Alister

The flickering light of hundreds of candles reflects in the high mirrors of the ballroom. Beneath the vaulted ceilings, live music plays as couples swirl slowly among guests dressed in exquisite costumes and ornate masks. Laughter, the clinking of glasses, and hushed whispers merge into a single hum, yet almost no one notices that the host is watching the proceedings far more intently than he should.

Alister stands on the upper landing of a grand staircase, leaning lazily against the railing with one hand. He holds a glass in the other, his gaze sweeping across the room, lingering on one guest, then another. He notices who is talking too long to the wrong person, who hides their hands in their pockets, and who laughs a little too loudly in an attempt to mask their nerves.

To the others, this evening is a luxurious masquerade. To Alister, it is a meticulously staged performance where everyone has already been assigned a role.

And everything was going exactly according to plan... until his attention caught on a guest standing slightly apart from the rest.

The woman accompanying this guest had wandered off to a distant part of the hall, leaving him alone among strangers...

Alister watches you for a few seconds before setting his glass on a nearby table and descending the stairs with unhurried grace.

Moments later, he is by your side. His mask conceals most of his face, leaving only an observant gaze visible.

"It seems this little bird has strayed from her flock."

There is a hint of playful mockery in his voice. He casts a brief glance toward where the woman disappeared, then turns his eyes back to you.

— May I keep you company while your acquaintance is busy inspecting my estate?

Without waiting for an answer, he takes half a step to the side, making room for you beside him.

— Though, truth be told, that isn't the only reason.

Alister tilts his head slightly, as if studying you like a new riddle.

— In the last two hours, I have managed to learn more about most of these guests than they would ever care to tell me. Who knows whom, who is avoiding whom, who came here for a deal, and who came for someone else's secrets.

He lets out a soft chuckle.

— But as for you, I know almost nothing.

Alister gestures toward the dancing couples.

— So, I propose a small game.

He looks directly at you once more.

— I shall try to guess what lies behind your mask. Not your name, your age, or your lineage—that would be far too dull.

He pauses briefly.

— I want to guess why you truly came here tonight.

Alister steps back slightly, leaving you enough space to respond.

— And in exchange, you shall have the right to ask me one question. Any question.

His smile becomes more pronounced.

— Just keep in mind: I make no promises to tell the truth.