NIGHTS OF HALLOW

The castle was lit up with wall lamps and also standing lamps of different shapes and sizes, and looking at it now in the evening light, it looked magnificent just like the stories told in children’s fairytale books.

Perdita and Marco continued to look at the castle which looked big as the village they lived in. Different types and colors of carriages went on to bring more people into the castle. Each person dressed in different clothes and attires that were eye-catching.

”Please head this way ladies and gentlemen,” the guard stood at the entrance directing the guests who had arrived inside the ballroom.

Perdita along with her brother walked inside the castle that had wide and tall black doors that were beautifully carved. There were paintings and carvings on some parts of the walls and ceilings that glittered for the view because of the chandelier hung on the ceiling that had many sparkling stones that shone because of the many lit candles in them.

People from the higher class continued to walk in with their chins raised in pride and arrogance while flaunting their extravagant dresses and jewelry. It was only the commoners that stopped midway to stare at the beautiful things their eyes were fortuned to see.

While people continued to stare at the things they were surrounded by, Perdita spoke next to Marco ”Let’s go to the main ballroom” She noticed how people who belonged to the higher society spared them a glance and showed their distaste and displeasure on their faces that they were not able to hide behind their masks.

”The castle is very beautiful” Perdita whispered to her brother.

”Yes, it is” Marco agreed ”Look at those paintings on the ceilings and the pillars, they are called oil paintings”

”Really?” Asked Perdita in surprise ”I wouldn’t have guessed it right. They look greasy” she noted as she looked closely at the paintings. The pillars and the ceilings were painted with golden color, and they shone brightly under the lights coming from the lamps burning brightly and also from the chandelier adding to the beauty of the ballroom.

”Yes, they are” Marco nodded his head in confirmation and explained ”At the construction site where I’m working, it is what is used to paint the inner walls of the mansion. It takes a lot of time to dry, and that was one of the reasons we were given an early leave. They are excellent and exquisite”

”Hmm” Perdita hummed in agreement with Marco’s words. Only exquisite things would be in the castle and nothing less value

On reaching the main ballroom, others just like Perdita and Marco were seen discussing in twos or groups. Some were slowly sipping their drinks, while some were already eating. And some were moving to the beats of the gentle music playing in the background.

The place was a sight to see. Different colors of dresses blended in the shining hall. Everyone looked beautiful and handsome in his or her attire. The expression on their faces was concealed behind the masks they used to cover their faces. The only way to guess the expression on each other’s faces was the upward and downward pull of either their lips or their eyebrows.

Two men discussing with each other walked from the opposite direction Perdita and Marco were coming in from, and their eyes fell on Perdita as they walked past them. One of them smiled at Perdita and the other one held a curious look on his face behind the mask.

Perdita’s green eyes and green dress pulled the attention of many towards her, and it made her stand out from the sea of red and black eyes in the room. Not many people had green eyes, that was why she was seen at a glance. In addition, her gown that flaunted her curves made several lustful eyes to be drawn on her.

Marco noticed this and his lips pulled up into a smile behind his black mask. It was not that he was not handsome as many eyes that belonged to the ladies were also on him. But the same could not be told in his sister’s case where even the ladies couldn’t help but wonder who the lady was. She looked like someone that stepped out of a painting.

”I’ll leave you to enjoy the hallow, sis” Marco whispered to Perdita who was becoming uncomfortable at the stares and attentions she was receiving. Back in Woodbridge, it was only the villagers, but now, it was strangers she didn’t know that were looking at her. So when she heard what Marco said, she turned her head with a small frown on her brows.

”I’m doing fine with you here,” She answered. She didn’t want Marco to leave her side. She was not ready to mingle with anyone, even though she had seen and recognized her fellow villagers behind their masks.

”I won’t be a nice person if I do that” a mischievous smile crept to Marco’s lips ”I’m sure there are some good and handsome men who would wish to have a dance with you”

Perdita pursed her lips. She wanted to refute what Marco said, but she knew he also wanted to be alone and enjoy the night without her hovering near him. The thought of some strange man having her first dance didn’t sit well with her, so she said to Marco.

”You can go, but remember I’m the first person you will dance with”

Marco raised his hand above his chest ”I promise. Stop frowning and enjoy the evening, sis. You will chase the men before they will get the chance to come to you” Marco joked with a chuckle.

Perdita subtly and playfully pinched Marco’s hand ”Enjoy the night too”

”Hmm” Marco hummed and he left Perdita’s side.

When Marco left, Perdita decided to grab a drink so she won’t appear out of place. She walked forward, her gown slightly dragging on the marble floor, and anyone she passed turned to look at her with their eyes questioning who she was.

Her step ever slowly glided on the floor as it appeared to people that was graceful with her movement. Meanwhile, Perdita was only walking slowly so she wouldn’t step on her long gown that swept past the floor she walked on.

Reaching the table where several wine glasses were arrayed according to their flavors and taste, she went to the side that held red wines. She took one glass and brought it to her lips while subtly smelling it to know which flavor she was going to drink.

Cherry. That was her favorite fruit and flavor. She couldn’t wait to taste the wine that was about to burst her taste buds with its rich and sweet smell. She smiled into the cup as she opened her mouth. Just as she was about to take a sip from the glass, she heard a deep voice behind her.

”You shouldn’t drink that,” the person said.

Perdita brought the glass down from her lips at the interruption. She slowly turned to see who had spoken to her, and there he was, standing tall in his expensive blue coat and his silver mask. She couldn’t have mistaken the man behind the mask because of the color of his hair she had registered in her brain. His physique and posture, even his jaw and lips that were not covered by his mask convinced her that it was him. The man she had been avoiding seeing or crossing paths with.

But here he was standing near her with an equally shocked face.