55

Lia

The night of the masquerade ball arrived faster than I expected. The air in the safe house was tense as we prepared, each of us lost in our own thoughts. Petrik was unusually quiet, his focus razor-sharp as he adjusted the cuffs of his tailored black suit. He looked every bit the part of a man ready to walk into the lion’s den, but I could see the storm brewing behind his eyes.

“You’re sure about this?” I asked, breaking the silence as I smoothed the fabric of my gown. It was a deep emerald green, elegant but understated—perfect for blending into the crowd while still exuding confidence.

Petrik met my gaze through the mirror, his expression unreadable. “We don’t have a choice, Lia. If Diana’s planning to rally her allies, we need to be there to stop her.”

“And what happens if she sees us?” I pressed. “She won’t just let us walk out.”

“She won’t have a choice,” he said, his voice low and steady. “We’re not leaving without what we came for.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine, but I nodded, forcing myself to focus. There was no room for fear tonight—only strategy. Nikolai had managed to get us invitations through one of Elena’s contacts, but we’d have to rely on our wits to navigate Diana’s trap-laden world.

“Remember,” Nikolai said as we gathered near the door, his laptop glowing faintly in the dim light. “I’ll be watching from here. The moment things go south, you call me. I can override security systems, but only if you give me a window.”

“Understood,” Petrik said. “Keep your phone close.”

Nikolai smirked. “Always do.”

The masquerade was held in one of the city’s most exclusive venues, a sprawling estate lit with hundreds of golden lights that flickered like fireflies in the darkness. The driveway was lined with luxury cars, and the hum of quiet conversation mingled with the soft strains of a live orchestra as elegantly dressed guests filed inside.

The air was thick with tension the moment we stepped through the grand entrance. The ballroom was a spectacle of decadence—crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, their light reflecting off the polished marble floors. Masked figures glided across the room, their faces hidden but their intentions clear. This was a gathering of power players, and every conversation was a negotiation, every glance a challenge.

Petrik’s hand brushed mine as we moved through the crowd, his presence steadying me. We couldn’t afford to stand out, but blending in wasn’t easy when every instinct screamed that we didn’t belong here.

“Over there,” he murmured, nodding toward a small group near the far end of the room.

Diana stood at the center, her presence magnetic as always. She wore a stunning silver gown, her mask a delicate lattice of metal and jewels that glittered in the light. She was laughing, her voice carrying across the room like a siren’s call.

“She doesn’t look worried,” I said, my voice barely audible.

“She’s not,” Petrik replied. “Not yet.”

We moved closer, careful to keep a safe distance. Nikolai’s voice crackled in my earpiece. “Her phone’s pinging on the far side of the ballroom. If she’s communicating with anyone, it’ll be through there.”

“Got it,” Petrik muttered. “Keep eyes on her.”

As we reached the edge of the room, I spotted a door leading to a private corridor. It was guarded by two men, their sharp eyes scanning the crowd. Petrik followed my gaze and nodded.

“I’ll create a distraction,” he said. “When they move, you go.”

“What about you?” I asked, my heart racing.

“I’ll be fine,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Just get the information we need.”

Before I could respond, he was already moving. Petrik slipped into the crowd, his movements deliberate but natural. Moments later, the sound of a glass shattering drew the guards’ attention.

“Now,” Nikolai’s voice urged in my ear.

I slipped through the door, my pulse pounding as I found myself in a dimly lit hallway. The sound of the ballroom faded behind me, replaced by the faint hum of conversation and the occasional click of heels on the polished floor.

Nikolai guided me through the labyrinth of corridors, his voice steady as he directed me toward Diana’s private office. “Third door on your left,” he said. “It’s locked, but I’ve got the override ready.”

I reached the door, glancing over my shoulder to make sure I wasn’t being followed. “I’m here.”

“Give me a second,” Nikolai said, the sound of typing filling the silence. A moment later, the lock clicked, and the door swung open.

The office was sleek and minimal, its walls lined with bookshelves and a single desk dominating the center of the room. I moved quickly, my fingers brushing over the papers scattered across the desk. Most of it was mundane—lists, invoices, invitations—but a folder marked Confidential caught my eye.

“I’ve got something,” I whispered, opening the folder. Inside were names and addresses, each one marked with notes that sent a chill down my spine. These weren’t just allies—they were targets.

“Nikolai,” I said, my voice shaking. “She’s not just rallying her allies. She’s planning to eliminate anyone who opposes her.”

“Get out of there,” Nikolai said urgently. “Now.”

I turned to leave, but the sound of footsteps in the hallway froze me in place. My heart raced as I ducked behind the desk, clutching the folder tightly.

The door creaked open, and I held my breath as a pair of polished shoes stepped into view. The figure paused, their presence imposing even in the silence. Then, in a voice as cold as ice, Diana spoke.

“You thought you could outplay me, Petrik,” she said softly. “But you’ve underestimated me. And now, you’ll pay the price.”

She turned, her footsteps retreating down the hall. I waited until the sound faded before slipping out of the office, the folder clutched tightly in my hands.

“Nikolai,” I whispered. “I’m coming out.”

“Hurry,” he said. “Petrik’s covering for you, but he won’t last long.”

My heart pounded as I moved through the corridors, every shadow a potential threat. When I finally reached the ballroom, Petrik was waiting, his expression tight but relieved.

“Did you get it?” he asked.

I nodded, handing him the folder. “She’s planning something big, Petrik. We need to act fast.”

He glanced at the folder, his jaw tightening. “Then let’s end this. Tonight.”

As we slipped out of the ballroom and into the night, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Diana was still two steps ahead. But for the first time, we had something she didn’t expect—proof. And with it, we might finally be able to bring her down.

If we could survive long enough to use it.