Zara's heart raced as Adrian spun her across the dance floor. Beneath the glittering chandeliers and the enchanted music, she could feel the mounting tension. The ball was a façade of grace and charm, but she knew danger was simmering beneath the surface.
Adrian leaned in, his voice low. "You'll need to stay close to me tonight. If anything happens, don't trust anyone."
Zara smirked, masking her unease. "That's comforting. Is this how you charm all your partners?"
Adrian didn't smile. His piercing gaze locked on hers. "You don't understand the stakes yet, Lavinia. Be careful who you provoke."
The song ended, and the crowd erupted in polite applause. Zara curtsied, her eyes scanning the room. Lord Edric Vayne lingered near the refreshments table, his gaze predatory. Celeste, meanwhile, was chatting animatedly with a group of nobles, her laugh too loud and too sharp.
System Alert:
Quest Update:
Sub-task: Uncover the conspiracy behind the ball.
Reward: +100 Intelligence Points.
Penalty: Major hit to Favorability with Adrian Valmont.
Zara exhaled, her thoughts racing. The system had a knack for pushing her into trouble, and tonight was no exception. She needed to figure out what was going on—and fast.
Later in the evening, Zara slipped away from the dance floor, using the guise of needing air. The grand balcony overlooked a lush garden illuminated by soft lanterns, but her moment of peace didn't last long.
"Lady Lavinia," a voice drawled.
Zara turned to see Lord Edric Vayne leaning casually against the stone balustrade. His smile was as charming as it was unsettling.
"Lord Vayne," she said stiffly. "Is there something you need?"
"Only a moment of your time," he replied, stepping closer. "You seem… different from the rumors. More spirited. I find it fascinating."
"Flattery will get you nowhere," Zara said, forcing a smile.
"Ah, but I'm not here to flatter," Edric said, his voice dipping lower. "I'm here to warn you. You're playing a dangerous game, my lady. Aligning yourself with Adrian Valmont is a double-edged sword."
Zara's pulse quickened. "What are you talking about?"
Edric leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "Adrian isn't the hero you think he is. He'll sacrifice anyone to win his game—including you."
Before Zara could respond, a sharp voice cut through the tension.
"Am I interrupting?"
Adrian stepped onto the balcony, his expression colder than ice.
"Not at all," Edric said smoothly. "I was just admiring your fiancée's… resilience."
Adrian's jaw tightened. "I suggest you admire from a distance."
Edric chuckled, stepping back. "Of course. Enjoy the evening, Lady Lavinia." He bowed and disappeared into the ballroom, leaving Zara alone with Adrian.
"What were you doing with him?" Adrian demanded.
Zara bristled. "He approached me. It's not like I invited him for tea."
Adrian's eyes darkened. "You don't know what he's capable of."
"Maybe not, but I'm starting to think the same about you," Zara retorted.
Adrian didn't respond, but the tension between them crackled like a live wire.
The ball took a darker turn as the night wore on. Zara noticed subtle shifts in the atmosphere—guards moving more frequently, nobles whispering behind fans, and an air of unease settling over the crowd.
Her instincts screamed that something was wrong.
She wandered toward the edge of the ballroom, pretending to admire a painting, when she overheard a snippet of conversation.
"…tonight's the perfect opportunity. Valmont won't see it coming."
Zara's breath hitched. She couldn't see who was speaking, but the urgency in their tone was unmistakable.
System Alert:
New sub-task: Prevent the assassination attempt.
Reward: +150 Intelligence Points.
Penalty: Critical damage to your standing with the nobles.
"Great," Zara muttered. "As if I didn't have enough to deal with."
As the clock struck midnight, the orchestra paused, and the Duke of Crestmont stepped forward to deliver a toast. The crowd fell silent, glasses raised in anticipation.
But Zara's eyes weren't on the Duke—they were scanning the room for anything out of place. Her gaze landed on a figure in the shadows, moving against the flow of the crowd.
She barely had time to think. The figure raised a crossbow, aiming directly at Adrian.
Without hesitation, Zara lunged forward, knocking Adrian to the ground as the bolt whizzed past them, embedding itself in the marble wall.
The ballroom erupted into chaos. Guards rushed to secure the area, nobles screamed, and Zara found herself pinned under Adrian's weight.
"What the hell are you doing?" Adrian hissed, pulling her to her feet.
"Saving your life, apparently," Zara shot back.
Adrian's eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, a guard approached. "Your Grace, the assassin escaped into the gardens."
Adrian's expression hardened. "Stay here," he ordered Zara, but she grabbed his arm.
"Like hell I'm staying behind," she said.
Adrian hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. But stay close."