Trinity Six | NCT DREAM

001

The marbled floors were crowded by people in formal attire. Men in suits and beautiful women clad in dresses in every colour imaginable filled up the ballroom as they danced to the music, the familiar sounds of Antonio Vivaldi's symphonies flowing throughout the room, Le Quattro Stagioni, to be precise. This particular piece was Summer, very fitting as the sun's rays shone through the big windows, letting the gilded decorations and frescos on the walls shine all the more. Open doors and windows letting the fresh air and heat soar into the beautiful room, the noise of conversations slipping into the outside world as well, floating across the small streets of Venice where everyday life continued at its own pace.

Navigating through the masses of partygoers, I couldn't help but admire the sea of masks that met my eyes. Feathers, sequins, and gilded details adorning the decorative pieces of camouflage that the guests were wearing, the colours melting together in the moving crowd. To oblivious eyes, the party may have been a beautiful event, the charming people in their dazzling dress codes seeming inviting and accommodating, but this party was far from what it seemed.

I knew better than that.

As I continued the search for my target, it saw multiple deals taking place, overhearing conversations about illegal trafficking and laundering, catching high-ranking men sealing their agreements with sinister handshakes. This was mafia business, and not only the Italian one.

People from all over the world had come to this party, the crowd consisting of an array of nationalities which luckily made it easier for me to blend in. Everyone here had connections to the criminal world, everyone except me. Though, to be fair, I was also here to do something illegal. The truth about the partygoers would have been difficult to expose if looking only from the outside, pleasant greetings and smiles adorning their lips, laughter filling the room, and adding to the enchanting atmosphere. But I saw right through the pretty facade.

I was wearing a dark navy blue dress. Tight-fitting around the hips, flowing loosely into falling waves and ruffles at the bottom and shoulders, an open back and golden details adding to the flattering design. As I kept moving through the crowd, smiling pleasantly st the greetings I was receiving, pretending to not notice the looks of want that clung to me, I could feel the fresh breeze that found its way through the beautiful open windows.

I was getting a lot of attention, but not the dangerous kind.

Just like the other guests, I was hidden, anonymous. I had chosen a mask that matched my dress. The same dark blue colour making up the base, decorative swirls and intricate designs adding the finishing touch to my outfit. My hair was hanging loosely over my shoulders.

I was not supposed to be here, on paper, that is. I had my reasons for sneaking in, personal reasons. Finally spotting my target, I composed myself before walking over to the bar and standing next to him.

The man couldn't have been more than 20 years old, youthful features adorning his face, all sharp angles, and cheekbones. He was wearing an all-black suit, the only accessories being three heavy silver chains hanging from his neck, making him look expensive, untouchable. He was handsome, no doubt about that. The man turned his head towards me, cold eyes taking me in. A quick wave of fear rushed through my veins as I knew he wouldn't recognize me. No one here would. Afraid for a moment that he would find it suspicious.

"And who may you be, miss?" he asked, voice deep as his eyes never left my figure.

Composing myself, I put on my most flattering smile as I turned toward him. "If I wanted you to know that, I wouldn't have worn this mask, now would I? I like a little mystery in my life. It makes things more exciting."

Smirking at the comment, the man hummed at my words, "Exciting, you say hm? Well, now I feel quite exposed since, as you can see, I appear to be mask-less. An open book, completely transparent, and exposed for you to read. And meanwhile, you are hiding away behind your pretty costume."