Ruby stepped out of her carriage and gazed upon the proud edifice that housed the most powerful family in the length and breadth of the realm. The brightest lights illuminated the walls of the silver towers highlighting their magnificent architecture and beauty. The gardens are curated to perfection where the hedges are all trimmed and decorated with ribbons and fairy lights. Pixies frolic around while the fairies presented their elegant waltz in the air. The beautiful jewel-covered nymphs used their powers to make the water dance in the little canals and fountains, enchanting everyone as they entered. There are myriads of curiosities and experiences waiting to be discovered and it was just the entrance, what more could the insides hold. The sheer diversity and individuality of everything and everyone contributed to the radiance and majesty of the party making everything become more magical as you go deeper into the castle.

A smile stretched across Ruby's red-painted lips dancing between excitement and anxiety. Once, this castle was just the place of residence of the Royal family. Now it is also the home of the man who owns her heart. Her excitement is brought by the prospect of spending a wonderful night with her friends and Aurelius to unfold everything he prepared. However, she can't help but feel disturbed due to the nature of the night and the terrors that lurk beyond the greatness of the turrets and battlements.

Tonight is the night of the Blood Moon hence the name of the party, Blood Moon Ball. Ruby is afraid that all her efforts to locate the monster nests are insufficient which would endanger the lives of the vulnerable people as well as the soldiers tasked to defend them like her mother. She detests this party. They worship and celebrate the blessings of the glorious red moon, which is said to bring power and prosperity to those it favors, however, Ruby sees it despicable. Many people outside the boroughs and cities are probably going to die because of the monsters rampaging tonight. How selfish and inconsiderate can you be to throw a party while people suffer?

"Cease the frown on your brow, my dear. It ruins your beauty. I understand your sentiment but there's nothing we can do but let those assigned do their duty." Carmilla said as she stood beside Ruby.

"But I can do something. I should be out there fighting with my soldiers and not dancing with some strangers."

"Don't worry, my lady. I assure you that your mother's legion and everyone else is doing their best to protect everyone. You needn't worry about a single thing but having fun tonight and representing Cadmure and the whole North." Bedivere reassured as he moved forward with five other knights dressed formally for the occasion but Ruby can detect the weapons hiding under their clothing or blending as decorations to their outfits.

Her mother had sent six of her best knights to accompany her in case something goes awry. Even if the Moniyan palace is well-guarded and regarded as one of the most secured strongholds, one can never be too careful so Altria saw it fit to take extra precautions to keep her only offspring safe in her absence. Additionally, if things took a turn for the worse one of the knights would shoot out a distress flare that would alert the northern legion and send them charging to the Empire.

"You all know what to do. Disperse now and scout for anything amiss." Bedivere ordered his companions who left to heed his command.

"Shall we continue, my lady?"

"Yes." Ruby replied as she held hands with Carmilla and began walking over the red carpet.

"It is such a shame that your mother cannot come with us but I am sure that she's fine." Carmilla said, trying to lighten her mood.

"Me too, at least you are here with me. And Cecilion too." Ruby smiled at the said man.

"It is my honor to be invited by you to such an extravagant gathering, Ruby. Thank you for having us." Cecilion graciously said as he stepped between Carmilla and her, offering his arms for them to hold upon as he accompanied them to walk on the red carpet. Luckily it's also a masquerade ball so the two lovers can hide their identity and enjoy the party with her.

Ruby created a false persona for them which goes like this: Carmilla is an aspiring best-seller book writer and Cecilion is a traveling stage performer. They met while he was singing in a tavern, had a few drinks, shared a wonderful conversation, and then dated. They eventually got married but didn't stop doing what they wanted to do. Ruby is a fan of Carmilla's books and had become her friend after meeting her in a cafe so she invited the two of them to the ball since her mother and her knights couldn't attend.

Getting them on the guest list was a piece of cake since her boyfriend is basically the main event organizer and hiding their true identity was solved by Ruby's simple suggestions to Rel to make the ball masquerade. Perhaps inviting them wasn't simply to let them experience the celebration with her but also to have someone with her to fill the absence of her mother whom she wanted to attend it with. Maybe it was even a selfish request to console her heart and make up for her grievances against them. Whatever her true intention is behind her actions, the only thing she's certain of is that Carmilla and Cecilion deserve to be happy and they deserve to have even a little bit of enjoyment in their now immortal life outside of each other's caress.

