through. She felt a flicker of mischief rise within her as she adjusted it. Tonight, for just a moment, she could slip into a playful, slightly bolder version of herself.

Yasmin grinned as she revealed her mask—a vivid, feathered masterpiece in shades of crimson and gold, framing her amber eyes and blending seamlessly with her fiery hair. It was extravagant, like Yasmin herself, each feather meticulously arranged to resemble the wings of a bird in flight. Her eyes glinted with excitement as she fastened it in place.

Poca’s mask was delicate, designed to echo her ethereal elegance. It was a deep sapphire blue, accented with small silver stars that seemed to catch the light with each movement. The shape of it resembled swirling clouds or shimmering water, and the mask left her mouth free, allowing her ever-present, stitched smile to shine through. It complemented her sapphire dress beautifully, giving her an almost dreamlike quality.

Selene’s mask, on the other hand, was a dark, shadowy piece, crafted from obsidian-like material that hugged her face and framed her piercing purple eyes. It had jagged, almost thorn-like edges, and subtle hints of silver lines mimicked her tattoos beneath. The mask accentuated her horns and braid, lending her a haunting beauty that made it hard to look away.

Together, they were a striking quartet, each mask reflecting a part of who they were.

The ballroom before them was awe-inspiring. High, vaulted ceilings stretched overhead, adorned with intricate stained glass windows depicting mythical scenes of Udanara’s past. Massive chandeliers hung down, each candle flickering to cast a warm, golden glow over the gathering. The room itself was vast, easily large enough to hold thousands, with opulent pillars lined in gold leaf, towering like guardians over the crowd. Gilded banners adorned the walls, and a raised platform on one side held an orchestra, already filling the air with lively, enchanting music.

Around them, hundreds of guests filled the room, each dressed in their finest, their laughter and conversation blending into a joyful hum. Some wore elaborate masks adorned with jewels and feathers, while others wore simpler ones, content to let their outfits take center stage. The room was alive, a blend of color and movement.

Paola and her companions made their way to a round, candle-lit table near the edge of the dance floor. Servers moved about, filling glasses with wine and setting out trays of delicacies. Poca immediately lifted a glass, grinning as she raised it to Paola. "Cheers to ze most stunning woman in all of Valarian tonight!" she declared, her voice carrying a teasing lilt as she winked over her glass.

Paola laughed, clinking her glass to Poca’s. "I think you might have me beat," she replied, her own voice relaxed now as the initial tension faded.

Yasmin rolled her eyes, grinning as she joined in. "Please, everyone here knows I’m the best-looking one. Besides, you wouldn’t believe the number of people who’ve already tried to ask me to dance." She glanced toward the crowd, her gaze resting briefly on a group of masked admirers nearby. “Poor things don’t know what they’re in for.”

"Well," Paola said, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips, "maybe I’ll see for myself what they have to offer." She took another sip of her wine, letting the richness of the drink wash over her.

Selene, seated beside Paola, lifted her own glass, nodding approvingly. “A toast to all of us, for being here tonight. And maybe…” she trailed off, her eyes narrowing as a flicker of suspicion crossed her face, “for keeping a careful eye on each other, as needed.”

Poca gave Selene a reassuring smile, her hand lightly resting on Paola’s. "Yes, but tonight, let’s enjoy ourselves a little too, no?"

As if responding to the call for fun, Yasmin downed the rest of her glass and extended a hand to Paola. “Come on, kitten. Let’s see if that cat mask comes with some claws,” she teased, her voice a mix of challenge and excitement.

Paola rolled her eyes but took Yasmin’s hand, letting herself be led onto the dance floor. The music swelled, lively and inviting, as they moved together, stepping to the rhythm. Yasmin’s energy was infectious, and soon Paola found herself laughing, her earlier worries momentarily forgotten. Yasmin twirled her playfully, dipping her low before bringing her back up in a fluid motion that left Paola breathless.

Just as Yasmin pulled her in close, Paola felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Poca, her smile playful as she held out a hand. “My turn, Paola.”

With a laugh, Paola nodded, slipping out of Yasmin’s arms and taking Poca’s hand. Poca led her into a waltz, her movements graceful and flowing, as if she were gliding across the floor. Her mismatched eyes sparkled with joy as she spun Paola, their movements so synchronized that Paola could almost feel Poca’s heartbeat.

"You are beautiful tonight, Paola," Poca murmured, her voice soft as they moved. "Truly… stunning."

Paola blushed, taken aback by Poca’s sincerity. “You’re one to talk,” she replied, her own voice barely a whisper. "You make everyone else here look ordinary."

