Morrigan sped up the steps to the glorious French chateau in utter amazement. She lifted the hem of her dress as she sped up, never once breaking her fixated eyes from the glowing windows. People flitted in and out of the doors like hummingbirds darting between flushed-pink flowers, champagne glasses and stars twinkling just as bright as one another. The rest of them shared the same, utterly amazed look as they flooded through the doors — except for Alyssa, who carried a small, relaxed smile on her face as she followed behind.

“This is so beautiful,” Morrigan muttered, amazement flowering in her voice as she handed the guard her fake I.D. He quickly nodded, checking her off before allowing her inside.

She poked around the grand entrance way, marble floors chattering beneath her feet. The tiles extended to the ceiling, plated in twisting gold that yearned to reach the painted ceiling filled with murals and a clash of wings. Once the rest entered, Juro headed over to a table with neatly aligned masks.

“It’s a masquerade, too,” he said, brushing his fingers over the ornate detailing. The scent of perfectly baked meats and the colorful splendor of plated fresh fruits aligned the wall, beckoning guests to cherish their ripeness.

When was the last time they’d ever grown this quality of fruit?

Juro: This is much more convenient for our disguises.

Alyssa: I agree. Everyone here is going to be split by their faction or Leith power. Let’s look for Kristiansen, but feel free to talk with the others here, too. Only top figures get invited to this fundraiser.

All of them quickly split up. Some searched for Kristiansen but quickly got distracted by the buzzing sounds of string orchestra, the vibration of the wind instruments, or the flashing lights that dangled on the ceiling, reflecting off of the stained-glass chandelier.

The distinction between factions was made immediately apparent; it almost seemed as if there were an invisible divider amongst all of them. They seemed to stick with a certain theme or aura.

[T al k to wa t er].

You think so? It is the most versatile and one of the most powerful in Leith.

Morrigan headed over to them, finally feeling her shoes bite into the supple skin on the back of her heel. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you,” she said, giving a slight bow of her head.

A younger man with a silver-accented black mask turned toward her and set down his drink. “Nice to meet you,” he replied, extending out a hand. “I don’t believe I have seen you at one of these functions before. Are you personally acquainted with the Song family?”

Morrigan made an awkward face at the formality of his speech before clearing her throat. Song was Alyssa's family name. “Yes, although this is my first fundraiser. It’s such a pleasure to be invited to such a grandiose display. I am ready to give my utmost support to the family.”

He gave an agreeing nod before ruffling through his pockets. Nervous, Morrigan took a step back but relaxed once he showed her the simple business card. “I work for the Water Potentate. We’ve been trying to increase our connections, although it’s been hard with the overwhelming pressure from the other Potentates.” He flicked the card toward her.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

The Potentates? Those are the absolute strongest leaders for their Leith groups…. Jackpot.

“Oh, absolutely,” Morrigan replied, gently furrowing her eyebrows while her voice fluctuated with understanding. “It has been grueling recently,” she slowly trailed off, “not that I want to talk business at such a fun event. I find such big parties to be so intimate.” She flashed him a quick wink as he laughed.

“Tell me about it,” he sighed, swishing the drink in his cup. “Especially when it comes to the shadows…”

***

Juro stepped out onto the desolate balcony for some fresh air. While the atmosphere of such a large party was thrilling, it almost felt suffocating to him; however, he quickly realized why the doors were closed — the weather had quickly dropped to subzero temperatures and was freezing. Snow blanketed the stone ground, but he kicked through it, heading toward the railing.

A navy figure seemed to teeter at the edge, a dress slowly swaying back and forth as snow settled on the meek fabric.

“Alyssa?” Juro asked, stepping toward her.

“Yes?” She didn’t bother turning around at first, but when she did, Juro swore a glistening drop, almost appearing like a crystal, fell from her chin.

“Is it cold? It’s snowing. If you want, you can borrow my jacket.”

She quickly shook her head. “No, please, keep it for yourself. I like it this way.” She longingly looked out from the castle again, reaching her hand out. “I like it so much, I don’t know what to do.”

Juro cocked his head before stepping up behind her, gently placing his hand on her shoulder to lead her back in. “You say the strangest things sometimes,” he whispered, heading back in.

Alyssa must be the nicest person left in such a cruel world, but I don’t know why she doesn’t do more for herself. Admittedly, Juro had been struggling to understand Alyssa ever since his conversation with Bruno, but it wasn’t a priority for him.

“Bruno’s on the main floor near the orchestra. You should join him there,” Juro insisted once they had entered. Alyssa was clearly freezing, her skin almost looking blue under the harsh lighting.

“Thank you,” she whispered gratefully. “Thank you.”

Juro sighed after she finally left, leaning against a wall. He hadn’t spotted General Kristiansen yet, and he was getting very overwhelmed from his surroundings. Before he could get lost in thought, pondering his meeting with Josephine, the Ticking Tryst sounded in his mind.

Alyssa: Found General Kristiansen. Main floor next to the pool table. He’s wearing a black suit, red tie, and white shirt. All of his military pins are on his suit pocket. He’s beside a pink haired woman.”

Elizabeth: Let me handle this.

Juro: Shouldn’t Alyssa do it? The General recognizes her. This fundraiser is being hosted by her parents after all.

Morrigan: Elizabeth should do it. She’s the only one here who can get answers out of him. If Alyssa goes now and gets caught, we lose everything.

Elizabeth: Who’s the woman with the pink hair?

Alyssa: I… I don’t know. I’ve never seen her before, so she can’t be a prominent Leith. I don’t remember a woman like her being on the invite list, either. She shouldn’t be here.

Elizabeth headed over to the pool table, a glass of champagne being held in her elongated fingers. Before she arrived, the pink-haired woman’s glance seemed to lock in on Elizabeth. She held a glass of red wine in her hands which matched the color of her lips. Her green eyes seemed to scour all over Elizabeth before landing on her face.

As the woman walked closer, Elizabeth realized how freakishly tall she was. Elizabeth herself was already very tall, similar in stature to a man, but this woman loomed over her more with every step. Elizabeth became hyper aware of the paralysis gun shifting on her thigh and dress which each step until the pink-haired woman leaned down and whispered into her ear.

“Dear, that is a lovely dress you’ve got on,” she said in a hushed down before walking straight past Elizabeth.

Elizabeth’s face twisted in anger at the woman’s almost mocking tone.

Elizabeth: This bitch is taunting me.

Alyssa: The rest of us will figure out who she is. Remember, get everything you can out of Kristiansen.

Elizabeth strutted towards the pool table until she stood right in front of General Kristiansen. Extending a hand while leaning forward, her lips slightly parted, her thick voice declared. “Elizabeth. Nice to meet you.”