The one retrieved from The Void

Then, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd. Victor von Kreuz, the competitive heir to another influential family, Aleara and Beck's closest friend, made his grand entrance. Tall and imposing, he wore a long, crimson coat over a tailored black suit. His half-mask, a striking blend of red, black, and gold, added an air of mystery to his already imposing presence.

Vastian scanned the opulent ballroom, his gaze landing on familiar faces amidst the glittering crowd. His father, a pillar of strength and authority, stood discreetly in a corner, his presence commanding attention even in repose. Clad in a classic black suit and a simple white mask, he exuded an aura of understated elegance.

Across the room, Lorraine, his aunt best friend, was engaged in animated conversation with Luther, Celine's formidable boyfriend. Adorned in a gown of shimmering gold, Lorraine was a vision of timeless beauty. Her mask, a delicate latticework of silver and gold, complemented her ethereal appearance. Luther, a tall and imposing man, stood beside her. His shaved head and intricately braided dreadlocks were a striking contrast to his sharp features, softened by a warm smile. Clad in a tailored suit and a blue mask that contrasted perfectly with his dark skin, he exuded an air of quiet confidence.

Vastian, simply started to walk, he would answere ocassionally to some compliments or birthday wished, but was, ultimately left alone, he had always been kind of a loner, but since most of his family had stopped actively engaging with him, he had found himself a bit more of a loner.

While Vastian was focused on his thoughts, and trying to come up with a way to find the location of Jacob's mission, someone else arrived—or rather, three people.

The first was a young woman who stood out effortlessly in the bustling hall. Her presence was both commanding and enchanting. Her eyes were large and almond-shaped, accentuated by sharp, cat-eye eyeliner that framed their bright, almost golden hue. Each gaze she cast seemed to hold an unspoken story. Her eyebrows, perfectly arched and well-defined, added to the intensity of her gaze, making it nearly impossible to look away.

Her face was a study in symmetry, with a smooth complexion that seemed almost unreal in its perfection, giving her a youthful and slightly doll-like appearance. Her lips, full and naturally pink, added a touch of softness to her otherwise striking features. She wore an orange dress that complemented her radiant complexion. A small mask covering her eyes allowed everyone to see a distinctive beauty mark beneath her left eye.

Behind her were two older women. One exuded an aura of fierce determination and captivating allure. Her piercing eyes, framed by intricate and elaborate tattoo-like designs on her forehead, held a steely resolve. They were a striking contrast to her fair skin, making her gaze both mesmerizing and intimidating.

She had shaved her head completely, revealing a bold confidence. A green and yellow jacket, unzipped to reveal a strappy, white top, highlighted her athletic physique. The combination of the jacket and the choker around her neck gave her a fierce, yet stylish appearance.

Her outfit was provocative yet functional. High-cut shorts with various straps and belts added a rugged and utilitarian edge to her ensemble. Her muscular legs, accentuated by thigh-high boots, completed the mercenary look.

And the other woman, exuding an aura of elegance and sophistication, captivated all who met her. She possessed a striking beauty that was both timeless and alluring. Her long, flowing blonde hair cascaded in soft waves down her shoulders, catching the light and creating a halo effect. Her fair skin was flawless, and her piercing blue eyes held a depth of wisdom and experience. Expertly applied makeup accentuated her high cheekbones and full lips, completing her polished appearance.

Her outfit was a perfect blend of luxury and power. A high-collared jacket, adorned with intricate golden patterns, emphasized her status and attention to detail. A large, brilliant blue gemstone fastened the jacket at the neck, complementing the matching earrings and adding a touch of regal elegance. She paired the jacket with tailored black pants that accentuated her long legs, and pointed-toe heels that completed the sophisticated ensemble.

Vastian recognized the trio immediately. They were the rising stars of the city. The woman with the shaved head, Anya, was a formidable businesswoman with a string of exclusive nightclubs. Her sister, Madeline, was a sophisticated socialite with a keen business acumen. And Lily, the youngest of the group, was a }classmate of Vastian's.

"Happy birthday, Vastian," Lily greeted him with a warm smile.

"Thank you very much, Lily," Vastian replied, returning her smile.

"Happy birthday, kiddo," Anya said, her voice carrying a hint of affection.

"Thank you very much, Miss Lilian," Vastian responded respectfully.

"Happy birthday, Vastian," Madeline added, her voice soft and melodic.

"Thank you, Madeline," Vastian replied, acknowledging her greeting.

With brief pleasantries exchanged, the trio continued their journey through the bustling crowd. Vastian watched as they disappeared, a small, thoughtful smile curving his lips. His relationship with them was complex, but perhaps they could be a valuable asset in his quest to uncover the location of Jacob's recent mission.

Meanwhile, Jacob was bringing Tessa and Lynn up to speed. Their eyes widened in astonishment as he recounted the events of the past few days.

"You guys can decide whether or not to go through the Unveiling," Jacob explained. "It's a challenging process, but the potential rewards are immense. You could develop abilities similar to what you witnessed."

Kira, while surprised by the proposal of the Hek family to allowed to do go through the Ritual on their mansion, but, she also understood the logic behind it. The decision ultimately rested with Tessa and Lynn. It was a daunting prospect, as failure could have devastating consequences.

Tessa and Lynn exchanged a nervous glance. The prospect of undergoing the Unveiling was both exhilarating and terrifying. "It sounds amazing," Tessa admitted, her voice trembling slightly, "but it's also really scary."

Lynn nodded in agreement. "I mean, what if something goes wrong?" she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty. Jacob knew their fears were justified. The Unveiling was a high-stakes gamble; failure could result in shattered minds.

"I know it's scary," he said gently. "But you're both strong. And you have each other."

Abigail, who had been silently observing the exchange, felt a cold dread creeping into her heart. This was a decision laden with consequence, and she had to intervene. Her voice, usually warm and comforting, was now edged with a chilling caution. "The Unveiling is a potent process," she began, her words hanging heavy in the air, "capable of unlocking extraordinary abilities. But it is a double-edged sword. Failure is not merely an inconvenience; it can shatter your minds beyond repair."