Lavinia leaned back languidly in her seat, her slender fingers that were studded with rings curling in anticipation. Her black gown had few sparkly sequins, almost allowing her to melt into the shadows of the night, but it was far from plain. The bodice and sleeves were primarily made of black lace that formed intricate patterns across her torso and arms. Sections of the material were sheer and a plunging neckline and open back showed off just enough skin to entice but not fully distract. The skirt of the gown was long and flowing but light and easy to walk and move around in. Her hair was done up in an elegant but sturdy braided crown, a few strands of her raven hair falling in soft curls around her face. Her heels added an extra inch or two to her height but were not tall enough to inhibit her movements. She considered wearing a mask, but since it was not a masquerade ball, she reasoned that it would only attract more unwanted attention. Even when she had servants to attend to her, she preferred to dress and accessorize by herself so that she could be in full control. After all, she had a mission tonight and she wasn't going to let something like shoes or unruly hair ruin her plans. She was going to succeed and she was going to look good while doing it.

Her carriage sped along the paths to the Caerhayes castle, and though she was looking out the window, she barely took in any of the gorgeous scenery as her thoughts were elsewhere. When she had first received the invitation, she was quite suspicious and even contemplated moving away again out of fear that someone had discovered her true identity. She hadn't been to a ball ever since she left home that one fateful night, and she always did her best to avoid the public eye in case someone might recognize her. But she had heard word that he was going to be there tonight, and she knew that this was her one and only chance. She could think of nothing else with scenarios flying around in her head as she imagined all the different ways the night could end. In the best case scenario, everything would go according to plan, but if it didn't, she knew she had to be ready for anything. The risk she was taking was evident, but she figured it would all be worth it in the end. She fiddled with one of her rings, twisting it around her finger. It would be a lie to say that she wasn't at least a little bit nervous, but above all, she couldn't let anyone know that. Things would be much easier once the moment actually came, she supposed.

The carriage began to slow down, drawing her out her thoughts and back into the moment. Finally focusing on what she was seeing outside, she gazed at the castle's full gardens, noting how they somehow appeared so vibrant and lively despite the darkness. There was something unusual about this place, something that she couldn't quite put her finger on. It was hypnotizing, enchanting, and somewhat haunting, as if it could reach into her and pull out her deepest, darkest secrets, exposing it to the entire world. This only made her want to hang onto those secrets tighter, hating the way the sheer majesty of the entire property made her feel small and vulnerable. She gritted her teeth as her hands subconsciously clenched into fists. Hopefully she'd never come back here again. She'd just have to tolerate it—and him—for just one night.

"Lady Alanna," her coachman called gently. "We have arrived."

Alanna was the new name she had taken on to protect her identity, and though she had been using it for some time, she still wasn't fully used to it. She snapped out of her thoughts, turning her head to the opposite window, seeing that the carriage had stopped in front of a large iron gate with a golden 6 perched at the very top. This was her assigned gate, and no number was more fitting for only the devil could approve of what she had planned tonight. But she didn't care. All morals went out the window the day she lost everything.

Her footman opened the door, offering his hand to help her out of the carriage. She murmured a small thanks, immediately focusing on the two attendants in front of her, wearing bright smiles and white tailored suits. Clearing her throat, she painted on the sweetest smile she could return, one dripping with honey that could soothe even the angriest bear.

"Good evening," she greeted, keeping her voice light and dainty.

"Greetings, Lady Alanna. I hope your trip was satisfactory."

"It was indeed."

They smiled. "Excellent. Now if you would please follow us."

She nodded, following behind them as they led her through the large oaken doors and into the castle. She paused to take in her surroundings for a moment, her eyes shifting from the polished marble floor to the gilded staircase to the high ceilings and chandeliers. It was nothing short of spectacular, but it left a slight bitter taste in her mouth as it only reminded her of the life she would have had if things had turned out differently. Even though the castle itself was completely harmless, in her mind, it felt like it was taunting her about her ugly past and even uglier present. It took her a second to realize that she had lost her composure a little, so she stood up straighter and placed a smile back on her face.

"Is everything alright, my lady?" one of the attendants questioned.

"Yes, yes, of course," she assured. "I just thought I forgot something, but I was wrong."

They nodded. "Please, if you need anything at all, just let us know."

"Thank you," she replied simply.