Poca only smiled, guiding Paola through another spin before they both laughed, Paola’s tail flicking playfully as they came to a pause. Just then, Paola felt another presence behind her. She turned to find a stranger in a white mask, their expression hidden, extending a hand toward her.

“May I have this dance?” the stranger asked, voice warm and inviting.

Paola looked back to Poca, who grinned and gestured for her to go on. Taking the stranger’s hand, Paola moved to the beat of a new song, this one slower and more intimate. The stranger held her lightly, leading her across the floor with a confidence that made her smile. They complimented her on her mask, admiring the way it suited her features.

"You have an elegance about you," they said, voice genuine. "It’s rare to see someone so at ease here."

Paola laughed, glancing around at the grandeur. "You have no idea,” she replied, her tone light. “It’s a lot to take in, honestly."

They chuckled, nodding in understanding. "I suppose it is. But it suits you."

As the dance ended, Paola thanked the stranger, feeling a warmth in her chest that was both comforting and invigorating. She drifted back to their table, rejoining her friends and savoring the wine they poured. Yasmin was already chatting animatedly with a couple of masked admirers, her laughter bright and unrestrained.

Paola relaxed into her seat, watching the people around her as the evening continued. Selene, ever the silent observer, sat beside her, sipping her wine and occasionally glancing around the room. Yasmin, full of energy, moved easily from partner to partner, her laughter ringing out like a bell above the music.

By the time Paola had caught her breath, Poca extended her hand again, pulling her back to the dance floor. They moved together once more, their connection deepening with each step. “You seem more at ease now,” Poca said softly, her mismatched eyes full of understanding.

Paola nodded, letting out a soft sigh. “It’s… nice to forget for a while,” she admitted. “Even if I know it won’t last.”

Poca only smiled, pulling her close as they continued to dance. The music swirled around them, the lights casting patterns across the floor as they moved. It was easy to get lost in the moment, to let go of the weight she had been carrying.

When they finally returned to their seats, Selene’s expression softened as she observed Paola’s more relaxed demeanor. "You seem… lighter," she noted, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

Paola grinned, glancing at the bustling room. "You’re not wrong,” she replied, the tension in her shoulders finally easing.

Hours slipped by in a blur of laughter and movement, the music weaving a spell over the gathering. Paola danced with Yasmin and Poca, and even found herself swept into a waltz by Selene, her movements graceful and precise. It was only for a dance though, and after a brief moment, Selene let her go, drifting back into the shadows. Selene gave a devilish smile as she moved, her expression darkly intriguing.

Eventually, Yasmin took a break, leaning on Paola for support as they returned to their table.

"My feet are killing me," she groaned, rubbing her heel with a wince. "Remind me why we decided on heels?"

Poca smirked, reaching for her glass. "Because zey make your legs look amazing, no?"

Yasmin laughed, a sound full of warmth and light. "Fair point."

As Paola leaned back in her chair, laughing at Yasmin’s playful complaints about her heels, she could feel the warmth of the evening soaking in. The wine, the music, the laughter of her friends—it was all a welcome escape, a reprieve from the weight of her responsibilities and the daunting reality of her situation. Poca reached over, patting Yasmin’s arm and flashing her a grin.

“Zey look good, Yasmin,” Poca said, eyes twinkling. “It is ze price of beauty, no?”

Yasmin rolled her eyes but grinned back, adjusting her heels with exaggerated care. “Beauty and torture shouldn’t go hand in hand,” she said dramatically. “Honestly, it’s a wonder I’m still standing after all these dances. I might be like Paola and Poca here, lose my heels, and go barefoot for a bit."

Paola chuckled, watching Yasmin’s antics. But her laughter was cut short as the lights dimmed slightly, the music fading to a soft murmur. Heads began to turn toward the entrance as a low hum of conversation swept through the room.

The Duke and Duchess of Valarian, Rohez and Alric Genovete, made their entrance.

Rohez moved with an effortless grace, her every step precise, as if each motion was part of a carefully choreographed dance. Her gown was a deep, regal violet, the silk catching the low candlelight and reflecting it in shades of lavender and plum. Golden thread traced intricate vine patterns across the fabric, flowing in and out of the folds like tendrils of light. Her auburn hair fell in soft waves down her back, framing her angular face and emphasizing the emerald green of her eyes, which shone with intelligence and the faintest hint of amusement. As her gaze moved across the crowd, she seemed to acknowledge every person there, her presence commanding yet warm.

