There are two things I didn't expect when I woke up this morning.
An enchanted invitation sliding under my coffin-dorm door sealed in black wax and fire.
Yeonjun acting like an actual demon was about to steal his lunch (aka me).
The Nightshade Academy Masquerade: AKA The Annual Cursed Ball
Kevin squeaked dramatically as I read the invite aloud:
"To Amelia Blackthorn, human anomaly and probable chaos magnet:
You are summoned to the Nightshade Masquerade.
Formal attire. Masks required. Try not to die."
I blinked. "Do... most school dances come with death warnings?"
Kevin flapped upside down and squeaked again. Translation:
"Only the spicy ones."
Yeonjun's Mood = Absolutely Not Normal
Later that day, I found Yeonjun brooding by the Bloodfall — a literal waterfall of blood in the east courtyard.
He had his arms crossed, cloak flowing in the wind like he was auditioning for Vampire Vogue. Again.
"You going to the dance?" I asked, leaning on the railing beside him.
He didn't look at me.
Instead, he said darkly, "Don't accept a dance from anyone you don't recognize."
"Why?"
"Because curses love dances," he muttered. "And I'm not in the mood to watch you get possessed by some shadow prince."
"Okay, one—possessed? Rude. Two—are you... jealous?"
Yeonjun finally turned to look at me, eyes glowing faintly.
"I don't get jealous," he said.
"So what's this attitude?"
"I get concerned."
"Right. Concerned that someone else might get to me before you do."
He stared at me.
Didn't deny it.
Didn't blink.
Didn't smirk.
Just said, quietly: "Maybe."
Masquerade Madness
The ballroom was dripping in black chandeliers, floating candles, and mist that smelled faintly of cursed strawberries.
Everyone wore masks — feathered, jeweled, or made from literal bones.
I wore a black gown I found in the dorm wardrobe (because apparently it generates cursed couture every full moon) and a moonlit silver mask. As soon as I entered, whispers echoed around me.
"She's the human..."
"The prophecy girl..."
"She's here with him..."
Him, of course, being Yeonjun — who arrived fashionably late wearing a suit darker than midnight and a mask shaped like raven wings.
And yes, he looked unfairly good. Like "accidentally sign a dark contract" good.
Dance With the Devil (And by Devil, I Mean Literally Yeonjun)
He didn't ask me to dance.
He just appeared, held out his gloved hand, and said, "Come with me."
And I did.
Because of course I did.
We moved through the crowd like we'd done this in another life — gliding across the marble floor as shadows curled around our feet.
"I don't dance," I whispered.
"You're doing fine."
"You're leading."
"You like it when I do."
"Cocky."
"Only around you."
The candles flickered.
My heart skipped.
And then—
Prophecy Glitch: Activate.
A gust of wind burst through the ballroom. The music screeched. The lights went black.
When they came back on, everyone froze.
Because standing at the center of the floor was me.
Another me.
Wearing a red mask. Red gown. Blood dripping from her eyes.
Yeonjun yanked me behind him. "That's not you."
The doppelgänger smiled.
"The Crimson Link has been awakened. One must fall. The other must feed."
Then she lunged.
Everything exploded into chaos. Spells flew. Masks shattered. Someone turned into a goat. The ceiling cracked.
And in the middle of it all, Yeonjun grabbed me and ran.
Escape. (Kind Of.)
He pulled me into an empty hallway, slammed the door shut with a blood rune, and pressed me up against the wall.
"You okay?" he asked, breath ragged.
"I think so," I whispered. "What was that thing?"
"A shadow echo. Part of the prophecy." His hands were still on my waist. "It's targeting you now. Or maybe... you're becoming it."
My pulse pounded. "I don't understand. I'm just a—"
"You're not just anything, Amelia." His voice was sharp. "You're changing. I can feel it. The shadows respond to you. The school chose you."
Silence.
Then he said something I never expected.
"I'm scared of what happens... if I can't protect you."
He stared into my eyes, like he was searching for a reason to step away.
He didn't find one.
Because the next second, his lips brushed mine.
Soft. Careful. Like he wasn't sure if he was allowed.
And I?
I kissed him back.
One Prophecy. Two Hearts. And a Clock Now Ticking.
When we finally pulled away, Yeonjun's eyes were darker than ever.
"We need answers," he said. "Now. Before something worse comes for you."
"Worse than my evil twin?"
He smirked. "Much worse."
I sighed. "Of course there's always a next level."
He held out his hand.
"Then let's go break more rules, Crimson Girl."
I took it.
Because no one survives Nightshade Academy alone.