*Cassiopeia pov*
As we approached the entrance, the air around the building buzzed with the weight of protective enchantments, thick enough to almost feel against the skin not many knew this but I am fairly sensitive to magic. Even from the outside, the magic layered over the walls like invisible armor and it felt like we were intruding. The doors were tall, dark oak with iron fixtures, and two figures in silver masks stood silently at either side, nodding us through without a word.
And suddenly the protection enchantments felt like a warm hug wrapping around us.
"Im jealous." Morpheus spoke suddenly as we stepped past the guards
I frowned looking around, "About what I don't see anything you surely haven't seen before." we weren't inside yet but what could make him jealous?
He shook his head, "No I'm jealous that you can feel the magic, the enchantments, the wards, and everything without needing to perform a ritual on yourself." he sounded tired
Part of me wondered if that ritual he spoke of is what turned his skin so pale.
Before I could reply we stepped inside, the grandeur I'd expected did not disappoint. The foyer was a sprawling, elegant space filled with chandeliers casting a soft golden glow over the polished marble floors. The ceiling was painted with moving constellations, stars twinkling faintly overhead. Everything screamed opulence, from the rich velvet drapes lining the walls to the delicate tapestries woven with scenes of old wizarding families. Masked figures, each wearing lavish robes and masks of varying designs, milled about, speaking in hushed tones that echoed off the high walls.
Morpheus's grip on my arm was firm as he led me deeper into the room. His presence felt commanding, and even with a mask covering his face, he drew more than a few curious glances. But no one dared to approach.
I couldn't fault them, I remember my first time seeing him in person.
His magic is revolting.
We paused by a long table laden with exotic foods and drinks that shimmered under the enchanted light. Morpheus leaned in, his voice low. "There are many here who have their hands deep in Voldemort's war. They see it as an opportunity to shift power from Britain to the continent, to bring chaos that will weaken the country's standing on the world stage. But you and I… we have no interest in that."
I scanned the crowd, trying to get a sense of who these people were. I could see the glint of ambition in their movements, the sharp gaze of predators hidden behind masks of civility. "And what about the ones we need to talk to?"
Morpheus tilted his head toward a group standing near a grand staircase. "Over there. Baron von Drachenfels and his associates. They are among the most dangerous, not because of their skill in magic, but because they have the resources to feed a war machine. Gold, alliances, the means to supply Voldemort's army. They believe he will eventually fall, and when he does, they intend to carve up the remains."
I frowned. "And they're here tonight, thinking this is just another gathering?"
Morpheus nodded, eyes scanning the room. "They believe this is business as usual. A place to consolidate their plans, away from British soil. Mingle and create new allies, rope in new investors."
I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "And I'm here to convince them otherwise. How far should I go?"
His lips curved into a small smile beneath the mask. "Far enough to make them reconsider their alliances, but not so far that you draw suspicion. Remember, subtlety is key."
I smirked beneath my own mask. "I can do subtle."
"Good," he said softly, straightening. "Once you've made contact with Drachenfels, find a way to pull him aside. I'll be nearby if you need me."
Before I could respond, Morpheus released my arm and drifted away into the crowd, blending seamlessly with the other masked guests. His movements were almost too fluid, as if this was his stage and we were just spectators.
I turned my attention back to the group near the staircase. Drachenfels was easy to spot—his mask was a gleaming silver dragon, his robes embroidered with intricate designs of fire and smoke. He held a glass of deep red wine in one hand, speaking quietly with two others whose faces were hidden behind elaborate, feathered masks.
I made my way toward them, keeping my steps measured and my posture composed, like I'd done this a thousand times before. As I approached, Drachenfels' eyes flicked toward me, his gaze sharp, but he said nothing.
"Baron von Drachenfels, I presume?" I said smoothly, my voice neutral, just loud enough for him to hear.
He tilted his head slightly, acknowledging my presence without a word. His companions glanced at me curiously but remained silent.
"I've heard much about your… investments," I continued, my tone polite but with an edge. "And I think we might have some mutual interests. Perhaps we could speak privately?"
Drachenfels raised an eyebrow beneath his mask. "Mutual interests? How intriguing. And who, exactly, are you?"
I smiled under my mask. "Someone with influence where it matters. Someone who knows that true power isn't about chaos—it's about control."
His lips curled into a smirk. "Interesting. Follow me."
Without another word, he turned and led me toward a side room, his companions staying behind. I cast a brief glance around the room, catching a glimpse of Morpheus in the distance, his watchful eyes tracking us.
***
It was surprisingly easy to get him alone which made me realize how confident this man was in the wards surrounding himself. Suddenly the gentle hug of protection felt more like a noose waiting for me to take the plunge.
Since Morpheus mentioned our target my mind has been burrowing into the depths of where I keep the information on important figures. Hunting for the information I needed to dissuade the baron.
Stepping into the side room with him it dawned on me, and a smile bloomed across my lips.
He turned and looked at me deeply as if trying to read my mind, "So, tell me what mutual interest do we share?" he was a confident man that much was obvious
Confident men were much harder to dissuade, they think it makes them look weak.
"Your ventures into Britain," I said stepping the the right making him turn toward the door
His fist clenched involuntarily, "What about them?" he asked fishing for what I knew
I shrugged, "I know you're being brazen, the new dark Lord is irrational, erratic, do you think he will allow you to carve out some of his prize?" I taunted
He chuckled, "you know more than you should who are you?" he asked stepping toward me, and I stepped meeting him
He tried to hide it but he was uncomfortable he isn't used to women stepping to him good to know, "Someone who knows if you keep stepping out of bounds your dealings here might come to life." I said airily as if I were talking about the weather
"Is that a threat?" he growled
"Baron Drachenfels owns a trafficking ring? Baron Drachenfels is smuggling illegal goods into German lands, and my favorite Baron Drachenfels is the son of a whore." I stepped forward and this time he stepped back
Morpheus said to be subtle but for men like this? You need to be forceful.
"How dare you!" he snarled going for his wand but suddenly he froze
I smirked, "These protections are great, aren't they?" I said slyly, "Of course, you're lucky they are or your head would be on the floor already."
He put his wand away angrily, "You think you can threaten me?" he laughed, "I don't know how you know these things but, I will not be threatened I will be sending more support even!" he spat
I smiled brilliantly, "Do so, but I assure you when this news hits the papers you will wish you had more funds to protect yourself from enemies within your own home. Even here, do you think you will still be invited? No, your partners will distance themselves blame you maybe even pile some of their dealings onto you. Suddenly you will not be worried about carving some of Britain but protecting what little you still have." I passed him and opened the door, "Do think about it, Baron."
I spotted Morpheus across the room laughing with a group he met my eye and peeled away, "I was going to do a simple spell on him to hit your point home but, I don't think it necessary anymore." I could hear his grin
"You were watching, how?" I asked this place was so warded it would be impossible to pull that off
He scoffed looking around, "Not much I can't see my dear. But, our work is not finished although I wanted to see you in action I must admit this wasn't the main reason for coming here."
"Oh and what was?"
"See that woman?" he asked gesturing over to a beautiful woman wearing a red gown and a black half mask
"Who is she?"
"We came to kill her!" he sounded positively joyful