Dreams Outgrow Rooms Built From Other Peoples Fears by Niro Mason 127

Posted by Adminj, ? Views, Released on January 7, 2026

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127 All Hallows‘ Gala

[Music: One Night, No Promises By Raviel Blackthorn]

June really outdid himself again. It felt like I had been teleported into the ‘30s.

My hair was styled in vintage Hollywood curls, which gave life to my fit. My makeup was done lightly, soft eye shadow,

and a propone red stick.

My dress was a black evening gown, made of silk and draping down like liquid, clasping my curves like a second skin; the straps and

was also a single slit in the gown, which weckline were made of diamonds. There

only revealed when I walked.

It was paired with elbow–length silk gloves, pearl jewelry, and closed–toe heels for the finishing.

With a smile on my lips, I admired myself, not caring about how much time it took. Right now, I have all this to myself, and I’m gonna appreciate it as much as I can.

After a while, I stepped out of the building, and two limousines were already waiting. One, I assumed, was for Athena, because she did her dress up here.

“Look at you, all neatly set up,” I said to Reed, standing by the door, looking polished from head to toe. “You’re missing a cigar to truly bring that look to life.”

He doesn’t speak or move.

“Reed?”

He blinked as if to snap out of it, messy with his attempts to open

I giggled. “Is something wrong?”

“N–No…”

“The handle is right there…” I pointed out, amused.

the door for me.

Reed cleared his throat and opened the door, but I didn’t move because in that instant,

I felt a chilly gaze slicing through me and crawling straight to my core. A place where

several things happened before I could take my next breath.

A stare is understandable, but this…? Who the hell looks at someone like the only breathing meal on the planet?

I’m not gonna survive this ride with him. I’ll either end up slapping him or bouncing

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127 All Hallows‘ Gala

against his cock, call it intuition or whatever, I just knew it. Those weren’t the eyes of a man but a beast ready to devour, and I hated that I wanted him to.

“I–I’ll ride with Athena.” I didn’t wait for Reed’s reply; I was already walking towards her limo.

I don’t care if we should be together for the public, I’m not staying in that car.

The door was open for me, and I slipped in with ease, releasing a sharp exhale.

“When I said you should defy him, I didn’t mean not riding with him.”

Athena was elegant in her white evening silk gown, a fur shoulder drape tucked between her arms. Everything about her was practically glittering in silver like the goddess she was, even her sitting posture as she casually took a sip from her flute.

Already getting the party started, huh?

“It’s all still the same,” I replied.

Athena didn’t question me, just poured champagne for me, and I happily took it, drowning everything in one go. I needed that. I’m obviously overreacting, and I haven’t even set my eyes on him. I’m literally a mess of nerves from a stare.

Fuck!

The drive was a quick one, and we pulled up where I could see flashes of cameras going wild. This was just like the first night I showed myself to the city as Mrs. King. Athena was the first to step out; the flashes flickering with speed. She took the stage for a pose, and I was certain she was gonna win for best Outfit of the Hallows.

I took deep breaths, knowing I had to step out of this limo sooner or later.

Face it with courage.

I reached for the handle, but the door was open for me, and the noise streamed in. A gloved hand stuck, and I took it. At the mere contact, I knew exactly who had that hand.

I was standing before Ares now, and so help me god, this man was always delicious looking, but this was the breaking point for me. And here I thought that he, in a mask, would make me fold, but no–no, in another timeline, Ares King will dominate it without so much as lifting a finger.

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127 All Hallows‘ Gala

The alluring style of his hair, slicked back with a sharp side parting. His three–piece suit tailored to fit the theme, a diamond star collar pin, and a brooch as if to match

attire.

Ares leaned toward me, and the air in my lungs stalled.

“Beautiful…” he murmured to my car huskily.

my

Anyone else can call me that, and I would blush, waving them off, but the way Ares said

it, how his voice deepened, how it rolled off his tongue, felt so powerful and hot in a way that could undress me.

Ignorant of the flashing cameras and crowd, Ares took his time, his nose dragging to my cheek down to my neck as if he was trying to record my scent.

“Fucking beautiful…”

I almost tripped if it weren’t for his hand sliding to the small of my back to keep me steady. I couldn’t utter a word as he led me to the red carpet, where we stood for a

pose.

I fixed my smile in place, and it was a solid one minute of trying to give the city what they wanted. Finally, it was over.

We walked through the entrance, and I gave a little distance away from Ares, enough so that his hands weren’t on me anymore. I could feel his burning gaze, but I chose to ignore it, letting myself take in the ballroom that looked as if we had time–traveled. The live music, the setting, and the theme of it all were appealing. The chatter was contained, and the vibes were far more comfortable than the masquerade ball. Everyone had their own thing going, and passing guests greeted us politely.

I was expecting something extravagant and bland, but this so far looked like my kind of thing. There was a friendly air that made me feel at ease.

Where the heck is Athena? I was planning to use her as my shield against Ares.

“Ares King,” a soft, silky voice came through, belonging to a gorgeous, chocolate–skinned woman. Gold hair styled in finger waves, and her lamé dress shimmering as she catwalked toward us.