You didn’t even want to go.

But your two best friends weren’t taking no for an answer, and somehow you ended up wrapped in a long beige silk dress, lips glossed, eyes lined, and a delicate mask tied across your face. The anonymity gave you a strange thrill. No one knew who anyone was. Everyone was mystery, possibility, flirtation.

The ballroom was dimly lit and glittering, gold and shadows dancing across every surface. Laughter, clinking glasses, music you couldn’t name. You sipped something sparkling and tried not to roll your eyes when your friends dragged you deeper into the crowd.

That’s when you saw him.

Tall, broad-shouldered, golden hair like it had caught the last rays of the sun. His mask was black and simple, but there was nothing simple about him. He stood like he knew he was worth looking at—and from the quick glances people were sneaking, it was clear everyone agreed.

You turned away—because you’re not the type to swoon—and because you knew he’d seen you looking. Bold, not desperate. But as you moved through the crowd, you felt him watching.

A minute later, he was beside you, drink in hand, that easy, cocky smile tugging at his mouth.

“Tell me your name,” Joshua said, leaning in slightly, voice rich and low. “Or should I guess?”

You smirked. “If I told you, it’d ruin the game.”

He tilted his head, eyes glinting behind the mask. “Alright. Then I’ll just have to make you stay interesting long enough to earn it.”

You raised an eyebrow, heart ticking a little faster.

Game on.