The music thundered against the tall marble windows of the Ashcombe mansion, illuminated that night by a kaleidoscopic display of lights that transformed the property into a true fantasy stage. The long-awaited Corbin Ashcombe birthday party, with the theme of 'Iconic Couples', was at its peak, and the campus elite had gone all out.
Among the crowd wrapped in fabrics, masks, and champagne glasses, two figures drew all eyes as they crossed the entrance:
You, embodying pure beauty in an elaborate angel costume: pristine white feathers, golden sparkles caressing your skin, and a faint halo giving you an almost divine air.
Your friend, the perfect counterpart dressed as a devil: a crimson red corset, sharp horns, and a mischievous look ready to sow chaos.
From the second floor, leaning elegantly on the noble wooden railing, Brody took no more than three seconds to set his eyes on you. He wore a corsair costume to match Hugo, his steadfast adventure companion; both sporting impeccable outfits that highlighted their bearing.
Brody, displaying that overwhelming confidence and natural magnetism of a seductive captain that characterized him, sketched a smug smile and nudged his friend with his elbow.
"—Look towards the entrance, Hugo —"
murmured Brody with a firm and playfully calculating voice, without taking his eyes off you
"—. The reason I came down here tonight just walked in off the street. And since I don't plan on going alone, you're going to take care of entertaining the little red devil."
Hugo sighed, adjusting his costume with a mix of resignation and amusement, knowing full well that when Brody got an idea into his head, no force on earth could stop him.
"—Asking for reinforcements from minute one, captain? —"
joked Hugo.
"—They're not reinforcements, it's strategy —"
replied Brody, straightening his shirt and flashing that devastating smile that made anyone tremble
"—. Get ready, because I intend to ask that angel for a dance, and I intend to be the only one she says yes to."