The Grand Hall
At the entrance of the hall, Raith stood still. He didn't move at first. His eyes scanned the place with a calculated slowness, picking up every corner, every reflection, and the gaps between the bodies—as if the hall itself were a beautiful lie waiting to be exposed.
In the heart of the chamber, a massive crystal rose, radiating a deep indigo-violet light. A miniature galaxy seemed to swirl within it, vortexes of light and living nebula that never stayed still. The reflection of the light on the marble floors transformed the hall into a glowing entity that breathed music.
Nova stepped forward with graceful strides, extending her hand toward him with a confident smile. "Raith... let us enter." Her cloak moved with her—a deep dark blue hood, studded with stars like a piece stolen from the night sky, adorned with dangling golden chains and purple gemstones that shimmered with every step.
Raith moved into the center as the music flowed in a soft harmony through the dancing guests. Whispers rose like a hidden tide:
— "What is he doing here?"
— "Why did Nova bring him?"
— "Why... him?"
Raith smirked, his hair falling to veil part of his eyes. "If they never loved my presence..." he said in a low, mocking voice, "it's enough that I love myself." He turned away indifferently, reached for a nearby table, took a piece of cake, and began to eat it with relish.
"I'm glad you're alright," Nova said, smiling.
Raith lifted his fork, his gaze sharp and devoid of doubt. "I am always alright. Always."
The Encounter
And there, amidst the crowd—he saw her. Oriel.
Her long hair flowed in soft waves, a blend of rose pink and celestial blue. From her head rose spiraling golden horns. Her eyes were wide, glowing gold, and on her cheeks were small pink decorative marks that added to her mystery. She wore a lavish, long blue gown, embroidered with intricate golden threads and patterns resembling playing cards—the Clubs—as if luck itself had been sewn onto her body.
Raith smiled unconsciously. "Beautiful... I like her."
She was lost in the dance. Suddenly—Raith's heart quickened. Something flared in his chest. "What... is that?" he whispered with a faint dread. Beneath Oriel's skin, delicate, faint veins began to flow with a dim light.
Raith's hand went to his chin, his tone turning sharp. "Nova! This! Wait for me."
"Raith..." Nova whispered urgently, a warning in her voice. "Remember. Don't be reckless."
But Raith didn't hesitate. He caught Oriel's hand and pulled her toward him. "I want to dance with you, Oriel."
Oriel smiled, placing her hand on his shoulder, drawing closer until their breaths mingled. "You are captivating..." she whispered.
Suddenly, Raith's pupils dilated, his lips parting slightly as his confidence was replaced by sheer terror.
There was an entity embracing her from behind. No one could see it... except Raith.
It appeared as a silhouetted figure, entirely black, devoid of any human features—a pitch-black void with no reflection, moving like a vacuum. It wrapped its arms tightly around her and leaned in to whisper in her ear.
Oriel looked up, her golden eyes meeting Raith's. She smiled. A cold smile... devoid of warmth.
Raith let go of her hand, leaping back several steps. The shadow entity lifted its head, looking directly at Raith, and then—it smiled. A wide, inhuman, terrifying grin, enough to make the light around it turn dim.
In that moment... the hall was no longer just a party. It had become an arena where the true game had finally begun.