Victor stood watching Selena's tense and departing form as she disappeared amongst the people dancing in the ballroom, his expression unreadable beneath his mask. A familiar laugh cut through the ambient noise, drawing his attention.
Xavier.
He traced the source to see his former friend standing with the mayor of the city, both men engaged in what appeared to be an amusing conversation. Victor gritted his teeth as he watched the bastard, someone he had once considered his brother. As though sensing his gaze, Xavier suddenly turned, and their eyes met across the crowded room. Victor saw recognition dawning in Xavier's eyes, a flicker of confusion followed by disbelief spreading beneath his ornate mask.
Fuck.
The moment Xavier was distracted by the mayor turning to him with another comme
