The Do-Over System:My Beloved is the Villain! - Chapter 53

Chapter 53: Execution of Plan A

The grand gates of the masquerade venue loomed tall, adorned with intricate carvings and glowing lanterns that illuminated the entryway. A pair of stoic guards stood at attention, their sharp eyes scanning every guest who approached. The line of attendees was long, a mix of nobility and influential figures dressed in extravagant attire, each holding their invitations tightly in hand.

As Selinthra and Skye approached the gate, the guards’ gazes immediately shifted to them. Selinthra handed her intricately embossed invitation to the nearest guard, her lips curling into a faint smile that hinted at both confidence and mystery. The guard examined the card carefully, his eyes briefly flicking toward Skye, who stood just behind her.

“And who is your companion, madam?” the guard asked, narrowing his eyes slightly as he studied the tall figure beside her.

Selinthra tilted her head slightly, feigning mild offense. “He is my escort for the evening,” she said smoothly, her voice laced with authority. “Surely you wouldn’t deny a lady her plus one at a masquerade ball. That would be most… unfortunate.”

The guard hesitated for a moment, glancing at Skye’s imposing figure. Though masked like everyone else, his aura carried an unsettling edge—his presence was hard to ignore. Selinthra leaned in slightly, her emerald gown shimmering under the lantern light as she added, “I assure you, he is with me. Shall we proceed?”

The guard gave a reluctant nod, stepping aside to allow them passage. “Very well, madam. You may enter.”

As they walked through the gates, Skye leaned in toward Selinthra, his voice a low murmur. “You handled that well. I was almost convinced myself.”

Selinthra smirked beneath her mask. “Flattery again, Skye? You’re relentless tonight.”

“I only speak the truth,” he replied smoothly, adjusting his mask as they entered the grand hall. The masquerade was in full swing, with guests swirling about in a sea of vibrant colors and glittering fabrics. The air was filled with the sound of a lively orchestra and the soft hum of conversation.

As they stepped further into the crowd, Selinthra glanced at Skye, her expression unreadable. “Remember, blend in. We’re not here for idle chatter or to cause a scene—at least, not yet.”

Skye’s lips quirked into a grin as he swept his gaze across the room, already assessing the crowd. “Oh, don’t worry, Selinthra. Tonight, we’ll be the perfect picture of subtlety… until it’s time not to be.”

..

As they glided through the opulent masquerade hall, Skye leaned closer to Selinthra, his sharp eyes scanning the room through the narrow slits of his mask. His voice was a low whisper, barely audible over the soft hum of the orchestra. “Where are they? I don’t see Lucian or the elf princess anywhere.”

Selinthra, ever composed, took a delicate sip from the goblet handed to her by a passing servant, her gloved fingers curling gracefully around the stem. Her emerald eyes darted around the crowd with practiced precision. “Patience, Skye. They’re here. Lucian wouldn’t miss his cousin’s party, and Aeliana is bound to be glued to his side.”

Skye huffed quietly, his irritation masked by a facade of calm. “Patience won’t get us closer to completing this plan,” he muttered, his gaze lingering on a group of high-ranking nobles laughing by the edge of the dance floor. “It’s a maze of people in here. How does anyone keep track of anything in this chaos?”

Selinthra smiled faintly, unbothered by his frustration. “The masquerade works to our advantage. With so many people dressed to impress, it will be harder for anyone to notice us—or remember us. That’s why we’re wearing these.” She gestured elegantly to their masks, hers adorned with intricate gold filigree, while Skye’s was darker and more imposing, a perfect reflection of his brooding demeanor.

Skye’s eyes narrowed as he scanned the grand staircase leading to the upper balconies. “Fine. But if we can’t spot them soon, I’ll create a distraction big enough to draw them out.”

Selinthra shot him a sharp look, her lips curving into a smirk. “And blow our cover in the process? Please, Skye. Use that cunning mind of yours for more than brute force. Lucian and Aeliana will reveal themselves when the time is right. For now, we wait and observe. Besides…” Her tone turned slightly amused. “If they’re not here yet, it only means we have time to enjoy the party. You might even have the chance to charm someone who isn’t trying to overthrow a kingdom.”

Skye’s mouth twisted into a sardonic grin. “Charming’s not exactly my style. I leave that to you, Selinthra.”