She remained silent as the attendants led her down one of the halls, stopping next to one of the side rooms, swinging it open to reveal a fully furnished sitting room, complete with cushioned seats, a fireplace, more large windows with velvet curtains. Before the attendants left, they handed her a corsage made of red roses and promised to return shortly with her trinket. Running her fingers across the soft petals, she breathed in the sweet scent of the roses, allowing herself to enjoy the calm before the storm. She was starting to feel restless, so she began to pace around the room, looking for something to occupy her attention. Her blue eyes eventually fell on her own reflection in a large, gold lined mirror that was hanging on the wall. It had been a long time since she had last worn a nice dress, much less get fully decked out for a fancy ball. Just obtaining the gown had cost her an arm and a leg, and she frowned at the thought that she would never get to wear it again. She sighed, tearing her eyes away from the glass. Tonight, she would finally make him pay for what he did.

~~~

Dominic hummed to himself, drumming his fingers against his thigh as his carriage raced to the castle. Peering out the window, he gazed up at the clear starry sky, enjoying the tranquility of the night. Aside from the few chirps of birds and the rustle of leaves in the wind, the night was quiet. Most other people were unnerved by the deafening silence, but he liked it because it allowed him to clear his head and focus on the present. On a normal day, he would not have expected to spend his night like this, but many people in court were annoying him and he just needed to get away from them for a short time. He found himself oddly thankful for the stipulation on the invitation that prevented him from bringing anyone other than himself. Here, most people wouldn't know him, so he could just spend a peaceful night alone. If he was lucky, maybe he would get to meet someone new who wasn't a pretentious peacock. But he figured that was highly unlikely, considering the type of people who get invited to balls in the first place. At the same time, the Caerhayes Castle had a rather interesting reputation. Some said only the most elite were ever invited, but others argued that its grand exterior only served as a mask for its decrepit interior. But he knew most of it was just speculation from those who had never been there before, and now that he had received a coveted invitation, he was going to find out for himself.

His eyes remained fixed out the window, watching as the speck in the distance came closer and closer, morphing into the shape of a castle. Its dark silhouette with high spires soon became speckled with orange as the illuminated windows came into view. Passing through the first archway, he stared in awe at the expansive gardens, envying the vibrant flowers that seemed to inhabit every crack and crevice effortlessly. Part of him wanted to stop and pick one to save, but he figured it would be in poor taste to do so. For now, he opted to simply look and admire, noting that a marble fountain similar to the one currently located at the center would make a wonderful addition to his own estate. The castle grounds certainly lived up to his expectations, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement in his stomach to see more as he approached his gate. The gold number six at the very top of the iron gates glinted in the moonlight and the carriage slowed to a halt before it. Climbing out on his own, Dominic straightened out his suit before making his way over to the two white clad attendants, greeting them with a smile.

"Good evening, Lord Dominic. We are pleased you could make it."

"It is my pleasure. Thank you for the invitation. Please give the host my regards."

"Of course. Now, please follow us in."

The attendants led him up the marble steps, holding the oaken doors open as he stared at the sight before him. Taking one step inside, he instantly felt lighter, as if he was walking on air. He floated around, almost in a daze as he stared up at the intricate paintings and sparkling chandeliers. He stumbled over himself a little as he tried to take it all in, but it felt like a wave was crashing over him and he could barely keep his head above the water. Eventually, he stopped at the staircase banister, his fingers running over the gold embellishments. He chuckled to himself, realizing he probably looked stupid, but he wondered how many others had a similar reaction. Damn all those people who spread malicious rumors about this place. If only they knew what they were missing. Why weren't more people talking about this castle? Maybe it was because it was hard to put into words the exact feeling that just ran through him. You'd have to experience it for yourself.

It took a few moments for him to realize that the attendants were calling him. Snapping out of his trance, he apologized sheepishly before following them down one of the halls. The attendants stopped at one of the side rooms, and one offered to take his coat for him while the other presented him with some red roses to adorn his suit.

"Are these from the garden?"

"There are, my lord."

Guess he didn't have to steal one after all. "Thank you. It's lovely."

"Of course. We will be back shortly with your trinket. Please wait in this room in the meantime."

He nodded, exchanging smiles before they disappeared down the hall. Before entering, he took a moment to look at his surroundings a moment longer. He could barely suppress the urge to want to tell everyone as soon as he got back and brag about all that he had seen. That would certainly take the other lords who thought they were all that down a notch or two. He still couldn't believe that he was lucky enough to get invited. Was there a specific reason for it? Would he ever be allowed to come back? He supposed that that would depend on how tonight went. He had to make a good impression for sure. Sighing to himself, he finally opened the door, stepping into the sitting room and shutting the door behind him.

