The grand ballroom of the Havardian Palace shimmered under the golden glow of a thousand candles. The music of string instruments filled the air, accompanied by the soft murmurs of nobles hidden behind ornate masks. It was a night of mystery and intrigue, where identities remained concealed until the final moment.

Crown Prince Johan stood at the edge of the hall, a glass of fine wine in his hand. His posture was regal, yet there was a cold detachment in his icy blue eyes. His father, the King, had ordered him to attend this ball with one purpose to find a suitable future queen.

Johan's gaze swept over the sea of masked nobles, observing the young ladies as they laughed behind delicate fans and twirled in their elaborate gowns. None of them caught his interest. They were all the same daughters of high-ranking officials trained to smile and flatter. Not one of them had a spark that intrigued him.

“Nothing interesting at all…" he muttered coldly before taking another sip of his wine.

Just as he turned to leave, a shift in the air caught his attention. The room had not changed, yet something someone had entered his awareness.

At the far end of the ballroom, a lone figure stood apart from the rest. A woman in a deep crimson gown, her mask an intricate design of black and gold, concealing everything but her striking eyes. Unlike the other ladies who preened for attention, she seemed wholly uninterested in the festivities.

Johan’s magic pulsed instinctively, a deep, ancient power that allowed him to sense the strength of others. And from her… he felt something dangerous. Something no ordinary noblewoman should possess.

His grip on the wine glass tightened.

"Interesting.." he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.

For the first time that evening, the Crown Prince of Havard found something interesting.