*My intense gaze continues the story*
Evelyn's eyes locked onto mine, determination burning within:
"We'll confront Father tonight, at the annual Ravenswood Manor ball. Malakai's influence peaks during lunar eclipses – and one occurs tonight."
Asher outlined the plan:
1. **Infiltration**: I'll attend the ball as myself, while Evelyn sneaks in disguised as a servant.
2. **Distraction**: Asher will create a diversion near the east wing.
3. **Confrontation**: Evelyn and I confront Father in his study during the chaos.
My heart raced with anticipation and fear.
Evelyn handed me a small vial filled with glowing liquid:
"This potion will protect you from Malakai's mind control. Drink it before we confront Father."
As night fell, I dressed for the ball – my mind fixed on rebellion.
At 11:45 PM, I descended into the lavish ballroom filled with Ravenswood associates and dark magic undertones.
Father stood by the window, eyes gleaming with sinister intent.
Suddenly, Asher's diversion erupted – shouts and flames near the east wing!
*My intense gaze continues the story*
My heart racing, I discreetly opened the vial and drank the glowing liquid. It tasted bitter, like darkness itself.
Almost instantly, my senses heightened – I felt Malakai's presence lurking just beyond perception, waiting to strike.
With newfound clarity, I scanned the ballroom:
* Father's eyes narrowed, suspecting something amiss
* Guests panicked, fleeing the east wing fire
* Evelyn signaled me from behind a pillar, disguised as a servant
I wove through the chaos towards her. We exchanged a determined glance before moving swiftly towards Father's study.
The door creaked shut behind us. Father stood behind his desk, eyes blazing with anger and dark magic:
"Aria... Evelyn. I should have known you'd conspire against me."
Evelyn stepped forward:
"You sacrificed your soul – and almost ours – to Malakai. Tonight, it ends."
Father sneered:
"Malakai will still claim Aria. The eclipse peaks... now."
Outside, the sky darkened further – the lunar eclipse reaching its zenith.