The charred parchment stood between Sarah and Vane like an unspoken challenge. The richness of the spilled liquor and the faint, residual fragrance of charred paper enveloped the moment in an uncanny stillness. Vane's acute eyes scrutinized the cryptic phrase "The masquerade hides more than faces" once again. Vane's jaw constricted imperceptibly, a symptom that Sarah was beginning to recognize as unease.
"What is this?" Sarah persisted, her voice subdued but steadfast.
Vane did not respond immediately. Instead, he folded the parchment with a deliberate calm that only served to heighten Sarah's suspicion. "There is no need for you to be concerned."
She snapped, her patience fraying, and said, "Stop doing that." "You have no right to decide whether or not I should receive information."
For a brief instant, she believed she observed something resembling regret as his focus shifted to her. But just as quickly as it had appeared, it disappeared, replaced by his usual authoritative demeanor. "Sarah, this world is perilous." It's more dangerous than you realize.
She stepped closer, insisting, "Then tell me." "What is it that you are so apprehensive about?"
"I am not frightened," he declared, his voice resembling that of steel. "However, you ought to be."
Before she could reply, she heard a gentle thud and the faint creak of a floorboard in the corridor outside. Vane's hand swiftly grasped her wrist as he drew her behind him.
"Remain in close proximity," he ordered, his voice a low rasp.
They returned to the hallway with caution. Subdued lighting illuminated the walls, casting lengthy, shifting shadows. The silence seemed to amplify the sound of every creak in the wooden floor. Sarah's heart pounded as they moved deeper into the mansion, moving away from the safety of the ballroom.
"Whoever it was, they are still here," Vane murmured, his hold on her wrist firm but not excruciating.
"Should we not contact someone?" She whispered, nervously peeking over her shoulder.
The last thing we need is more attention," he said, his tone leaving no room for dissent. "Trust me."
They rounded a corner into another magnificent hallway, adorned with towering windows. Moonlight poured through the glass, illuminating the ornate patterns on the rugs and the indistinct trace of muddy footprints leading toward a side door.
Sarah pointed to the location.
Vane's expression was bleak as he nodded. "Remain here."
She replied with a firm voice, "Not a chance."
He directed a pointed glance at her, but he refrained from engaging in a discussion. Rather, he exercised deliberate prudence when he pushed the door open. The cool night air surged in, conveying the fragrance of damp earth and something else—a faint metallic undertone.
Through the door, tall hedges formed a natural tunnel that led to a narrow garden path. The footprints continued to vanish into the shadows that lay ahead. Sarah followed Vane, her senses on high alert, as he stepped forward, his movements silent and predatory.
"Do you have a plan at all?" She inquired in a low voice.
"Find them," he said succinctly, his eyes fixated on the task at hand. "And ensure that they do not locate us first."
A weathered stone fountain dominated the compact courtyard where the path led. The water's gentle trickle obscured any other noises. Vane abruptly halted, extending his palm to prevent Sarah from continuing.
"Please wait," he said, his voice scarcely audible.
She followed his gaze to the other side of the courtyard, where the shadows partially obscured a figure. A coat covered their faces, and their attire was gloomy.
Neither party made any movement for a brief period. The charged silence seemed to extend indefinitely, creating a perceptible tension.
Next, the figure fled without warning.
"Remain here!" Vane sneered as he pursued them.
However, Sarah declined to remain. She pursued them, disregarding his directive, her resolve surpassing her apprehension. The cloaked figure moved swiftly, effortlessly traversing the maze-like gardens. Vane was more rapid, and his extended strides were able to reduce the distance with each passing second.
Sarah found herself alone as she turned a corner, her breath coming in short intakes as she struggled to keep up. The sound of footfall receded into silence as the hedges loomed high on either side.
"Vane?" She shouted, her voice shaking.
There was no response.
She began to experience panic as she slowly spun in a circle, attempting to regain her bearings. The shadows grew darker and more menacing as the garden seemed to close in around her.
She then observed a faint glimmer of movement in the corner of her eye. Her pulse was racing as she whirled.
"Who is present?" She demanded, attempting to appear more courageous than she truly was.
The individual emerged from the shadows, their visage still obscured by their covering. The way they bowed their heads chilled her spine, even though they remained silent.
They raised their hands before she could react. The moonlight caught the gleam of the knife.
Sarah's mind raced as she took a stride back, causing her to freeze. Her heart pounded loudly in her ears, drowning out everything else.
A flicker of motion halted the figure as it lunged forward. Vane.
A force collided with the two, causing them to fall to the ground. Vane was immediately on his feet, hauling the assailant up by their collar as the knife clattered to the stone pathway.
"From whom did you receive this message?" His voice sounded deadly as he growled.
Despite the attacker's efforts, Vane's grasp was unyielding.
"Vane, cease!" Sarah's voice pierced the confusion as she exclaimed.
He hesitated, his jaw tightening as he gazed at her. Vane was unable to prevent the assailant from escaping into the darkness; they were able to twist free in that brief instant.
"Grarrr!" He clenched his knuckles and swore.
Sarah hastened to his side, her palms shaking. "Are you feeling well?"
"I am unharmed," he replied curtly, his eyes remaining fixated on the location where the assailant had vanished.
"What was that?" She demanded, her voice quivering.
Vane did not respond immediately. He turned to her, his expression hard but not unkind. "This is what I was attempting to safeguard you from," he said quietly.
Sarah gazed at him, her mind in a state of disarray. "You were aware that this would occur?"
"Not quite," he conceded. "However, I was aware that it was a risk."
"Then what is the purpose of bringing me here?" She inquired, her voice beginning to rise. "What is the purpose of involving me in any of this?"
"You are already entangled, regardless of your preference," he asserted, his gaze fixed on hers.