The night air brushed against Jayden's skin as his hover bike carved through the city skyline, neon trails reflecting off his visor-less gaze. Emerald City looked alive beneath him... hover-cars zipping past like shooting stars, skyscrapers blazing with lights, and the distant hum of nightlife echoing through the streets. The wind whipped his hair back, his tuxedo coat fluttering slightly, giving him that mix of feral freedom and polished elegance.

He leaned forward, twisting the throttle, and the bike roared softly as it surged higher, weaving effortlessly between traffic lanes in the sky. For a fleeting moment, Jayden allowed himself to relax, the stress of the hunt and the weight of the system's expectations melting away under the city's glittering horizon.

Ahead, the skyline broke into an estate of wealth and prestige. Penelope's mansion loomed like a palace sculpted out of marble and glass, It's massive walls laced with gold-trimmed designs, gardens lined with exotic bioluminescent plants glowing like stars, and fountains that shot water into shapes of mythical beasts. The whole estate radiated the kind of authority and old-money charm that demanded respect.

And everytime Jayden gazed upon the beauty of the estate... it always felt like he was seeing it for the first time.

He slowed the bike as the gates came into view, the security system scanning him instantly. A robotic voice chimed:

"Identity confirmed... Welcome, Mr. Starrk."

Jayden was stunned by this. The mansion's security was normally never active. The gate would open for whoever approached it. But only someone with death wish would dare approach the mansion without being invited.

The gates slid open with mechanical precision, revealing the illuminated driveway leading up to the mansion. Jayden cruised down smoothly before halting just at the foot of the grand entrance. He parked, dismounted, and made the bike vanish back into nothing but small particles of light.

Then he straightened his tux jacket, brushing invisible creases while flashing his usual half-smirk.

The massive double doors swung open before he could knock. A maid with freckles and a perfectly tied bun, bowed low.

"Good evening, Master Jayden," she said. "Miss. Penelope has been expecting you."

Jayden simply nodded, stepping inside the building, it's interior enveloping him into elegance... crystal chandeliers hung high like galaxies in glass, paintings of ancient families decorated the walls, and a grand staircase spiraled upward like something straight out of a royal palace.

But Jayden's focus shifted the moment he saw her.

Penelope descended the staircase slowly, like time itself was escorting her down. Her gown was black velvet, embroidered with silver designs that shimmered as the light touched them. A slit along her right leg revealed polished heels, and her long blonde hair flowed down in waves, perfectly framing her face. She was elegance personified, yet her purple eyes glimmered with something sharper, something that made Jayden think of strategy and fire.

When she reached the last step, she smiled faintly.

"You clean up well," she said, her tone smooth, playful.

Jayden smirked back, adjusting his watch. "I could say the same. But then again, you were always an epitome of beauty and perfection."

Penelope chuckled softly, then extended her hand. Jayden didn't hesitate; he took it, brushing a soft kiss across her knuckles like a gentleman, though his eyes lingered on hers with that unspoken spark of mischief.

"Not bad, Jayden," she teased softly as her eyes flicked over him, taking in the fitted black tux that hugged his frame just right. "You almost look worthy of standing beside me tonight."

Jayden smirked, adjusting his cufflinks with casual swagger. "Almost? Please. You're lucky I don't outshine you." he teased back.

Penelope let out a soft laugh, the kind that was both elegant and mocking. "We'll see about that."

She reached the final step, and Jayden, without missing a beat, offered his hand. She placed hers gently in his, cool and soft, but her eyes locked on his like this was more than just a gesture.

"Shall we?" she asked.

Jayden nodded toward the door. "Yeah. But... this time, I want to drive." he insisted.

Penelope was stunned. Her brow arched in amusement. "Oh? You plan to chauffeur me to my own party?"

Jayden smirked. "Consider it a statement." he said casually.

Penelope scoffed. "Have you ever drove... or flown an hovercar?"

Jayden shrugged. "No." he admitted.

"But it doesn't look that hard." he added.

For a split second, Penelope's lips curved in a smile.. real, not calculated. But she didn't argue. Instead, she let him lead her outside with a silent approval of his request.

Waiting at the front was a sleek black hover car parked in the driveway... a custom, luxury ride Penelope's head maid had already prepared. Its polished body reflected the estate lights like liquid glass, its engines humming with quiet, expensive power.

Jayden opened the passenger door for her with a little bow, playful but charming. "Your carriage, milady."

Penelope rolled her eyes but stepped in gracefully, the gown flowing in behind her. "You're enjoying this far too much."

