Vael's POV
Tonight was the night.
The farewell masquerade party was already in full swing by the time I finished my final checks on the bridge. The main ballroom on Deck 3 had been transformed, soft golden lights, floating crystal chandeliers, live music from a small orchestra, and the gentle hum of hundreds of voices and laughter.
I adjusted my black mask in the reflection of a polished metal panel before heading toward the ballroom. My heart was beating harder than usual. Not because of the party itself, but because of who I was bringing with me tonight.
Lirien.