Following closely behind was Duke Alric Genovete, a formidable figure. His broad shoulders and muscular build spoke to a life of hard-won battles, and his face, rugged with a strong jawline, showed lines of age and wisdom, though his piercing blue eyes betrayed little. His hair was dark blonde, peppered with gray at the temples, and he wore a simple, dark green tunic with a long cloak draped over his shoulders. Though his presence was imposing, there was a noticeable softness in his expression whenever his gaze rested on Rohez. It was clear their bond ran deep.

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Paola felt the air shift with their entrance; the crowd fell into hushed murmurs, the nobles already gathering a subtle reverence in their stance as they watched the pair take their place at a table flanked by guards in silver armor. Their entry was a signal to the rest of the nobility, who began to filter in after them, each figure cloaked in garments of silk, velvet, and brocade, bearing the colors and symbols of their respective houses. A quiet hum of voices grew as the ballroom filled with Valarian’s elite.

And then, Paola’s breath caught in her throat.

Lady Marcelline had arrived, her presence a command in itself.

Lady Marcelline glided into the room in a gown that was as intricate as it was elegant. The dark blue fabric shimmered like the depths of an ocean at midnight, embroidered with silver thread that traced the curves of waves and scaled patterns across her skirt and bodice. The dress swept to the floor, each step revealing an iridescent glimmer that seemed almost alive. Her robes flowed over her shoulders, the deep silver trimming catching the light and emphasizing her poised, ethereal beauty. Her silver hair was elegantly bound back, revealing her icy blue eyes that looked out from behind a silver mask, shaped in the likeness of the Leviathan’s head. Her expression was as calm and collected as ever, a small, polite smile gracing her lips as she acknowledged the respectful bows and nods from the crowd.

But Paola’s gaze was locked on the figure standing just a step behind her.

Ayla.

The sight of her was as breathtaking as it was overwhelming. Ayla was clad in her dragon guard armor, every piece as intricate as it was fearsome. The black metal scales gleamed under the ballroom’s lights, giving her the look of a midnight warrior. Her shoulder pauldrons flared outward, the metal crafted to look almost as if it were burning, catching flecks of red and gold that contrasted against the dark tones. Her breastplate covered her chest, the mithralite chains connecting it to the plates that formed her armored pants, leaving her midriff exposed beneath the delicate links. She wore tall black boots and greaves, the armor crawling up her legs in elaborate detail. Across her back draped a deep blue and silver cape, the colors marking her allegiance to Lady Marcelline’s house, with the emblem of the Leviathan emblazoned upon it. Her mask, a similar design to Lady Marcelline’s, mirrored the Leviathan in smooth, flowing curves that framed her piercing eyes.

Paola’s heartbeat quickened, a flutter of conflicting emotions rushing through her as she took in Ayla’s appearance. She looked both magnificent and untouchable, her stance poised and her gaze steady as she observed the room, not even noticing Paola’s stare. The tension in Paola’s chest tightened, a flood of anger and hurt battling within her. After all they’d been through, all they’d shared, she was here—standing guard at Lady Marcelline’s side as if they were strangers.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a gentle nudge from Poca, who noticed her distracted gaze. “Is everyzing alright, Paola?” she asked softly, her green and purple eyes searching Paola’s face.

Paola forced herself to breathe, trying to keep her emotions in check. “Yeah… yeah, I’m fine,” she managed, though her tail flicked with barely concealed agitation, betraying her unease.

Yasmin had noticed as well, her mischievous grin fading as she leaned forward, a touch of concern in her expression. “Is it Ayla? Or… Lady Marcelline?”

“Both,” Paola admitted, clenching her jaw as she watched Lady Marcelline and Ayla make their way through the room. “Just… all of it, really.”

Poca reached over, placing a comforting hand on Paola’s arm. “Remember, tonight we are here for you too, no? Zey may be powerful, but we stand together.”

Paola took a deep breath, nodding as she felt her friends’ steady support grounding her. “Thank you, all of you. I just… seeing Ayla like that, standing with Marcelline… it feels like she’s choosing her over everything else. And I don’t know why it bothers me so much.”

Yasmin raised an eyebrow, her usual playful smirk reappearing. “Probably because you’re in love with her, kitten,” she teased, though her tone was gentler than usual.

Paola managed a small smile, feeling a warmth from their support. But as she glanced back at Ayla and Lady Marcelline, she felt the familiar unease resurface. Her instincts warned her that tonight held a deeper purpose, something far beyond the revelry of the masquerade.

As if in response to her thoughts, the musicians struck up a different melody, signaling the evening’s formal opening. Duke Genovete stepped forward and the room fell into a respectful hush. His broad shoulders, still carrying the strength of his years as a warrior, filled the space with a commanding presence. He took a moment, scanning the crowd with a calm, piercing gaze before beginning.

