Chapter 2 Masks and magnetic lies

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The invitation had come in a black envelope, sealed with crimson wax bearing a crest she recognized immediately-the Lion of Palermo.

The Morettis.

Aria De Luca had considered throwing it in the fire.

Instead, she stood now at the top of a marble staircase in the Villa Serpente, wearing a dress that whispered like silk secrets, a black lace mask hiding just enough to let her play a dangerous game. Her dark hair was twisted into an elegant updo, exposing the soft curve of her neck-an open invitation or a warning, depending on who was watching.

She had no intention of mingling with the wolves. But the De Luca family needed eyes inside the lion's den, and if her father's silence had taught her anything, it was that silence meant something was coming.

And she intended to be ready.

A soft string quartet played below. Waiters in white gloves passed champagne. Diamonds and threats glittered on every wrist. This wasn't a party. It was a performance. And everyone wore a mask-literally and otherwise.

"Your first masquerade?" a deep voice asked beside her.

She turned slightly, instantly aware of the man standing just behind her shoulder.

Tall. Sharply dressed in a dark velvet tuxedo. His mask was smooth onyx, hiding everything but the outline of a chiseled jaw and lips set in a faint smirk. His presence was... magnetic, the kind that sucked the air out of the room without effort.

"Hardly," she replied, voice cool. "But rarely one where so many people smile while imagining how you'd look in a body bag."

He laughed. "Then you know exactly what kind of room this is."

"I know enough to be careful."

He offered her a glass of champagne. "Careful women rarely enjoy themselves."

"And reckless men often die young."

He tilted his head. "Touché. So what are you tonight? Careful or reckless?"

"I suppose that depends on who's asking."

He stepped closer. Just enough. Not a threat-yet. "A ghost," he said, "if we're telling half-truths. You?"

"A siren," she said, her smile wicked behind the mask. "If we're telling lies."

Their eyes locked.

Neither moved.

They danced like that for a moment-no steps, no music, just tension and curiosity pulling them closer.

Finally, she broke the spell. "Do you always stalk women at parties like this?"

"Only the ones who don't belong."

She raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think I don't?"

"You wear your spine like a sword," he said. "You're not here for pleasure. You're here for something."

A flicker of something dangerous passed through her expression. Then, she smiled. "You know what they say about curiosity."

"It kills," he said. "But I've never been afraid of death."

He offered her his hand. "Dance with me, Siren."

Her hand hesitated-then slid into his.

Below, on the marble dance floor, they moved like fire and shadows. She was elegance and edge; he was silence and command. Around them, the masquerade continued, the violins swelling, the chandelier casting gold halos across faces hidden in deception.

Neither knew the other's name.

Neither knew they were the heirs of bloodlines sworn to destroy each other.

But something between them simmered-ancient, forbidden, undeniable.

"You're a good dancer," she said.

"So are you."

She leaned in, her voice a whisper on his skin. "If I told you I was the enemy, would you still be here?"

He met her gaze. "If you were the enemy, I'd have kissed you already. Because enemies are honest. They never pretend."

Her breath caught-not from fear, but from something she didn't want to name.

As the music slowed, he bent his head slightly, lips brushing the edge of her ear.

"Next time," he said, "don't wear black. It's too easy to remember."

She pulled back, heartbeat riotous. "And next time," she said, "don't get so close. Some masks aren't strong enough to hide the danger underneath."

But as she walked away-heels clicking, shoulders straight, mask still in place-she felt his eyes on her like a brand.

Neither knew that fate had just made its first move.

Neither knew that bloodlines would weep before this dance was done.

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