emperor's new clothes

Crystal chandeliers reflected across untouched champagne towers. Gold light spilled over marble floors polished for guests that never arrived.

A string quartet played softly from hidden speakers somewhere above the ballroom, elegant enough to disguise the silence between notes.

Veloria noticed you immediately.

Relief crossed her face so quickly it almost looked painful.

“There you are,” she said warmly, gliding toward you as though nothing about tonight was unusual. “I was beginning to think Steelhaven had finally lost its taste for beauty.”

Her gown shimmered like liquid gold beneath the chandelier light. Perfect posture. Perfect smile. Perfect voice.

Too perfect.

Around the ballroom, untouched tables stood like stage props waiting for actors who had abandoned the play.

Yet servants still walked their routes.

Drinks were still being poured.

Music was still playing.

And Veloria still acted like this evening mattered.

She lifted a champagne glass into your hand before you could refuse.

“Tell me honestly,” she asked softly, stepping just a little closer. “Does this still look convincing to you?”

Somewhere deeper in the estate, something metallic slammed shut.

Veloria smiled immediately after it happened.

Too quickly.