"Tonight, we stand together in peace and celebration," he said, his voice a deep, steady baritone. "And believe me, after a life spent on the battlefields of the Seracian Sands, nothing brings me more joy than knowing that those years of warfare are behind us."

Paola felt herself lean in slightly, captivated by the Duke’s sincerity. He spoke not with the practiced eloquence of a politician but with the quiet authority of a man who had seen the realities of war and survived them. His words held a weight that felt genuine, as if he were truly grateful to be here, in this ballroom filled with laughter and light, rather than out in the harsh sands of battle.

The Duke continued, "Magic runs through these lands like rivers through valleys, carrying with it the power to shape lives, to heal and to harm. The last breath of the Leviathan gave us more than just the air we breathe and the soil we tread; it gave us the spirit of resilience that lives within each of you."

He paused, his blue eyes bright as he glanced around the room, resting momentarily on the faces of those gathered. "Whether you are a captain braving the skies in an airship, defying the violent tempests and the lurking shadows of piracy, or a farmer working the fields in defiance of the sandstorms that threaten our harvests, you carry the strength of our people within you. Our land is beautiful, yes, but it is wild, unbound, and only those with the will to withstand its trials can truly call it home."

The crowd listened intently, murmuring in agreement. Paola found herself glancing at Ayla again. Her focus flicked back and forth, as if she was both here and somewhere else at once, her gaze intense. Paola felt her chest tighten, caught between admiration and longing.

The Duke’s voice softened, almost reverent as he finished. "The Leviathan’s sacrifice lives on in us. And it’s that legacy of courage and determination that allows us to face whatever may come with open hearts and strong wills. May tonight be a reminder of all we’ve endured and all we continue to strive for together."

Applause rang through the ballroom, warm and genuine. Paola couldn’t deny the effect his words had on her; they reminded her of the weight she carried as a Fallen Star, of the many worlds that she and others like her were bound to protect. Yet even in the crowd’s cheer, her eyes kept drifting back to Ayla, the intensity in her mismatched gaze a reminder of their unspoken connection.

The applause from Duke Genovete’s speech had just begun to fade, leaving a quiet yet buzzing anticipation in its wake. People around Paola seemed to lean in, caught up in the warmth of his words, still reveling in the image of a peaceful Valarian forged through the sacrifices of many. Paola took a sip of her wine, letting the Duke’s speech sink in as she glanced around, her eyes still subtly darting back to where Ayla stood at Lady Marcelline’s side.

But her quiet reflection was cut short as Yasmin let out an excited squeal behind her, followed by a hearty laugh. Paola turned, surprised to see Yasmin nearly bouncing with excitement as she hugged a woman with shimmering silvery-blonde hair that cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves. The woman’s calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Yasmin’s vibrant energy, but the look of affection in her eyes made it clear she was more than happy to put up with it.

“Oh, there you are! Finally!” Yasmin was practically glowing as she tugged her sister closer, gesturing toward Paola with an enormous grin. “Look who I finally dragged to the masquerade! And—well, who’s here, of course, to meet my infamous sister.”

The woman beside her tilted her head slightly, looking at Paola with a soft, amused smile. Paola blinked, taking in the sight of the new arrival. Yasmin’s sister was striking, embodying an ethereal, almost delicate elegance that contrasted with Yasmin’s bold energy. Her silky, silvery blonde hair fell in soft waves, framing a face that was serene, even as she laughed at something Yasmin whispered in her ear. Her crystal-clear eyes shifted between blue and green, the colors catching the light like finely polished glass. Wings resembling stained glass, in hues of light blue and silver, fluttered gently at her back, adding to her almost otherworldly presence. Her mask—a white fox, elegant with subtle detailing that caught the light—sat gracefully on her face, perfectly framing her shifting eyes.

She wore a gown of shimmering ivory, delicate yet commanding. The fabric hugged her figure in a fitted bodice that flowed into soft, billowing layers, almost like sand in the wind. Thin shards of enchanted glass were embedded in the gown’s fabric, glinting in the light, and her bare shoulders bore an intricate pattern of glass and gold that reflected her glass affinity with understated elegance.

“Oh, so you’re the ‘harem queen’ I’ve been hearing about,” the woman said with a light laugh, arching a perfectly shaped eyebrow as she studied Paola. Her voice was musical, flowing with a calm warmth that carried an undercurrent of subtle teasing.

