The return of Raven created a commotion within other families. They never expected Raven to graduate at the top. All they knew about him was being rowdy, explosive, and childish.
But the families weren't wrong, but that is all in the past. The present Raven is now a full-grown man.
Despite two months passing. This news continued to spread through other families.
Adriana looked at the godfather clock standing by the door of her room. She watched the hands move and listened to the ticks. She glances at the door as if she is expecting someone to arrive.
The open book she held in her hands was shut and gently placed on the table. Adriana stood up, looked out the window, and put a hand on her chest.
Her gaze shifted to the window, seeing her reflection. All dressed up for the yearly meeting of the four families. And yes, she decided to attend this year alongside Raven.
It was more of she did not have a choice but to attend. As it was being held in their mansion.
A gorgeous white dress reached her ankles. A few ornaments on her head that made her stand out more than usual. Which Adriana did not hate at all. Instead, she liked the way she looked.
It was her first time wearing something pure, which does not seem fitting of a Belladonna. But Adriana did not care at all. If her father asked her to change, she would not listen at all.
Adriana shifted her gaze back at the door upon hearing the voice of Raven. He peaked his head, and his mouth left open, not believing his own eyes.
"Sister, if you told me you were going wear white. I would have matched with you," said Raven, who stepped into the room while Adriana stood up, chuckling at his reaction.
"But you look great in a black suit," Adriana fixed his red tie and patted his shoulder. Her eyes shifted at the cufflinks he had on. "I think I know what to buy you next."
"Don't change the topic, please," begged Raven, who thought Adriana was trying to cheer him up. But, in reality. The color black does fit Raven well.
"I'm not lying. You do look great in black," compliments Adriana while Raven hears a horse neigh. Which reminded him about today's main event.
"I almost forgot. The guests are here," recalled Raven, who bent down a bit to match her height. "Are you going to be alright?"
"I will be fine as long as you are by my side," answered Adriana and smiled at Raven, who nodded. "But before that, we should wear our masks."
"Then shall we head out?" Raven offered his arm, which Adriana accpted. She held onto his firm arms, and they both made their way to the main garden.
One notable building or area in the Belladonna mansion is their garden. It was a lot grander and wide than other mansions. Asides from that, the theme is a masquerade in the gardens.
Adriana expected the weather to be cruel, but it was not at all. The sun was being blocked by the clouds, but there were no signs of it raining. At the same time, it was cooler than usual. It was the perfect time to have a masquerade held in the gardens.
Adriana wore a white mask decorated with two strands of high-quality feather from a swan. It was decorated simply, which gave it a neat and clean look.
There were a lot more guests invited, which made Adriana wonder if this was part of her father's scheme. But for now, she'll keep quiet about it.
Adriana and Raven made their way into the crowd. And one thing she could say is it was unpleasing to the ears.
They were not music flowing into her ears but horrible played instruments. At one point, Adriana asked herself why it is so hard to please others just for them to be satisfied.
But what is funny is that Adriana liked listening to criticisms. She enjoyed knowing the thoughts of people whom she had never met. And what rights do they have to speak those words they will regret?
Adriana could feel Raven clenching his fist tighter, but he did not react. This made Adriana wonder if it because of the mask or is it because Raven had matured. She felt proud about it and wished for Raven to continue to grow.
"None of the family members came to greet us. Why did I even decide to come?" A lady huffed and took a sip of the champagne. "At least their food and drinks are edible."
"The garden looks presentable, and they are lucky that the weather is not hot," agreed another lady.
Adriana stepped in the middle of the two ladies and smiled at them. She lifted her hand up with a glass of wine, making a toast.
"I thank the two ladies for coming. I hope you are enjoying this….celebration," thanked Adriana while the two ladies were confused as to who she was. Adriana turned her back while the two ladies kept their eyes on her.
Adriana placed her hand on the arm of Raven, who gently smiled at her.
"B-black hair and r-r-red eyes. Don't tell me that was Adriana Belladonna?" stuttered the lady as she almost dropped the tall glass cup.
"T-then that means. That man was Raven Belladonna?" Screamed the other lady. Who fanned herself. "Since when did he grow that tall? And his body is a lot finer now."
"Not to mention. Adriana Belladonna is so graceful."
"How can this be? But you can't forget that they are still a Belladonna."
After greeting the other families who had arrived, Adriana leaned closer to Raven, who hunched his back to match her height. Adriana whispered, "I'll get some rest."
"Do you want me to escort you?" Whispered back, Raven.
"No, you better go and spend time with your friends."
"I don't have to. I see them almost every day," insisted Raven, but Adriana shook her head.
"I want to spend my time alone," stated Adriana, which gave Raven no choice but to listen.
Adriana walked further into the garden, where the sounds of the instruments and chattering of the crowds faded. She sat under the pagoda and shut her eyes, leaning her head on the pillar.
Adriana took a deep breath and exhaled, slowly opening her eyes, greeted by the pink hue skies. Two hours had passed, and the main event had not begun.
The family head has yet to make his speech and announcement, which gave Adriana butterflies in her stomach. She did not know what was coming and admitted she was afraid.
Since there was time left. Adriana made her way to the resting area. At least there, no one would disturb her little nap.
When Adriana opened her eyes back, the night had fallen. Yet music was still to be heard. She pushed herself up in panic, not knowing what time it was. But she sighed with relief when she saw the clock on the wall.
Adriana had passed out for thirty minutes, and more than that could have been bad. This would mean she was gone for at least an hour now.
Adriana stood up and opened the window barefooted. She gazed down at the garden where she saw nobles dancing. She rested her head on her hand, still feeling unawakened.
Distracted by the things she was seeing. Adriana had not noticed the door slowly opening. But when the man saw Adriana, he immediately apologized.
"I didn't mean to enter. I was looking for my sister, thinking she had fallen asleep in one of the resting rooms."
Adriana turned her back to see a familiar figure but a lot finer than before. She thought her eyes were fooling her, but she was not wrong.
Good thing Adriana kept her mask on. If not, her identity would have been exposed. But the moment their eyes met. Somehow they both felt a familiar sensation between them. They couldn't explain what it was, but it made their hearts flutter.