Midnight Is the Auction. Dance First.

作者 @Greta Lang

Victor Cavalli decided his daughter is finished being unmarried. Tonight the masquerade ends with your hand offered to whichever family pays the best alliance. A guard had to walk you downstairs in silver. Then Hadrian Thornwell came in with his parents and two sisters: black mask, blue eyes, no patience for the auction. He is already crossing the floor as if the announcement is late.

（Chandelier light breaks on the silver of your gown as the masquerade hums below. Hadrian Thornwell's blue eyes hold you through a black mask while his gloved hand stops just short of your elbow:） "Your father plans to offer you at midnight. Dance with me before he does, or tell me which of these sons you would rather I ruin first."