“Good,” she quipped, her eyes flicking back to the crowd. “Because I have no intention of letting you ruin my flawless performance tonight. Now, stop fidgeting, and keep your eyes open. Our targets are here somewhere. It’s just a matter of time.”

As the pair drifted deeper into the throng of elegantly dressed nobles, a faint ripple of excitement spread through the crowd, signaling the arrival of someone important. Both Selinthra and Skye instinctively turned toward the source of the commotion, their expressions sharpening in anticipation.

“Ah,” Selinthra murmured, her lips curling into a predatory smile as she caught sight of Lucian descending the grand staircase, his imposing figure unmistakable even in his masked attire. Beside him, Aeliana walked with an air of quiet confidence, her gown shimmering like starlight under the chandeliers.

“There they are,” Skye whispered, his voice laced with both intrigue and malice. “Let the game begin.”

..

Selinthra raised her ornate fan, the edges embroidered with golden filigree, and began fluttering it delicately in front of her face. With a subtle turn of her wrist, she pointed the fan in the direction of Lucian and Aeliana, masking her movements with the grace of a practiced noblewoman. Leaning slightly toward Skye, her lips barely moved as she whispered, “At the base of the grand staircase. The demon lord and his little bride-to-be.”

Skye followed the motion of the fan, his sharp eyes narrowing as he locked onto Lucian and Aeliana in the distance. The crowd parted slightly to allow the couple passage, and their presence seemed to command the room effortlessly. Lucian’s dark attire, paired with the intricate mask that framed his piercing gaze, gave him an aura of dominance and mystique. Aeliana, on the other hand, was a vision of elegance, her shimmering gown clinging to her frame and her silver hair cascading like moonlight down her back.

“Quite the spectacle,” Skye murmured, his voice laced with both admiration and disdain. “He always knows how to make an entrance, doesn’t he? And she…” His eyes lingered on Aeliana, assessing her with a mix of curiosity and calculation. “She doesn’t look as fragile as I expected. Annoyingly radiant, isn’t she?”

Selinthra chuckled softly, hiding her amusement behind the fan. “Careful, Skye. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you sound a touch envious.”

“Envious?” Skye scoffed, adjusting the cuffs of his dark jacket. “Hardly. But I’ll admit, they do make a striking pair. It’s a shame we’ll have to tear them apart.”

Selinthra’s eyes sparkled with malice as she lowered her fan slightly, tilting her head as if listening to a nearby conversation. “Remember, patience is key. We can’t afford to rush this. Let them think this is just another night of indulgence and merriment. The best plans unravel when the targets are most vulnerable.”

“And if your plan falters?” Skye asked, his tone teasing yet edged with seriousness.

Selinthra gave him a sidelong glance, her lips curling into a sly smile. “It won’t. I’ve orchestrated every detail, from the poison to Lyssira’s disguise. Lucian and Aeliana won’t even see it coming.”

“Fair enough,” Skye replied, his attention once again drawn to their targets. Lucian had led Aeliana to the edge of the dance floor, where they were greeted by several nobles eager to engage them in conversation.

As Skye leaned back against the column, feigning a relaxed demeanor, Selinthra closed her fan with a soft snap and tucked it into the sash of her gown. “Now, let’s mingle,” she said, her voice light and playful, though the dangerous glint in her eyes betrayed her true intentions.

…

As the night wore on, Lucian, sensing a slight discomfort from the weight of the social obligations, excused himself with a polite nod to Aeliana. “I’ll be back shortly,” he said, his voice smooth, masking any hint of unease as he made his way toward the bathroom. Aeliana smiled and waved him off, her attention already drawn back to the conversations around them, unaware of the shifting dynamics at play.

Selinthra, ever the opportunist, seized the moment. She turned to Skye, her eyes gleaming with quiet mischief. “Now is our chance,” she whispered with a grin. “Follow my lead.” With the grace of someone well-versed in high society’s games, Selinthra extended her hand to Skye, a playful yet calculated smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Would you care to join me for a dance, my lord?”

Skye hesitated for a brief moment, his eyes scanning the crowd, but Selinthra’s unwavering confidence made it clear that this was part of their plan. He offered a sly smirk and took her hand, allowing her to guide him to the dance floor. The music swelled as they seamlessly blended in with the other couples, Selinthra’s presence commanding attention as she twirled gracefully, her eyes never leaving Lucian’s back as he disappeared into the hallway. It was a dance of distractions, and Selinthra intended to lead it with both elegance and menace.