Althea and Morfida walked towards the haunted building in the city center. Amidst the hustle and bustle of merchants and the sound of footsteps filling the street, Althea stepped slowly, wearing a simple hooded robe that concealed her face.
She paused in front of a small jewelry stall that glittered under the sunlight. The owner was busy arranging sapphire stone necklaces, flower-shaped brooches, and a row of rings on a deep red velvet cloth.
But Althea's attention was drawn to something hanging on the right side of the stall—a silver mask with delicate carvings and small diamond dust around the eye area.
"That mask…" she murmured softly. Her fingers traced its cold edge. "Beautiful."
The merchant smiled warmly. "Excellent taste, Milady. This mask is handmade by artisans from the north. Perfect for a party… or if you wish to conceal your identity."
Althea stared at the faint reflection of her face on the mask's surface. "How much is it?"
"Two gold coins is enough."
