Thunderous applause drummed from all around the dance floor, as the masqueraders looked up towards the balcony with fervent admiration. Isaac and I exchanged a glance of careful anticipation, preparing for action if necessary, and giving off a nod of mutual understanding.

  Emerging out from behind a large pair of red curtains, Hugo Perrault crept in, brandishing a jester type mask, split down the middle, with a smile on one side and a frown on the other, little bells tinkering from his mask's cap. His costume was similarly fashioned, such as an old clown, but with royal fringes and crests, adding an element of regality. He sported a long flowing cap, that was bisected down the middle, one half being black, the other white.

  Perrault approached the balcony and gestured a sweeping palm open to the crowd before half bowing to them. The masqueraders mirrored his half bow, save for the new partners who had just been brought to the event for the first time, who were slow to mimic the action, or just let it occur with wonder in their eyes.

  Silence then fell upon the crowd, as they watched and listened. Perrault scanned the floor with narrow eyes and a conviction of malcontent, before a slight smirk cornered his mouth.

  Isaac and I did not shy away from his gaze, holding our heads high, while he seemed to gloss over us.

  “Tonight,” Winston stepped forward, beside Perrault, but slightly back. “We usher in a new age.”

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  The crowd clapped resoundingly, even after such a brief comment.

  Winston tempered them with his hands, beckoning them to lower the volume. “Tireless work, from the palms of those who wish to ascend, within this very room. It goes without saying that your efforts are lauded.” He looked to Perrault. “Has this dignified being not delivered upon you the very desires of your heart, without fail, nor repercussion?”

  Isaac and I shared another glance of displeasure, a palpable distaste within the air.

  “The time has come to exceed those very desires, to cause a shift within the known world. For now, we desire something more. A change not unto ourselves, but to the waking universe.” Winston smiled proudly. “And it is him...who stands before you. The god who shall shape the cradle of this world and all others. The curtain falls on the old crown this morn', and rises on a new king!”

  The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, cheers and cries, an eerie feeling. Suddenly, numerous servers began entering the ballroom in droves, carrying pristine silver trays which held glimmering champagne flutes of a golden bubbly liquid to any and all guests.

  A server approached us and extended the tray after we held stoic for a moment. Hesitating, we both grabbed a glass, before the server ventured off to deliver the drink to others. Isaac and I exchanged uneven glances, our brows furroughing as we peered into the liquid. I held it to my nose, sniffing it cautiously, but shook my head unable to detect anything out of the ordinary. Isaac bent to inspect his own glass further, perhaps utilizing his wolf like senses, before our attention returned immediately to the balcony, as Winston cleared his throat loudly , while the crowd took on in excitement, readying their glasses.

  Winston held up a glass himself, while Perrault watched on, looking solely at me now. A large Cheshire grin plastered across his face. Something felt wrong. I looked around at the masqueraders. Had they known we were there? Suddenly, people were clanking drinks and ready to down them. Then...recognition. Oh no!

  Winston raised his glass triumphantly. “May he forever reign!”