"It's no biggie. I also needed someone to come with me and I promised Carmilla that I will take her to this thing whatever happens so your attendance is really appreciated." Ruby smiled at him before grabbing a flute of champagne.

"It is a good thing that you convinced the prince to make it a masquerade ball or else it's going to be difficult for us to blend in. And I think... This party has been thought out only for you. The flowers are all your favorites. The colors are mostly shades of your signature. The performers are species you've always wished to see: fairies, nymphs, mermaids, etc. I dare say that this party is a huge declaration of his love for you." Teased Carmilla as she grinned at the maiden.

"The flowers are just coincidental and it's the blood moon ball that's why shades of red are the motif. You are reading too many romance novels, that's why you think that way." Ruby reasoned frowning at her friend's suggestion.

"Have you forgotten that he sabotaged me and exposed my affair to you? He went through such lengths just to make you fall in his arms, I doubt that he won't make you the center of everything. Especially this party."

"Perhaps the prince is excessively obsessed with you, Ruby. It is especially these men that you must be wary of but it doesn't mean that they are undeserving of your love. You just need to keep Prince Aurelius under control or rather... Tamed." Cecilion advised as they entered the castle.

Their senses were suddenly assaulted by the multitude of pleasures present in the vast room. The great hall was extremely lavish with red banners and fabrics draped against the wall while dim crimson lights danced with the shadows. Red jewels of all kinds decorated every corner and provided a dull red illumination to the room where a sweet indulgent aroma wafted in the atmosphere which exhilarates the senses. The music was reverberating loudly across the corners of the room. It was a delightful exciting sound that narrates glory and freedom and pleasure. People danced, drank, ate, and made out as they merrily enjoyed the party. Intoxicating liquids flowed here and there being consumed in large gulps within mere seconds. The party was wild and certainly very exciting and this was still outside of the main event.

There were both formal and informal gatherings branched out into the different rooms of the castle. The whole palace is filled with all sorts of activities and entertainments such as plays, beauty salons, all-you-can-eat buffets, pools, casino, sporting chambers, duel chambers, aquariums, menageries, gardens, and everything you can ever imagine in a mall, carnival, and amusement park combined.

"May I have your first dance?" asked Carmilla as she offered her hand to the blonde.

"Of course." Ruby replied as they stepped onto the dance floor and began swaying with the music. Cecilion and Bedivere stood on the sideline with smiles on their lips as they watched the two women enjoy themselves in the waltz.

"So you are the man that ended the love of Luna and Sol. The enigmatic black hole that swallowed the moon from its true love the radiant sun. What a tragic celestial crime since the pair was heavenly made." Bedivere began with a casual tone contrary to the message of his words.

"I'm not sure if you got the correct person. All I did was fall in love and be loved by the said moon. The sun you refer to, said so herself." Cecilion retorted with confidence, seemingly unaffected by the knight's insult.

"The sun is young and very forgiving. That is the tragedy of her radiance but it didn't make her any less perfect."

"So the sun is naive, as you imply, lord knight? Sir Bedivere of the North whose honor none could question." Cecilion replied giving him a small smirk.

"Perhaps but it does not mean she is ignorant. I would like to know your opinion regarding a certain topic: sometimes being forgiven is worse than being scorned. Do you agree, vampire?" Bedivere replied with a slight spiteful edge.

"Why do I get the feeling that you don't like me that much Sir Bedivere." Cecilion confronted with a calm composure as they watched the two women dance and laugh merrily.

"I harbor no such feelings for you. My hatred is reserved only for the enemies of my liege and her child. Do you align yourself in that category? The enemy of my lady? A man who stole her love. A filthy snake slithering in the ground that desired the moon and now an unworthy prince has taken interest in my lady."

"I did not steal Carmilla, she chose me! But why do I get the feeling that it is not me who your anger is truly directed to." This seemed to snap the knight from his negative thoughts making him sigh.

