Chapter 10 – The Truth Beneath the Mask

The man walked ahead at a leisurely pace, exuding an air of complete control. Dim wall lamps flickered past them as they moved through the corridor, and the breeze from the gaps in the walls swept against Selena's cloak. Her heart pounded, but she couldn't turn back now. If she was to uncover the truth behind her father's death, she had no choice but to push forward and confront this ominous figure.

"You were quite bold to follow me, Catherine."

The man suddenly glanced back. His eyes gleamed through the slits of his mask, as if mocking her—as if he already knew her true identity.

"But could that boldness also be recklessness?"

Selena steadied herself, responding with calculated indifference.

"You talk more than I expected. I've always been curious, and I lack knowledge. So if someone is willing to share, I welcome it."

The man smirked and led her to a small room at the end of the corridor. It seemed to be a reception room connected to the banquet hall, its antique lighting casting a faded golden glow across the space. A faint, unfamiliar scent of incense lingered in the air, enough to make one feel dazed if they weren't careful.

"The nights of the nobility always unfold behind masks."

He spoke softly, closing the door.

"I wonder if you still believe you can convince me that you're truly 'Catherine d'Albert.' Or perhaps… you've come to this banquet with a different purpose."

The room appeared empty, but Selena remained on guard. There could be hidden eyes watching, or this man might seize the moment to attack—or worse, propose some humiliating deal. Trusting his friendly demeanor would be foolish.

"Who I am doesn't matter. If you have information worth sharing, I'm willing to listen."

She got straight to the point.

"But I have conditions. If someone connected to you knows secrets about my father, you'll have to tell me everything. No lies, no omissions."

The man snapped his fingers in amusement.

"Your father… Now, isn't that a revealing statement? That's not something Catherine would say. No, it suits you better—Selena Blanchard."

A chill ran down her spine. He had known all along. He belonged to a faction that had been watching her for a long time. As Selena realized she could no longer keep up the act, the man poured wine into a glass and handed it to her with a cryptic smile.

"You've come this far, so a drink wouldn't hurt. If it's the truth about your father that you seek, I might just open the door for you."

"The door…?"

"Yes. A path to the 'other world' that the Council has unlocked. Or perhaps… a path where you can claim both your revenge and the truth. If you can handle it."

His words were a tangled riddle. Selena knew she had already missed her chance to escape. If he wished, he could turn her over to the Council at any moment. And yet, she continued this conversation, clinging to the hope that she could extract more information.

At that moment, the door creaked open, and someone stepped inside. Had the trap already been sprung? But to her surprise, it was Leon.

Selena felt a strange mix of relief and apprehension. Not long ago, they had exchanged glances across the ballroom—yet here he was, having reappeared so suddenly.

"Well, well. You've already set up such an interesting little meeting. Mind if I join?"

Leon smirked as he removed his mask halfway, eyeing the man with a hint of sarcasm.

"I wasn't exactly invited, as I'm sure you know. But I couldn't help my curiosity about what's being discussed here."

The man sighed in mild irritation, shifting his gaze between them.

"The Blackwood heir… You weren't supposed to be part of this. You always seem to show up where you aren't welcome."

Leon grabbed the remaining glass of wine as if claiming it for himself.

"I don't need to be. There are always 'watchful eyes' at play, aren't there? I can't let Selena face the Council alone."

"Leon."

Selena looked at him, her emotions tangled once more.

"You said you'd just watch. Why are you stepping in now?"

Leon responded in a low voice.

"Because watching might mean watching you fall right into this man's hands."

Even though he had let her take the lead, he couldn't just stand by and let her make a reckless decision.

The man chuckled, glancing between them with amusement.

"I don't know what kind of relationship you two have, but it seems… complicated. Fine. If you want to hear what I have to say, both of you can come to the next location. Of course, I doubt the Council will welcome an uninvited guest."

With that, he pulled out a single document and tossed it onto the table. It bore a crimson seal, marking it as an official Council invitation—likely for some kind of secretive 'ritual.'

"This is an invitation reserved for a select few. Have you heard of the 'Lucian Chapel'? No? That's because it's been erased from official records. When the time comes, take this and make your way there."

"Lucian Chapel…"

Selena murmured the name, and the man leaned in as if revealing another layer of the secret.

"You wanted the truth, didn't you? That's why I'm calling you there. If you have the courage to show up, the Council will be very interested in meeting you. And maybe… just maybe, they'll give you the answers you seek. But you'll have to deal with the consequences yourself."

"Why should I trust you?"

Selena narrowed her eyes.

"You don't have to. It's your choice. But since you're chasing after your father's legacy, revenge, and the truth, wouldn't it be worth taking the risk?"

The situation was growing more precarious, but Selena knew she had to make her own decision. She remained silent, prompting the man to cast her a final sharp glance before turning away.

"Well, then. I have preparations to make. The night is long, and there's nothing left to discuss here. In two nights, meet me at the location on the invitation—if you dare."

As he exited, Selena removed her mask, taking a shaky breath. Now that the incense and tension were gone, she turned to Leon.

"The Lucian Chapel… He wants me to go there. Have you heard of it?"

Leon hesitated before answering.

"I've only heard the name. It's an ancient site where forgotten rituals were once performed. If the Council is using it, this isn't just some gathering—it's the heart of their operations."

"I have to go."

Selena picked up the document, running her fingers over the crimson seal.

"If my father's records were right, and if the Shadow Council is planning something there, I need to see it for myself."

"Then I'll have to go with you. If you go alone, you might end up as their next sacrifice."

Selena's expression hardened. Leon sighed and spoke matter-of-factly.

"You do realize the real danger here, don't you? If the Council is testing you, they won't let you leave so easily."

Selena met his gaze. The playful ease he had worn earlier was gone, replaced by a weighty seriousness.

"I have to take the risk. I need to see this through."

Leon chuckled lightly.

"If that's the case, let's finish up here and leave. There's nothing more for us at this banquet."

For some reason, Selena felt both reassured and unsettled by his words. The emotions stirred by this night were tangled beyond recognition, but she and Leon agreed on one thing—they had to leave.

As they reentered the ballroom, the event was already winding down. The masked nobles departed in droves, while the servants began clearing the remnants of the night. Without a word of farewell, Selena and Leon slipped out through a side exit. But even as they left, she felt unseen eyes following them to the very end.

Outside, the air was colder. The stars shone above, but her mind was dark with uncertainty. Clutching the invitation, she silently walked toward where their carriage awaited.

"Lucian Chapel… It's dangerous, but if I go there, I might finally face the ones pulling the strings."

Leon remained quiet beside her, lost in his own thoughts. Despite their silence, they both knew they were stepping into something far bigger than either of them had anticipated.

As dawn approached, they rode toward the unknown. The thrill of infiltrating the ball, the cryptic conversation with the masked man, and the looming presence of the Council all tangled in Selena's mind.

"So, what now?"

Leon finally broke the silence.

"I prepare—and then I go. I assume you're coming too."

Selena answered firmly.

"Of course. I just hope you're ready for what's waiting for us."

The frigid morning wind whispered through their cloaks. There was no turning back now.