Looking ahead, Dominic immediately froze in place, his heart dropping into his stomach when he saw a tall raven haired lady standing across the room. Her deep blue eyes bore into him and a triumphant smile formed on her face. Immediately, all other thoughts left his mind and he forgot everything that he had just been marveling about. Goosebumps spread across his skin, and he felt more faint than he had been in the hallway just a few moments ago. She looked just like he had remembered her, her dark hair having a sharp contrast against her fair skin and a fire encasing those beautiful eyes. Her black dress complimented her figure perfectly with the form fitting top leading into a long flowing skirt.

"Lavinia," he murmured, his voice coming out soft and weak.

Hearing her real name being spoken aloud, especially by him in his fearful voice, was like music to her ears. He donned a classic black suit with a red rose pinned to the front that matched her own. His dark brown hair was combed back and his emerald eyes were just as lively since she had last seen him.

"So you do remember me."

"How could I forget? Is this where you've been all these years?"

She scoffed. "You don't honestly believe that."

He shifted in his spot, not taking his eyes off of her. "I wouldn't know what else to think. Did you not set this up?"

"No."

"I don't believe you."

"I was invited. Same as you."

"Then how did you know I was coming?"

"I heard word. I knew someone like you wouldn't pass up the opportunity to show off about your invite."

His eyes narrowed. "So we were set up?"

She shrugged. "I don't see a problem with that. Whoever it was probably knew what you did to me." She took a step closer, and in response, he backed against the door, his hand clenched around the knob. "What? Going so soon?"

"What do you have planned?" he asked, trying to keep his voice calm.

"What makes you think I have something planned?"

"You knew I was coming, and here you are waiting for me. Remind me again why this isn't your doing."

She laughed, stopping in front of him. "Oh, I could only dream of an occasion as perfect as this. So how could I just let this opportunity slip by?"

He raised an eyebrow, still not convinced. "I hardly believe you just wanted a night alone with me."

"Mm, well, it has been a while. Now, tell me," she continued. "How has life been in court lately?"

"Same as always," he replied through clenched teeth. "Just pretentious people trying to show off to each other."

"Oh, don't pretend you're any different."

"I only partake in it because I have a reputation to uphold."

"For someone who cares so much about reputation, you sure didn't care about ruining mine."

He frowned. "You're not still mad about that, are you?"

She glared, her hands clenching into fists. "You'd still be mad too if you had to live with the effects of it every waking moment of your life."

"It was just a stupid rumor. People move on."

She raised her chin. "You clearly know nothing."

At that moment, the attendants returned, and the door swinging open threw Dominic off balance. The attendants hastily apologized, but he waved them off, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. They held out two matching boxes to the guests, each encasing their respective trinkets. In one box sat a thin golden chain and in the other, a simple white handkerchief. Lavinia and Dominic took their items, thanking the attendants before they stepped out of the room once again. Dominic glanced over, noticing the way Lavinia clenched the chain carelessly in her hand as he carefully tucked his white cloth into one of his pockets.

"A necklace? I never thought you were that kind of girl."

She glared. "The hell do you know about me?"

"I've always known that you had a good sense of style, but that clearly doesn't match the dress at all."

She was caught off guard by the random compliment, but she rolled her eyes. "Well, you'd be right about that. Besides, it's fake anyway."

"Then why—"

"Because I don't think the host would take too kindly to this," she stated, parting the slit she had cut into the skirt to reveal a dagger strapped to her leg. His eyes widened, but he couldn't help but smirk a little. She certainly wasn't like most ladies from the court. His smug smile slowly melted away however when she unsheathed it, the silver blade mirroring the devilish glint in her eye.

"Do you like it?"

"It's...ah...very sharp."

"Very perceptive of you."

His eyes narrowed. "What, are you going to try to kill me?"

"Don't test me, Dominic."

His heart jumped a little in his chest. "Alright, alright. Calm down now. Look, I'm sorry for what I did, truly. I never meant for it to go this far."

She scoffed, raising the blade closer to his neck. "You think one little apology is going to change things?"

His eyes widened. "Lavinia."

"What?"

"The...the attendants are coming back," he warned, spotting them approaching out of the corner of his eye.

She quickly sheathed the blade, once again hiding it with the fabric of her skirt. His quick response certainly saved her from getting caught right away, and she couldn't help but wonder why he did it. But she could barely dwell on that thought for long before the attendants asked them to follow them to the ballroom. Dominic cautiously offered out his arm for her to take, but she ignored him, opting to walk ahead of him at a brisk pace. He followed behind, watching her long and confident strides without attempting to catch up. It was clear that a fire of resentment was burning deep inside her, and he had to do his very best to diffuse it without getting burned. This was not at all how he expected the night to start, and part of him wondered if he could successfully make it to the end.