Chapter 6 ∣  Masquerade

-Evicka 

"I want to welcome everyone to a night of mystery and illusions," his voice carries out with ease.

This must be King Locaine...

...he commands the room with his presence, all eyes are on him. He has short white hair that comes down the right side of his face, over his mask; where the back part is spiked up. He wears a sapphire button-up shirt under his vest, his eyes are a brilliant icy blue.

King Locaine smiles warmly to his esteemed guests, the recognized coven leaders and then nods to the rest of the room.

Just like that, everyone begins milling about and continuing to socialize. I glance back over my shoulder and notice Zak talking to a girl...a vampire girl wearing a satin and lace mask resting on the bridge of her nose.

The vampire has long blonde hair that is pulled into two ponytails that cascade down over her breasts. She is wearing an exquisite floor-length black dress with white trim.

"Pet?" I ask, standing behind Zak while observing their interaction. He whirls around the second he hears my voice, his expression one of surprise.

"Oh...he belongs to you?" The vampire speaks with curiosity. She then offers me a friendly smile and extends her hand, a glass in the other while presenting herself, "Hello, my name is Emily."

I take her hand in my own and smile while returning, "I'm Elani," I release her hand and move toward Zak, "this is my pet, Zak."

"Such a handsome name," Emily compliments him.

"Emily," a vampire comes up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her on the cheek, "Locaine is requesting our presence."

"Michael," Emily turns in his arms and then points toward me. His eyes meet mine through his dark mask, an uneasy feeling passing over me at the way his gaze lingers. A moment, Emily introduces Zak and me, "This is Elani and her pet, Zak."

"It's nice to meet you, Elani," Michael releases Emily and acknowledges both Zak and I's presence. He then reiterates, "Emily, let's go."

Before I know it, they are making their way across the ballroom, coming to stand at the far back corner. I can see them speaking to three of the purebloods, but I'm not exactly sure about what.

"Unfortunately...pet," I break the silence while Zak's eyes meet mine, "I can't dance with you tonight. You will be able to socialize with the other pets over there." I point in the direction of the many other collared individuals.

"I thought I would be by your side tonight, mistress," Zak replies, confusion in his eyes.

Now you are acting like Killian...

"You really shouldn't question your mistress," a deep voice sounds from behind me. I feel it reverberate through my entire body, almost rooting me to the spot.

Zak's eyes grow wide, terror filling them. I have never seen him so scared...

The one hunter I know that holds his ground fights back with everything he has...is completely afraid.

I can feel the voice right beside my ear, his breath caressing my neck when he continues, "You should listen to her...considering you're a hunter."

I freeze, my breath quickening.

How did he figure out Zak is a hunter...?

I turn around, my eyes meeting the vivid icy blue ones that had welcomed his guests not that long ago.

King Locaine...of course.

"Why are you hiding him?" King Locaine asks me, his voice holding a stern tone.

"How did you know?" I ask, my heart beating faster, and I can feel Zak edging closer to me.

King Locaine narrows his eyes before stating, "I asked you a question."

"I was afraid of what other's might think. I didn't want to make anyone feel uneasy," I reply, understanding that I can't get information from him that easily.

His command over me is something I've never experienced before.

"That's understandable," King Locaine continues, eyeing Zak in the process while continuing, "I can smell him. I've had a hunter slave once before...I could never forget their distinctive scent." He answers my question without hesitation.

King Locaine brings his hand to my face. I turn away, not sure why I can't look him in the eyes any longer. He trails the back of his fingers against my cheek, a familiar feeling pulling me back, causing me to look up into those eyes.

"What is your name?" He asks, studying me as I see a hint of something unknown behind his eyes.

I whisper, "Elani."

There is no way in hell I'm giving my real name to vampires I'm going to kill.

"That is quite beautiful," King Locaine replies. He glances over my shoulder to address Zak, "Will you behave while I have a dance with your mistress?"

I can instantly feel the tension in the air, hate emitting from Zak. His voice attempts to remain even when he replies, "Of course...sir," the bitterness in his voice lingers. I can tell he doesn't want me to leave him...

...or is it that he doesn't want me to dance with the King?