"I apologize for my foul behavior and the inappropriate way I treated you. I was merely worried about my lady's safety. I didn't intend to offend you." The knight said with utmost sincerity.

"Is it perhaps the prince, Lady Pendragon's current lover, whom you have a distaste for?"

"Not particularly, but the situation and the history of their blood is what unsettles me. With the Ansaac, Earl only wanted the connection of the Pendragon to be powerful but with the Parabellum, I am not sure what their intentions are but I fear that they mean to harm my lady. So I came to the conclusion that if you did not come into the picture, then this wouldn't have happened. I apologize for projecting my anger on you. If my lady chose to love the Parabellum boy then it is my duty as her knight to protect her. Even from her own decisions."

"It's alright. I understand why you feel that way. But to answer your earlier question, yes, it's more painful to be forgiven by such a pure woman who loved the same woman I love so deeply that she chose Carmilla's happiness over her own. I somehow do feel guilty for breaking her heart but forgive me if I don't regret any of it."

"I don't blame you for any of it. I am fine with anything as long as Ruby is happy. I've been with her since my lady brought her upon the world and I cradled her in my arms as she took her first breath of life. I and the other knights took it upon ourselves to be her father since her true sire is unable to stand upon his duty."

"I've been meaning to know, I've detected it before with the scent of her blood but I just cannot believe the concept of it. Ruby's father is—?"

"A cursed man. Bound to his ego and selfish desires. You are quite right and there's no point in hiding the truth which you already know. It is a long story rooted from hatred that bloomed into love but it is a tale of another time with fewer ears to hear it."

"I am sure that it will be a very interesting story. But why do I still detect that there's something bothering you." Cecilion pointed referring to the knight's subtle distress. The vampire noticed him placing his hand numerous times on the hilt of his blade whenever someone large or shady approached the dancing duo. Sir Bedivere seemed to soften at the acknowledgment of his behavior but it didn't lessen his guard.

"I can't help but feel wary. This party unsettles me." The knight replied as he let go of his sword handle.

"Why do you think that way? Do you suspect that the Empire will do something to Ruby tonight?"

"I'm not sure but I don't feel comfortable being here. A storm is brewing and it is waiting for the perfect moment to strike and unleash its wrath. Perhaps I'm being judgemental but it is best to stay on your guard."

"I will do just that. I'm glad to have a conversation with you Sir Bedivere. I hope you have a wonderful night and let's wish that your intuition is incorrect this time so no harm befalls our loved ones."

"Let's hope you're right."

"Hello, you two seem amicable. What were you two talking about?" Carmilla greeted as she approached them.

"We were just talking about storms and intuition. How about you? Did you two have fun on the dance floor? You were destroying everyone with your waltz." Cecilion commented as Carmilla brought herself to his arms.

"We most certainly did." replied Carmilla as she kissed his cheek.

"Where's Ruby, Lady Carmilla?" Bedivere inquired as he failed to see the maiden with them.

"She said she's going to the restroom."

"Of course, please excuse me as I look for her. I was given strict instructions not to leave her side even for a second. Have a pleasant evening." Bedivere replied as he hurriedly left the two to find his lady.

While Ruby and Carmilla were dancing, the blonde couldn't help but feel something peculiar pricking the back of her neck. Something or someone is watching her and it alarmed her. It doesn't feel particularly sinister but it doesn't scream out benevolent altogether however it does feel familiar. The aura the person emitted feels strangely like kin so regardless of whatever it really is, Ruby saw it fit to investigate the source of her anxiety.

After finishing her dance with Carmilla, she excused herself to go to the restroom. She exited the dance floor and pushed through the double doors into a new corridor where the person left a trail of mana residue. Certainly, he or she is making her follow like a mouse on a breadcrumb trail. Knowing this, Ruby didn't waiver and trudged forward.

She took twists and turns to navigate the corridors. She was unsure of what she was looking for. It might be dangerous and whoever is responsible for it might be trying to lure her out and do something bad to her. Either way, whatever negative possibility her mind is telling her, her heart speaks otherwise. It feels like her heart is telling her that there's nothing to be afraid of which is completely naïve given how many people die due to curiosity. Regardless, Ruby disregarded her conflicting feelings and began tracking down the source of the strange mana.

