Chapter 6: The Masquerade of Shadows

The grand ballroom of the Celestial Soirée was a vision of opulence. Chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, their crystal prisms casting glimmering reflections across the polished marble floors. The guests, dressed in elegant evening attire, moved through the hall like constellations in a cosmic dance—shimmering, enigmatic, and untouchable.

Luna tightened her grip on Ethan's arm as they stepped into the room, their presence blending seamlessly with the sea of masked figures. A soft symphony played in the background, weaving an atmosphere of elegance and mystery.

Ethan leaned in slightly, his voice low in her ear. "Remember—act like you belong. The Celestial Order is full of scholars, aristocrats, and powerful figures. They trust appearances more than anything."

Luna took a deep breath, nodding. Her mask, a delicate silver design adorned with subtle celestial patterns, covered the upper half of her face. Her black dress, sleek yet understated, made her feel both empowered and dangerously exposed.

The two of them moved through the crowd, exchanging polite nods with strangers whose identities were concealed behind intricate masks. Luna couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

"They know I don't belong," she murmured under her breath.

Ethan smirked slightly, offering her a glass of champagne from a passing server's tray. "No, they don't. They're trying to figure out who you are. That's a good thing—it means they haven't already marked you as a threat."

Luna sipped the champagne, letting the bubbles fizz against her lips, her gaze scanning the room. Somewhere among these people were individuals who knew about her parents—maybe even those responsible for their disappearance.

Her heart pounded, but she forced herself to remain calm. Observe first. Act later.

"Come," Ethan said, guiding her toward a balcony overlooking the city.

They stepped outside, the cool night air offering a brief respite from the warmth of the ballroom. Below, the city lights stretched out like a constellation of their own, mirroring the stars above.

Ethan positioned himself so that they were alone, but still within view of the ballroom. "Now's our chance," he murmured. "Listen carefully. The Celestial Order doesn't just host these events for pleasure. They use them to discuss their real business—hidden beneath all the luxury."

Luna glanced over her shoulder. "And how do we find out what they're really talking about?"

Ethan's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "We don't. You do."

Luna blinked. "Me?"

He nodded. "You said the stars spoke to you. That you saw something—a hidden constellation. Whatever's happening tonight, the Order will be looking for signs. You're going to be their sign."

Luna's fingers tightened around the balcony railing. "That sounds… incredibly dangerous."

Ethan chuckled. "That's why it'll work."

Before she could argue, a new presence joined them.

A man.

Tall, poised, dressed in a midnight-blue suit that shimmered faintly under the light. His mask was golden, shaped like an elongated crescent moon. There was an air of authority about him—one that made Luna's instincts flare with caution.

"Ethan Blackwood," the man said smoothly. His voice carried a quiet power, one that demanded attention. "It's been a while."

Ethan turned, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. "Lord Castian. A pleasure, as always."

Luna's breath hitched. She knew that name.

Lord Castian. A high-ranking member of the Celestial Order.

Ethan turned slightly, placing a subtle hand on Luna's waist—a silent signal for her to stay composed. "May I introduce my companion? Lady Selene."

Luna realized, with a jolt, that he had given her a false name. Selene—the Greek moon goddess.

Lord Castian's gaze slid over to her, assessing. "A pleasure," he murmured, lifting her gloved hand and pressing a cool kiss to her knuckles. "You have the presence of one who understands the stars."

Luna fought the urge to flinch, keeping her expression serene. "They have always spoken to me," she replied, carefully choosing her words.

Lord Castian's lips curved into a faint smile. "Indeed. Perhaps you were meant to be here tonight."

Luna held his gaze, sensing something lurking behind his polite words. This man was dangerous.

He turned back to Ethan. "There is a discussion happening in the Lunar Chamber shortly. A private gathering. You should join us."

Ethan inclined his head slightly. "An honor, as always."

Lord Castian's gaze flickered toward Luna once more before he walked away, disappearing back into the ballroom.

The moment he was gone, Luna exhaled. "That was—"

"Dangerous," Ethan finished. "Yes."

Luna turned to face him fully. "What's the Lunar Chamber?"

Ethan's expression darkened. "A place where only the most trusted members of the Celestial Order are invited. If we get in, we might finally get some answers."

Luna nodded, her determination solidifying. "Then let's make sure they invite us."

Ethan gave her a long look before his lips curled into a smirk. "You really are reckless."

Luna smirked back. "You knew that when you brought me here."

Ethan chuckled. "Alright, Selene. Let's go rewrite destiny."

Together, they stepped back into the masquerade—where secrets lay hidden behind every mask.