Sliding into the driver's seat, Jayden smirked as the car lit up at his touch. "Well, it's not everyday you go on a 'date' with the most beautiful woman on the continent."

Penelope giggled, her cheeks slightly turning red. "Just drive." she said, hiding her flustered expression.

With that, the car lifted smoothly off the ground, gliding forward into the night sky. The city opened up before them, neon lights flickering beneath like a constellation brought down to earth. Penelope leaned slightly toward the glass, watching Emerald City stretch ahead, while Jayden's golden eyes stayed fixed on the air roads, one hand relaxed on the wheel, the other adjusting the console.

"Don't crash us trying to show off," Penelope chuckled, her tone teasing but with the faintest edge of sincerity.

Jayden chuckled under his breath. "I won't." he assured.

Penelope gave him a side glance, lips twitching. "Good, cause if you do... I'll be riding you for the next one month." she said with a knowing grin.

Jayden returned the grin. "Understood. I'll do my best to cra... I mean, not to crash." he muttered.

Penelope burst into laughter, she didn't expect him to understand the other meaning of what she had said. It made her see him in a new light. A more, charming and mature one.

The hover car sliced through the night as a visible event centre waited on the horizon... a massive hall glittering like a beacon, alive with music, nobles, politicians, and power-players waiting for the stars of the night to arrive.

And in that moment, Jayden knew... this wasn't just going to be another rich-people party. Something about the air tonight whispered opportunity... and a dangerous bit of excitement.

After a few minutes of flying, the hover car descended with effortless grace, its sleek frame reflecting the glow of crystal chandeliers spilling out from the grand gala hall. The courtyard was alive with luxury vehicles, hovercrafts, and limousines dropping off nobles and dignitaries, their drivers scurrying to open doors for jeweled guests. Laughter and music drifted into the night air, but the moment Penelope's car touched down, a hush rolled over the entrance.

The butlers in white gloves straightened at attention. The guards at the door stiffened. Heads turned.

The driver's door slid up, and Jayden stepped out first. His black tux hugged his lean, powerful frame, the midnight fabric cut sharp, his golden eyes faintly gleaming under the overhead lights. He adjusted his cufflinks with easy confidence, as if he wasn't just another attendee, but a man who belonged in every shadowed corner of power.

Then the passenger door opened.

Penelope emerged slowly, one hand resting delicately in Jayden's as he helped her step down. The black gown caught the light like liquid starlight, its jeweled threads shimmering with every movement. Her presence wasn't just beautiful... it was commanding, magnetic. And with Jayden at her side, the pairing felt dangerous, inevitable, like two blades forged to cut the same path.

Gasps echoed. Conversations faltered. Eyes followed.

"Is that... Penelope Isley?" someone whispered near the entrance.

"And the boy beside her... who is he?" another murmured.

"I don't know, but.. gosh, he is hot." a woman muttered, and all the other ladies standing beside her agreed, as they stared at Jayden like he was a piece of candy.

Jayden caught the whispers, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. Let them talk. That was the point.

The valet rushed forward, bowing low. "Lady Penelope, Sir... welcome to the party."

Penelope inclined her head gracefully, her arm still linked through Jayden's. "Thank you."

The valet smiled politely and directed them to the entrance. They walked forward together, every step measured, smooth, as though the world itself had choreographed their entrance.

The gilded doors to the main hall opened, and Jayden's stride faltered for the first time that evening.

The grand hall wasn't just bright... it was dazzling, alive with firelight and chandeliers that glittered like constellations overhead. A sweeping staircase curled down into the ballroom, its railing woven with glowing vines of enchanted crystal. Tables of silver and obsidian glass lined the edges, stacked with delicacies that shimmered faintly as if dusted with starlight. Above, illusionary fireworks bloomed silently in the domed ceiling, painting the night sky indoors.

And everywhere... faces hid behind masks.

Some simple, elegant. Others baroque, feathered, or shaped like beasts and angels. Golden foxes laughed with jeweled lions, porcelain masks tilted toward jeweled phoenixes. It was a masquerade, a theater of whispers and secrets where identity was half-shield, half-weapon.

Under these masks were leaders, royalties, politicians, artists, and many other influential figures. And they were all just standing there, chatting about the latest jewelry in collection, or the newest artifact they procured at an auction.

Jayden slowed, his brows lifting. "...It's a masquerade party?" His voice was low, almost incredulous, though he kept his posture smooth.

Beside him, Penelope's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Yes. It is."