Masquerade [Kuskovo Estate]

[Jaxen Marveet]

Cyrena Marveet

”That’s Iásōn?" She scoffed, wishing that she had a better look, but the party was far from over, and she intended to get one as soon as possible. The whispers of the Ascendancy’s miraculous angel in white spread like wildfire through the aristocratic world. Cyrena almost wished someone she knew was dying just for the chance of hiring his services and witnessing the truth for herself. In the past she always ignored such gossip except how she might wield it to her own ends, but if Iásōn was in fact here tonight, sharing the same space as Ascendancy and the Vasilevs, the stories were likely true.

That Kristian knew as much made Cyrena study him anew. She eyed him curiously, a half a smile forming on her lips in response to his ability to freely roam. “Ahh, so you are surveillance,” she said with a tone that promised to keep his secret. That he went on to describe her own life in detail meant her guess was accurate, but she wasn’t insulted. Actually, she was flattered.

“I am appreciative of a man who does his homework, and that Pavel thinks enough of me to include me in your dossier.” Her grip on his neck tightened, squeezing, a python embracing its prey.

Cyrena was now fixated on Kristian like a child with a recently discovered toy. “Since you know so much about everyone, tell me something shocking.” Her smile was the sort that promised reward for being given what she wanted. “Like….” she peered around, “Him. What do you know about him?” She was looking in Sofia’s direction, specifically casting her query toward her handsome date.