The city of Aetheris shone under a silver dawn. Carriages rolled over cobblestone streets, carrying nobles, merchants, and scholars to their destinations. In the heart of the city, banners flew high, announcing the annual Stellaris Charity Ball, one of the most anticipated events in the social calendar.
Every prominent family in the region would attend—including the Valerius and Hawthorne lineages.
The ball wasn't just a celebration. It was a power play. An arena where appearances, connections, and whispers held more weight than any sword. Invitations were limited, carefully curated by the High Council. And this year, to everyone's surprise, Evelyn Hawthorne's name was included.
"How did you get on the guest list?" Isabella asked with sugar-laced venom, her smile brittle.
"I wouldn't know," Evelyn replied, masking her confusion with grace.
But the truth was even more perplexing. Her invitation had arrived with a delicate seal—one bearing the Valerius crest.
Elsewhere, in the Valerius manor, Alexander stood on the balcony, watching the city come alive beneath him. His sister, Celeste, sat nearby, feet tucked under her, reading through the names of the ball's attendees.
"You really put her name forward," Celeste said without looking up.
"She has a right to be seen," Alexander replied simply.
"You're playing a dangerous game," Celeste warned. "Especially with the city already shifting. Magic's balance is cracking, and the Council is watching everyone."
"I don't care," he said. "She deserves more than what that family gives her."
As the night of the ball drew closer, tailors, jewelers, and dressmakers flooded both households. Clarisse ensured Isabella would be radiant, but Evelyn's gown—modest yet enchanted—was unlike anything she had worn before. Midnight blue silk embroidered with silver runes whispered with protective magic, courtesy of a quiet benefactor.
As she stood before her mirror on the night of the event, Evelyn barely recognized herself.
But neither would the world.
Because at that charity ball, she would step into the lion's den—with the eyes of Aetheris upon her, and a certain heir not far behind.