"Watch your mouth, Cikalius. Kamian has been an asset to our organisation and he is our brother. He also has father’s genes, for all, I know he could be a hybrid," Casmian answered with annoyance, his eyes scrutinising his younger brother.

"I don’t give a damn. Besides, he looks exactly like his mother and he doesn’t drink blood, therefore, not a hybrid," Cikalius gulped down his remaining wine and skidded the glass along the marble table.

Xiran had only met Kamian once, so he didn’t know much about their step-brother, so he decided to stay quiet on the matter. Little did he know that he was the man who was trying to steal the love of his life.

"Where is Cazier? I haven’t seen him," Xiran asked about their younger brother, trying to divert the conversation from the dangerous turn it was taking.

"He hates life right now so taking a breather away from us all," Casmian turned his attention to Xiran while answering. Cikalius got up.

"I will see you guys at the stupid ball I guess. But the real party will be later at night in my clubhouse. You, people are welcome to join, will have booze and women," he winked at Xiran and straightened his blondish hair before heading out and slamming the door behind him.

"I am worried about him. That’s all he does, drinking, football and women. He has no regard for others, and no other purpose," Casmian had this forlorn look in his eyes, he immensely cared for all his brothers.

"It’s a phase, he will grow out of it. Remember what I used to be like? Look at me now. People change, he will too when it’s his time or when he will find someone who will guide him. Don’t fret," Xiran finished his drink and relaxed a bit by leaning against the sofa.

"I guess. Enough about my messed up family. How are you doing after everything?" Casmian was still slowly drinking, he seemed almost tired.

"We are coping with the aftermath. The rehabilitation process is still ongoing, I am just glad that I have my sister now. Only if I could have Aselia back too," Casmian went still at his words. There was this tenderness in his voice with which he uttered her name and Casmian couldn’t bring himself to tell him what he had done.

He knew Xiran would be beyond furious and a battle will brew between them, especially Kamian and Xiran. He wanted to enjoy the peace as long as it lasted, especially till the event was over. Maybe Xiran won’t recognize her and everything will pan out.

"Even with your father gone. Won’t you have to start from scratch with her, considering she doesn’t remember you now," Casmian asked, remembering how impatient Kamian was about her.

"I have something regarding that. I will tell you later," Xiran had a wide grin on his face and Casmian nodded before saying:

"You should rest for a while before the event starts. I will send food to your room and the clothes and the mask which I have arranged for you. Will see you later."

"No, I am not hungry, but I will rest for a while."

Both of them got up after this and headed out. Xiran was taken to his assigned room, his luggage had already been placed there, so he went and laid down on the four-poster bed with silken sheets to take a short nap before the ball would begin.

A slight knock on his door awakened him from his slumber. He rubbed his eyes before getting out of bed and opening the door. Two maids stood there with a black dry cleaner bag which had a hanger sticking out and two other white velvet boxes.

They slightly bowed and respectfully stated:

"Good evening! Señor. Prince Casmian has sent these for you. Can we put them in your room?"

"Yes!" He stepped aside to let them in, they slightly blushed and placed the boxes on the white marble table and hung his suit in the closet. They then bowed once again and departed from his room.

Xiran approached the table and opened one of the boxes, it contained white loafers with gold patterns on them.

He then opened the other box and there lay a white and gold metallic mask with a filigree design and tiny gold crystals embedded in it. A white ribbon was tied to it. Xiran was impressed. The mask’s shape was crafted to give the impression of two white wings and Xiran knew Casmian had done that on purpose.

A pair of white and gold customised wing-shaped cufflinks had been placed in the box as well. Xiran took them out and placed them on the marble table.

He then advanced to the closet and took out the long cleaner’s bag and opening the zip extracted the suit inside.

It was a finely tailored long-tailed tuxedo in white and gold. The tuxedo jacket, sewn to perfection was predominantly white, exuding a sense of purity and refinement, which defined Xiran. It had a single-breasted design, adorned with gold accents. The lapels, traditionally made of satin, were lined with lustrous gold fabric, adding a luxurious touch. The gold buttons further enhanced its regal appeal.

The shirt to be worn underneath was made from fine silk while the trousers were sleek and slim fit. A white satin bowtie completed the look of his attire. Xiran smiled seeing the attire, Aselia would have loved it, she adored him in white.

With her on his mind, he went to take a shower, his hair now almost reaching his midriff. He gently washed them and after finishing the bath, dried them with a blow dryer. Taking the upper part of his hair, he tied them with a white band and let the rest of them flow behind his back. He then got dressed.

Adorning and fastening the mask behind his head, he was ready to head out. It was time to go to the main hall where the ball was being held.

Leaving his room, he headed in that direction but his heart tugged him somewhere else, a slight ache was resonating in his agitated beating organ and he followed where it took.

Crossing the few corridors, he arrived at a veranda which was supported by balustrades. The left side opened into a small open garden where silverish hues of the moonlight danced on the garden and the balustrade, and there he saw her, leaning over the structure, engrossed in the beauty of the full moon.