King Locaine's eyes lock with my own, and he smiles, "Where are my manners, would you dance with me?"

"Yes," I reply, the entangling roots finally lifting away from me as I feel more at ease. I can't believe that the very vampire who could easily kill me over the crime I've committed and the crimes I will soon commit...is about to dance with me.

Yup, I laugh in the face of danger...

King Locaine holds out his hand while I place my hand in his, a small bolt shocking us both instantly.

That was weird...

His stare into mine with curiosity, our hands pulling apart for a moment before he tries again. This time, he's able to lead me to the ballroom dance floor without a weird incident.

He comes to a halt, wrapping his left arm around my lower back, taking my left hand to his right. I place my right hand on his shoulder, the resonance of the aria fills the room. The melody is enchanting as King Locaine begins to lead me in a waltz.

"How are you enjoying yourself this evening, Elani?" King Locaine speaks, his eyes still searching mine for something.

"Your home is lovely, and this ball is dazzling. I'm enjoying myself very much," I smile at him. The truth is...I really am enjoying myself. It's been a long time since I've danced, not having to worry about when I would strike, or who would find me.

I'm enjoying my night of freedom, my senses taking in every aspect of this splendid ball.

**

-Locaine

Have I met her before?

There's just something about Elani that I can't quite place my finger on. I also sense something different about her, but whatever it is, it's causing my instincts to second guess myself.

"Elani?" I ask, her beautiful whitish-blue eyes captivating me.

"Yes, King Locaine?" She asks, her eyes are searching mine.

I release a chuckle.

How formal the world has become...

"Please, call me Locaine," I reply. Instantly, a wave of tension release from her.

Am I that intimidating?

Apparently so.

Elani smiles back and nods, "Yes, Locaine."

"Where are you from? I don't believe I've ever had the pleasure of meeting you before," I ask, curious as to where this bewitching pure blood has been hiding.

She hesitates for a moment, her eyes shifting from me and quickly glancing at the recognized coven leaders. Elani replies, her eyes coming back to rest on mine, "I'm from Germany."

Interesting, I wonder if she knows Lucca?

Lucca is a rising pureblood in Germany, one who's coven has grown vastly in the past few years in strength and numbers. He can be violent and demands submission from the humans and vampires in his area. He also longs for things he can't have, reminding me of myself at a much younger age.

With fear...

...they respect him.

I'm planning on making him a recognized coven leader tonight to replace Lord Blaise...if he ever decides to arrive that is...

Lucca isn't known for being on time. But, I know he will eventually arrive, especially to an event like this.

At least I have good company to keep.

"Your hunter," I startle her as she'd been enthralled with the violins. I chuckle at the way her eyes momentarily grow wide...she reminds me a lot of...

The memory is still too painful...

She is dead. I must leave the past behind and focus on ruling the recognized coven leaders before they get too comfortable and decide one of them should be king. May the world have mercy on it if that ever happens. At least...I set rules that work in a way for both humans and vampires.

"Yes?" Elani's eyes question me. I'd suddenly stopped talking, my voice trailing off and I hadn't even realized it.

"He seems well trained. How long have you had him?" I ask curiously.

"Not that long, but he listens very well to me," Elani replies, smiling when I mention her pet.

Does she harbor feelings for him?

"If you don't mind me asking...are you and your pet...?" When I begin to ask my silent thoughts, stares at me hard before that stare turns into a glare.

Elani scoffs with a hint of displeasure, "Of course not. Don't be ridiculous, I would never have relations with a human...let alone a hunter."

"Locaine?" Ronan's voice halts our dance. I look to him, Elani staring at him as well.

"Ronan," I nod before then introducing her, "this is Elani."

"It's nice to meet you," he rushes his own introduction, not paying much attention to her. He continues, nodding his head in the direction of the ballroom entrance, "Lucca has arrived, along with members from his coven."

"Thank you, Ronan. We best continue with our agenda for the evening," I release a sigh as Ronan takes off to join the group.

I glance back at Elani, noticing the way she appears to be on edge once again. Something's wrong with her.

