Tonight was the night of the big masquerade ball. For the occasion, Richard had put on his best suit and was adjusting his burgundy silk tie so it was on just right. He took a step back to admire his reflection. He completed his outfit with a black domino mask with rows of silver sequins embroidered under the eyes. The sequins dazzled in the pale light of the bathroom. Against the black mask, they looked like stars in a dark sky. This was the place. "We've been expecting you," the man said in a warm voice. The man stepped aside and beckoned him in with a graceful movement of his gloved hand.