The final bell echoed down the hallway, signaling the end of the school day and the start of the night everyone had been waiting for. Students streamed out of the classrooms, buzzing with excitement about the masquerade ball. Sarah spotted you by the gates and jogged over, her blonde hair catching the late afternoon sun. She looped her arm through yours with a wide grin.

“Okay,” she said, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “Are you ready for tonight? Because I am so ready to turn heads.”

You laughed, adjusting the strap of your bag. “I still need to do my hair. And makeup. And, you know… somehow not panic.”

Sarah rolled her eyes dramatically. “Please. You’re going to look incredible. We’ll go to your house, get ready together, and make an entrance that’ll actually break the internet.”

By the time you both reached your room, the floor was covered with curling irons, makeup palettes, perfume bottles, and accessories. Music played softly from the speaker as Sarah sat cross legged on your bed, scrolling through her phone while you carefully slipped into your dress. It was a burgundy, off-shoulder gown with a fitted bodice that flowed out gently at the bottom, hugging every curve in just the right way. The fabric shimmered under the warm light, like red wine swirling in a glass. Sarah looked up the moment you stepped out of the bathroom, and her jaw actually dropped.

“Holy crap,” she breathed. “Wow. You look amazing.”

A flush crept up your neck. “You think?”

“I don’t think. I know.” She stood and circled you like a stylist. “Rafe’s going to—”

“Sarah.”

“Okay, okay. I’ll shut up,” she laughed, raising her hands.

On your vanity sat the mask you’d chosen, a burgundy and gold filigree half-mask, decorated with tiny gemstones that caught the light every time you moved. It matched the dress perfectly, elegant and just mysterious enough. You tied it carefully at the back of your head, the ribbons blending into your hair. Sarah’s dress was ivory with silver details, her mask delicately matching. Together, you looked like you’d stepped out of a movie.

Later at the parking lot was already full of expensive cars when you arrived. Warm evening air drifted around you as the two of you stepped out, heels clicking on the pavement. Fairy lights covered the building, twinkling like stars. Inside, the ballroom was breathtaking, chandeliers sparkled above silk-draped walls, a string quartet played in the corner, and masked guests filled the room with laughter and chatter.

That’s when you saw him.

Across the room, leaning against a marble column, stood Rafe. He wore a completely black suit, perfectly tailored, paired with a sleek black tie. A black wolf mask covered part of his face, giving him a dark, dangerous edge. His posture was relaxed but confident, drink in hand, as he talked with Topper and Kelce. And then, as if drawn by instinct, his eyes found yours. For a heartbeat, everything else faded. His gaze lingered, traveling slowly from your mask to your dress, then meeting your eyes with a look that made your pulse quicken. Years ago, that look had been warm and familiar. Now, it was layered, sharp, complicated.

Sarah noticed immediately and leaned closer. “Well… someone’s staring.”

You nudged her with your elbow. “Stop.”

She laughed, grabbing your hand. “Come on, let’s dance before you spontaneously combust.”

The two of you slipped onto the dance floor. The music picked up, elegant and rhythmic. You twirled under the chandelier lights, laughing as Sarah spun dramatically beside you. But no matter how much you tried to focus on the music, you could still feel it, that heavy, unshakable gaze.