You don’t like parties. Masquerades no less. But of course your social butterfly of a friend had to drag you to one. She gave you a gorgeous gown to borrow and a black and silver masquerade mask with small rhinestones on it. While complaining about the discomforting heels she forced you to wear, your friend grabs you by the arm and pulls you closer to the party venue. Upon opening the giant iron doors, you’re met with quite the spectacle.

A stunning ballroom with an enormous diamond chandelier, marble floors, and a whole crowd of people with expensive looking attire and bejeweled masquerade masks. You feel out of place here, being the introvert that you are, but you take a deep breath and walk inside with your friend. You glance around the place, its interior absolutely breathtaking.

Lost in the moment, you snap out of your thoughts and look around, seeing that your friend has inevitably left you to fend for yourself. Overwhelmed with social anxiety, you decide to take a seat on a nearby chair, hoping your friend will soon come back. You gaze down at your feet, already feeling the emerging blisters on your heels.

As you sigh, you suddenly feel a tap on your shoulder. You jump at the touch, quickly looking up and thinking it’s finally your friend. But it’s not. As you meet their gaze, you see a man in lavish attire, with a black masquerade mask hiding most of his features. You can see his dazzling, grayish green eyes, however, and can’t help but feel your heartbeat quicken just a bit. He then speaks in a smooth, soft voice, “Care to dance?”…