"Locaine!" I hear Ronan blare at me. Within me, I feel the urge to remain, not wanting to part ways with the mysterious pureblood.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Elani," I smile, bring her left hand to my lips and placing a gentle kiss upon the back of it.

She blushes and replies, "Thank you for the dance."

**

-Evicka

Zak is in a fixed position by the group of pets and slaves with his arms crossed, glaring at me the entire time Locaine and I were dancing.

Why is he so agitated?

I saunter toward him before asking, "Yes, pet?"

He rolls his eyes and turns his head away from me.

Oh, he's jealous...I believe I told him to bury his feelings. I don't need this, not now.

"I see you're getting along well with the King, mistress," Zak acknowledges, his head turning back to me.

Okay, enough already...

I grow cross very quick, reaching out and taking hold of Zak's collar before tugging him toward me. He chokes out a breath for a second, trying to find his balance as I bring my lips close to his ear.

"Stop this...right now. Nothing is going on. I can't have you acting this way," I growl into his ear.

Apparently, he's jealous because he retorts back with, "Or what?"

Oh, hell no he didn't just say that.

"I won't hesitate to kill you, Zak," my voice is vexed and dangerous as I tighten my grip on the collar.

His voice is ragged as he replies, "Fuck! Fine, let go of me!" His windpipe is closing off rapidly when he finally gets out his entire sentence. I release the hold I have on him, and he takes two steps back, rubbing his neck gingerly.

Surprisingly, there is little attention drawn to us. It looks like these things happen often and no one bats an eye.

"If I can have everyone's attention," Locaine's voice emits from the back of the ballroom, the crowd going silent. I notice the other five recognized coven leaders have lined up near him, watching as a group of vampires stands by the entrance, a pureblood male leading them.

The tone changes, the music ending.

"I know many of you are apprehensive and fear the recent death of Lord Blaise," Locaine continues. Zak and I glance at one another out of the corner of our eyes, giving the silent secret pact nod before turning around to watch the event unfold.

"To replace him," he pauses a moment before motioning to the new arrival, "I have invited Lucca to join us as a recognized coven leader. His coven has grown strong, and he is exactly what we need," Locaine finishes.

Lucca walks through the crowd as they part a pathway toward the recognized coven leaders. He's wearing the same dark slacks with matching dress shoes, except he doesn't wear a blazer, only a red button-up shirt.

Members of his coven follow him closely at first before fanning out as they stop in the center of the ballroom. Lucca's white hair is short and spiked, his eyes are hidden from view by the mask the cloaks his face.

The air of mystery about this night continues.

"Thank you, King Locaine. I would be ecstatic to accept your offer," Lucca replies, his voice is...deep, dark and seductive, almost wrapping around me like a cloud.

Lucca...well, he can't possibly have my mother, considering he wasn't a recognized coven leader at the time of her abduction. I seriously doubt he is conspiring with the others...

One less person I must kill.

What stuns me next, is Locaine removes the mask from his face. The rest of the recognized coven leaders follow in suit, revealing their faces to the crowd.

Lucca kneels on the marble floor, his coven members remaining on their feet in a semi-circle around him. His personal secret service I suppose.

"I, Remy, recognize Lucca, as the newest leader."

"I, Enzo, recognize Lucca, as the newest leader."

"I, Micah, recognize Lucca, as the newest leader."

"I, Julien, recognize Lucca, as the newest leader."

"I, Ronan, recognize Lucca, as the newest leader."

"I, King Locaine, recognize Lucca, as the newest leader."

Lucca rises slowly to his feet and replies with a humble acceptance, "I accept your recognition and will uphold the laws and regulations put in place by King Locaine. I will report any suspicious activity, crimes committed and any traitors that emerge within our midst."

Well...now I know who they all are and what they look like.

This trip was most productive.

I release a small sigh, some relief finally lifting from my shoulders. It's nice to have my plans finally falling into place and without a hitch. My shoulders relax, Zak asking, "Mistress?"

"Yes, pet?" I turn to him; his eyes are narrowed on the scene before him.

Why is he looking at them like that?

"Can I speak to you in private?" Zak asks, his voice becoming low.

I'm not in any way prepared for what happens next...

