A masquerade gala was being held in the floating city of Aurellia, known for its crystal bridges and sky-born dances. It was a night of alliances, betrayals, and blood-signed contracts. Every guest wore a mask—but Ochieng didn't need one.
He walked in wearing a black velvet suit, embroidered with silver flames. Eyes followed him. Whispers rose like smoke.
"That's him… the boy with blood worth more than kingdoms."
At the center of the ballroom stood Mirabelle Thorn, draped in a red dress that shimmered like living fire.
"You showed up," she purred, swirling her glass of obsidian wine.
"I always do," Ochieng replied.
But behind his calm face was a secret.
---
As the clock struck eleven, four new figures entered the hall—each causing a stir:
1. Sirenya Vale (age 22)
Town: Crescent Bay
Prof: Underwater biotech engineer
Blonde curls, violet eyes, laughter like poison
Attitude: Plays dumb, never is
Flaw: Obsessed with forbidden love
2. Amber Zyle (age 20)
Town: Darkwin
Prof: Fashion heiress, shadow influencer
Petite, bronze skin, cat-like grace
Attitude: Cold charm, calculating
Flaw: Hides that she's bankrupt
3. Reina Asher (age 23)
Town: Emberlock
Prof: Crown prosecutor and deadly swordswoman
Sharp cheekbones, blood-red lips
Attitude: Doesn't believe in mercy
Flaw: Has secretly loved Ochieng since Chapter 33
4. Liane Ferron (age 21)
Town: Mistwood
Prof: Geneticist, billionaire's daughter
Snow-white hair, blue-gold heterochromia
Attitude: Too honest
Flaw: Doesn't know she's part of a cloning project
All four locked eyes on Ochieng.
And all four… had been sent to seduce or destroy him.
---
Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of the gala, Elira approached Maggy.
"You love him too, don't you?"
Maggy didn't speak. Her dress was midnight blue, with sapphire flames embroidered across the hem. Her eyes glistened—but not from joy.
"I've known him longer," Maggy whispered.
"And yet you're losing him," Elira said softly.
Then Maggy said the lie that cracked the sky:
"I don't love him anymore."
Ochieng heard every word.
--
At the stroke of midnight, Mirabelle raised her glass and made her move.
"I hereby announce the new order," she said. "The hidden heirs will be hunted, chained, and broken—or wed into power."
One by one, hidden alliances revealed themselves:
Zion Cruz shook hands with Mirabelle.
Velencia clinked glasses with Reina.
Liora kissed Zion's cheek before stabbing his arm—smiling while she did.
Mirabelle's final toast?
"To the boy with the scar over his heart and the fire in his blood.
Tonight… we make him choose between love and loyalty."
--
Ochieng received a note, slid beneath his glass:
Room 713. Midnight. Come alone.
Or she dies.
He looked up.
Maggy was gone.
And so was Mirabelle.
Behind him, Elira placed a dagger on the table.
"You'll need this."
Ochieng's eyes burned with truth and fury.
And then he stood, unbuttoned his suit jacket, and whispered to himself:
"Time to turn this dance into a war."
---