Hannah checked the address she’d been texted for what felt like the hundredth time. The location of the party was only revealed a few hours before it started, per Cohl tradition. The whole family certainly had a flare for the dramatic. It wasn’t that surprising to hear the party would be hosted at the Cohl country manor house, but after driving down a wooded dirt road for nearly twenty minutes Hannah began to feel her skin prickle. And she wasn’t sure whether it was from nervous excitement to see Harrison or something more sinister. She’d never been comfortable with the idea of being far from civilization. That was always where things went wrong . . . well at least in all the books she’d read.

The GPS alerted her to turn off the dirt road onto what could only be described as a path. She’d almost decided to turn back when she came to a massive iron gate. It was wide open, inviting her in. And in the distance she could see lights.

She drove through the gate and ventured a little further up the path. The trees finally gave way, opening up to reveal a gorgeous two-story colonial brick home, complete with white pillars and climbing ivy. It was right out of a storybook. Well, except for the bumping base that spilled across the immaculate lawn that now resembled a car park.

She was in the right place all right.

Hannah drove across a small bridge and around the circle drive, where her car was valeted. She walked up the polished flagstone steps and stared at the black menacing double doors. There was no one to greet her and when she tried the handle it was locked. Immediate panic flooded her heart.

Had she been lured out her as a joke?

But then she remembered—the key.

Hannah pulled it from her tiny black clutch and nervously slid it into the keyhole. She closed her eyes and offered up a silent prayer before turning it. A faint click echoed around her and the door swung open, ushering her into another world.

So this was a Cohl Ball?

A feeling of Alice discovering Wonderland overtook Hannah. She could immediately see the allure. She felt like she’d been whisked into a secret world that only the rich and beautiful were privy to. Masked figures in exquisite gowns and tuxedos dotted the black and white checkered floors. Their whispers and laughter rose above the scratchy wail of ‘20s Parisian music while they indulged themselves in cocktails, music and the unparalleled pleasures the Cohl Manor offered. The scene was a strange mix of Gatsby and Eyes Wide Shut.

A twinge of panic gripped Hannah as she glanced around for familiar faces.

How would she ever find anyone among the sea of masks?

She was about to start wandering from room to room looking for Harrison when she heard his voice. She looked up and saw him gallantly descending the grand staircase. His charming smile disarmed her. It was dazzlingly white in contrast to his dark mask.

He took Hannah’s hand and bowed, brushing his lips against her knuckles. Blissful excitement raced to her heart.

“You look ravishing,” he murmured spinning her around to take in the full beauty of her shimmering silver sheath gown. It was simple, but its barely-there spaghetti straps and open back made it feel daring.

Hannah giggled, feeling ridiculously girly as she allowed Harrison to pull her into his arms and give her a chaste kiss.

“I’m so glad you came. I was worried that you wouldn’t after last night.”

“Me too,” Hannah admitted. “Turns out my dad thinks I need a distraction.”

Harrison smirked. “I like the way he thinks.” He kissed Hannah again, leaving her breathless. “Well now that you’re here. The party can start.” He took her hand. “Come on,” he urged. “Let’s get you a drink.”

“Oh I promised no drinking tonight.”

Harrison winked. “I won’t tell if you won’t.”

He didn’t give Hannah a chance to protest, leading her through rooms of intoxicating grandeur, stopping to make small talk when necessary. They entered a small room that glowed with soft blue light. The music was weaker and masked figures lazed about, draped over low-backed couches and upholstered chairs. Some were indulging in each other, while others just seemed to be staring into space. The scene reminded Hannah of the opium dens she’d read about. And one glance at the bar explained why. It held more than liquor bottles. A gilded sign, donning it the ‘Candy Bar’ gleamed back at Hannah as her eyes raked over martini glasses full of pills and powders of varying colors.

Harrison made his way back from the bar with two glasses in his hands. He handed Hannah the champagne flute, while keeping the rocks glass with swirling amber liquid for himself.

“Oh I really think I better not. I had enough of this last night.”

“Would you like something else?” Harrison asked, a hint of something sinister in his voice.

Hannah was beginning to hate the masks. It made it impossible to read Harrison’s features and that made her edgy. “Maybe a water?”

Harrison glanced back at the bar and frowned. “I didn’t think to stock the bar with water.”

“Oh, that’s fine. I’m not really that thirsty,” Hannah said trying to hand the glass back to Harrison.

“I thought you wanted a fun distraction tonight?” Harrison asked.

“I do.”

He grinned. “Good. Then hang onto the champagne. You might get thirsty,” he said extending his arm to Hannah.

She threaded her arm through his, just wanting to leave the hedonistic room behind.

“Come on,” Harrison said. “I want to give you the tour.”