Prologue

The palace was shrouded in darkness. The air inside was cold and clammy, and the only warmth came from the occasional touch of skin among the people gathered there. It was eerily silent, there are no whispers, only breaths. They were all waiting, praying, hoping for a night of death and fun on earth that someone could take. Time and time again, this was the thrilling part of the 5th of May.

"Can somebody stop pushing around?" a voice whispered impatiently.

"Shhhh…" the room hushed her.

The music started to play softly in their ears, smooth and soothing. It grew louder but slower, as if to prolong the anticipation. The bodies began to sway, as if in a trance. The bell rang, signaling the start of the show.

The dim lights gradually brightened, revealing the dark dresses of the crowd. All faces were concealed behind masks of mystery. Evil lurked behind the angelic features, while the jewels sparkled in the elegant light. Everyone was in ecstasy, and the excitement reached its peak.

Iva Evelyn Malloy had attended the event almost alone for eight years, wearing almost the same mask every time. A half-black Venetian masquerade that contrasted with her red lips and long earrings. Iva stood out from the party, attracting the attention of many men with her mysterious allure.

Someone walked onto the stage. It was Maria Agatha Douglas, the organizer of the event. "As we are celebrating the 15th San Francisco Dark Masquerade Event tonight," she announced, "ladies and gentlemen, we will make sure that this night will be unforgettable for you all, as we have prepared something special for you." She nodded to the guards, who shot and locked the door and put chains on it. At first, it seemed like a harmless prank, part of Maria's surprise. But then someone fired a gun at the chandelier, shattering it into pieces. And then at the lights, plunging the room into darkness again. And then at the guards, killing them instantly. Everyone panicked, as they realized they were trapped in a nightmare.

Iva felt someone grab her arm and pull her away from the chaos. She tried to resist, but he was stronger than her.

"Wait, who are you?" she asked.

"Let me tell you after we get out of here," he said.

His voice sounded familiar to her.

"Morgan?"

"Just go!" he urged her, dragging her along with a confident stride to the hallway.

They were the only ones who managed to escape from the palace.

"What is happening?" she asked him.

"They're going to kill you all," he said.

"How can you be sure about that? I've been to this event for many years," she said.

"Everything changes, Iva," he said, as he got her into his car. He took off his mask and drove away, heading for the safest place they could find.