Paola blinked, caught completely off guard. She glanced at Yasmin, who was biting back laughter, clearly pleased by her sister’s quick wit. “Ah, well, you know,” Paola stammered, trying to recover. “I... I do my best to keep things interesting. It’s not as glamorous as it sounds.”

The woman chuckled softly, casting Yasmin a knowing look. “My sister is… quite the whirlwind, isn’t she? And here I thought nobody could keep up with her,” she said, her gaze flicking back to Paola with a hint of intrigue in her eyes.

“Oh, Yasmin’s explosiveness is an acquired taste, but… I’d say I’ve grown quite fond of it,” Paola replied, feeling her cheeks warm as she tried to match the woman’s calm humor.

Yasmin playfully nudged Paola’s arm, clearly loving every second of the exchange. “See? She gets me.” She turned back to her sister with a proud grin. “You’d think I’d run her off by now, but she just keeps coming back.”

The woman’s smile deepened as she looked at Paola, her gaze evaluating yet not unkind. “You must be resilient, then,” she said with a slight nod. “Most find Yasmin’s… intensity a bit much to handle.”

Paola smirked, glancing at Yasmin with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Resilient or just too stubborn to run away. It’s a bit of both, honestly.”

Yasmin rolled her eyes, but her smile was pure delight. “Takes a stubborn one to know one,” she quipped, crossing her arms with a triumphant grin.

They all laughed, and for a moment, Paola felt a sense of ease wash over her. The grand atmosphere of the ballroom, the joyous spirit of the festival, and Yasmin’s sister’s subtle charm all seemed to blend together, creating a warmth that she hadn’t realized she needed.

“Well,” the woman said, her tone gentle yet laced with a hint of curiosity, “I’ll give you credit. If you can handle my sister, you might actually have some staying power.”

“I’ve managed so far,” Paola replied, her smile softening. “Though sometimes, she keeps me on my toes more than I expected.”

“Oh, I have no doubt,” the woman responded, a knowing glint in her eyes as she looked between Paola and Yasmin. Her gaze lingered on Paola for a moment, as if trying to read deeper into her. “But I suppose you need that when you’re trying to keep a… what was it? A harem in order?”

Paola chuckled, feeling her cheeks warm slightly again. She tried to play it off with a casual shrug. “Honestly, it was never my intention to become a harem queen,” she said, her voice light with humor. “Just sort of… happened that way.”

The woman smiled, a genuine warmth in her eyes that only seemed to grow as she listened to Paola’s easygoing responses. Her gaze softened slightly, a gentle curiosity in her expression that Paola couldn’t quite decipher.

Yasmin, ever the lively one, kept the banter going. “See, Yucca, she’s good for me. I told you I’d find someone who could match me, didn’t I?”

“Hmm, yes, I see that,” the woman—Yucca—replied with a soft laugh, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief as she looked Paola over. “It’s refreshing to see someone who can keep up with her energy and still look so calm about it.”

Paola chuckled, feeling her cheeks warm a little. “Well, I wouldn’t say I’m calm all the time,” she replied. “Yasmin keeps things… exciting, let’s put it that way.”

Yucca’s smile grew, her gaze shifting back to Yasmin for a moment with a fond look. “Yes, she does have a knack for bringing excitement wherever she goes. Keeps the rest of us on our toes as well, that’s for sure.”

“Hey! Don’t act like I’m trouble,” Yasmin said, giving her sister a playful nudge. “I’m the fun one, and you know it.”

Yucca raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. “Yes, well, fun is certainly one word for it.”

They all laughed, and Paola couldn’t help but feel an easy camaraderie settling in among them, as though she’d known Yucca far longer than just these few minutes. The ballroom’s lights cast a warm glow over their little group, blending the evening’s elegance with this playful moment, making her feel grounded in a way she hadn’t expected.

After a moment, Yucca tilted her head, looking back at Paola with an amused smile. “Forgive me—I don’t believe you ever actually told me your name.”

“Oh! Right, sorry,” Paola replied, a little flustered. She had been so caught up in the back-and-forth banter that she’d forgotten to introduce herself. “It’s Paola. Paola Juderías.” Paola gave a small playful bow.

Yucca’s smile, once warm and effortless, felt hollow now, like a facade barely holding together. Her hand, which had been resting at her side, clenched slightly, her fingers curling against her dress as if grounding herself.

For a brief, heavy moment, the energy between them shifted, leaving Paola with a lingering sense of unease, a feeling that something significant had just passed between them—something unspoken, something that left the air thick and heavy.

“Well, Paola,” Yucca said, her voice perfectly steady but lacking the warmth from moments before. “It’s... a pleasure to finally meet you.”