A faint mist loomed in the air, as the thumping footsteps of Tyler and myself trod down a muddy dirt path. The blackened trees swayed silently, seemingly narrowing the path as we came upon a wrought iron gate, ill omens set by its towering spires and wretched faces carved into it, screaming into the night.

  Tyler, made up well in a suit and rat like masquerade mask, how fitting, approached a tiny speaker console on the left hand side of the gate and pressed a button.

  I stood idly, with my crimson red and black laced boning ball gown hiked up a bit, as dirt and grime were not the all the rage, but I was feeling all the rage coming on. “They really don’t allow cars? Or you’re just mad I roughed you up a bit?” I said, adjusting my lacy black mask over my eyes further.

  “No vehicles from this point on,” Tyler said, before the comms cut through with a waiting static. “Mr. Martinson and Guest,” Tyler replied. A momentary quiet came forth.

  BUZZ! An electronic chime harshly blared through, as the gates opened backward for entry.

  Tyler and I exchanged glances, before walking in, allowing the gates to close quickly behind us.

  I didn’t feel nervous, but I did wonder how Isaac and his brothers would make it in, if they could? Well...they are werewolves. I reminded myself.

  Within a few moments, the trees cleared and a wide circular drive surrounded a majestic flowing fountain, with a lavish southern palace behind it. Willow trees lined the circle and green pastures beyond, acres as far as the eye could see, even in the darkness. The white facade was pristine, though a picture of time long gone. Warm lights illuminated the windows inside.

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  “Wow,” I couldn’t help but utter.

  “I know, right?” Tyler said. “Starting to reconsider your options?” He added with snark.

  “Shut your mouth,” I hissed. “Only open it when needed, like we discussed. Don’t forget...” I rolled my fingers and clenched them. “It only takes a second.”

  Tyler stiffened up and remained silent for the rest of the walk to the grand oaken doors of the estate.

  As we approached, Tyler smoothed out his suit and rapped upon wood with the iron door knocker that looked oddly like a skull with a bar hanging from its mouth. Stepping back, he joined my side again.

  After a moment passed, one door creaked open, revealing an old butler, with stringy white balding hair, who looked as if he had all the life drained from him. He gazed at us through very narrow slits of his eyes and disappeared back inside, cranking open the other door to allow entry. He guided us in with his arm.

  At that, we entered a world of ornate gold trimmings, luxurious finishes, centuries old paintings from masters adorning the walls and collections of oddities in glass cabinets. It was extraordinary. Loud rabble hit us immediately as we entered, finding the various halls and rooms packed with wealthy socialites, boasting gratuitously in their masked outfits and enjoying glasses of wine with little reprieve. The pure excess was...strangely revolting.

  “Ah, Mr. Martinson, is that you?” A middle aged woman putting on airs in her voice sauntered up in a black dress. “I’d know that tush anywhere!” She groped him from behind with a laugh.

  “Gross,” I whispered, trying not to gag, and shooting him a look.

  Tyler shrugged. “It is...Mrs...Kennsley?” He asked in confusion. A terribly sign at that.

  “Yes,” she said with a chuckle, “but which one?” She grinned.

  Yep, I thought, definitely gonna throw up now.

  “Grace,” she teased. Pushing him on the chest, before looking to me. “And this is?”

  Tyler locked up, frozen, his eyes darting to me. “Uh...”

  I extended my hand with expectation, letting it hang there, waiting for her to kiss it, which she did with slight hesitation. “'Tis a masquerade dear. No secrets revealed yet,” I smiled mischievously.

  The woman waited a moment, before a thin smile crossed her face. “'Tis true, my regal acquaintance.”

  DING. A great bell chimed, resonating all throughout the house. DING.

  “Well,” she smirked, “perhaps you won’t need to wait long for some secrets to unveil themselves. Come!” She took my hand to lead me with her. “'Tis the hour!”