The lights flicker low before completely shutting off. An eerie silence passes over the crowd before low growing and hissing break it.

What's the point of shutting off the lights...

...we can all see...

The doors to the ballroom shatter open, my eyes catching a glimpse of figures dressed in black combat gear before flashbangs and flares are thrown into the darkness.

Shit.

I can't react in time.

In the next second, I find myself on my hands and knees, the cold marble beneath my touch...my vision is blind. My remaining senses heighten, trying to make up for my missing eyesight. I attempt to calm myself, breathing in deeply and exhaling slowly.

I listen to the chaos that ensues from the sudden attack. Screams mixed with vicious roars thunder through the room.

Who would be stupid enough to attack this type of event?

Are they fucking crazy?

Apparently, yes.

That's when I catch the scent...

...hunters.

The smell of blood fills my nose and shrieks echo through the ballroom. The sound of gunfire and bullets ricocheting off the marble walls strike fear into my heart.

"Mistress," Zak's voice is close to me. He sounds slightly afraid but also concerned.

"Zak, stay away," I'm stern in my response, "if you can, crawl and get as far away from us as possible." I can't see him, but if he stays anywhere near us, he could easily be mistaken for a vampire and killed.

How many hunters are there?

I thought their race was almost nonexistent.

"I won't leave you," Zak replies, disregarding my warning.

"Yes, you will," I growl back and snap, "right now!"

I hear him shift on the floor and I know he's finally listening to me. I don't want him accidentally killed when he isn't their target. I blink a few times, spots clouding my vision as it slowly begins to adjust to dark shadows.

I gaze straight ahead, seeing a shadow coming toward me at a fast pace. I'm pushing off the ground to stand to my feet when I feel pain erupt in my face as though someone just kicked me.

"Stay down, leech!" The male voice yells at me.

I land flat on my back, my head whipping hard against the hard marble.

Damn...that hurt.

"One less pure blood in the world..." I hear him mutter under his breath, the feeling of cold metal placed against my neck. I'm in such a daze and disoriented, my reflexes slowing down, trying to bring my hands up to attack the figure.

The shadow shifts as he screams in agony. The metal leaves my neck, and I place a hand on my throat, thankful for whoever had just stopped him from killing me. My vision is hazy, but I'm finally able to see the grim events happening around me. Fallen vampire bodies litter the floor, and from what I can see, there are at least twenty dead...including four purebloods.

"Are you okay?" I glance up to see the figure who had just saved my life, my heart beating fast. He no longer wears his mask and mine came off when I'd been kicked in the face.

It's Lucca.

The chaos seems to simmer down, most of the hunters appear to have left as quickly as they had come. I hear coughing and cries through gritted teeth only a few feet away from me. I glance over, and it must be the hunter who tried to kill me, backing away with an apparently broken arm and leg while blood trails on the floor.

"Where the fuck do you think you're going?" Lucca hisses at him with livid anger. Turning his attention from me, Lucca lashes out and grabs his ankle. He yelps in pain, struggling against Lucca's grip.

My heart is hammering, my breathing trying to even out. I swear...he's going to rip him apart right here and now when Enzo runs over.

"Bring him to Locaine. We managed to capture another," Enzo's eyes flash to a black rose.

With how many flares and flashbangs went off, I can't be sure how many hunters had attacked. The lights flicker back on, power is restored to the ballroom.

I doubt anyone else knows as well.

"Let me help you," Enzo offers me his hand. I'm shaken from my thoughts as I uneasily take his hand. He lifts me to my feet and smiles, "Fortunately, Lucca noticed you over here. Most of the purebloods were closest to the door."

"T-thank you," I reply, stealing my hand out of his as soon as I recover my balance. Enzo's brows furrow as Zak comes beside me, his eyes searching me to see if I'd been hurt.

"Your pet seems excited to see you," Enzo chuckles at how attentive Zak is, "if you would excuse me."

"Of course," I reply quickly, watching Enzo take off to join Locaine and the recognized coven leaders near the back of the room. There are crying vampires huddled over the dead bodies of their beloveds, friends, and family.

"Mistress!" Zak calls after me as I walk closer to the group, watching