After a few minutes of following, the trail suddenly vanished and to make it worse she has no idea of where she is. She gritted her teeth in annoyance before stumping her heel on the ground.

"Damn it. Where the hell am I?" she muttered in frustration. She's currently stuck in an empty corridor where not even a single servant passes. It appears that she has wandered into a place in the castle she hasn't thoroughly reviewed yet.

"What the hell am I doing? Why did I even pursue this-- this... Whatever this is?!" Ruby paused and began recalling the path she had taken.

Seconds passed turning into minutes and she still hasn't come up with a mental map on how she's going to get back into the party. She certainly can't just wander aimlessly into unknown territory since she might trigger some magical security defenses because she's not a resident of this castle. She sighed in hopelessness and slumped against the glass attached to the wall.

She was surprised when the glass suddenly disappeared making her stumble backward. She thought that she was going to completely fall on the hard marble floor and make an embarrassment of herself, however a pair of strong lean arms caught her just in time. The person quickly assisted her to her feet and smiled at her with a hint of longing and sadness. Ruby was completely astounded when she realized that she's back in the ballroom. She was sure it was the ballroom, every single detail in the room matches that in her memory lacking only the people. No one seems to be there with her other than the man.

"Wait, what the hell just happened?" she questioned herself before turning to thank the man who caught her. She faced the tall blond man with the most peculiar appearance. Nothing was out of the ordinary with this man. He's probably in his late 30 or early 40. Sure, he's handsome beyond definition with his chiseled jaw and well-defined manly features but his eyes took her breath away. They were as crimson as blood while his irises were slits instead of round.

"You are Altria's daughter?" the man inquired with a complex look in his eyes. It was difficult to decipher since he looked glad but at the same time sad, if that is even possible. She also noticed the soft way with which he pronounced her mother's name.

"Uhmm, yes. You know my mom?" Ruby asked, raising a brow before mentally slapping herself. Of course he knows her, Altria is the highest matriarch of the northern region, even the gnomes know her and they live under rocks. Is it possible that her mom had a history with this man?

"Yes, we were... Acquaintances." Ruby noticed the hesitation of the man in his words but she paid no mind to it as she heard a new song being played by the orchestra however there was no one there to play the instruments which is alarming and also a bit terrifying. She was about to ask about the strangeness of things when the man began speaking.

"My name is Gilgamesh. Can I offer you to dance?" said the man as he lent out his hand for her to take. Ruby automatically wanted to decline but she was suddenly surprised by her own self when she agreed. Why did she agree?

Gilgamesh brought her to the dance floor and began leading her to a simple waltz. At first, it felt uncomfortable to feel his hands on her waist and palm but when she looked into his eyes Ruby saw no malice. There's only gentleness and longing, there was a certain softness in his gaze that felt comfortable. A bit similar to the way her mother looks at her.

"How have you been? I visited you a few times when you were still a baby. You would almost never want to be put down by your mother. It almost drove her crazy how you wouldn't stop crying if it wasn't her who held you." narrated the man with a fond look.

"So you were friends with my mom?"

"I don't even know what we are. We didn't really get to put a label between our relationship."

"Okay, right." Ruby simply replied feeling a bit awkward.

"What about you? How have you been? You've grown so much and you look almost like your mother." Gilgamesh asked as he spun her gently before letting the music carry them in its melody across the room.

"Well, I'm fine. Mom trained me for a lot of things and provides for my necessities. I'm attending an epic ball so I'm basically great. And speaking of the party, where is everybody anyway?"

"Everybody is here, we're just in a different plane of existence. A mirror dimension as you would call it." explained the man.

"Oh, God no! Did I trigger a booby trap and now I'm stuck here?" Ruby said in alarm making the man chuckle due to her cute antics.

"You don't have to worry. This thing doesn't trap you forever, but it will give us a few moments to catch up."

"Catch up? I don't even know you. I've never heard your name before and certainly not from my mother." Ruby frowned utterly perplexed by the man in front of her.

"Me? Well, I'm just a dragon who also happens to be your father." replied the man with a casual happy tone.