//Clone
Ren found himself at the bar, ordering an olfashioned. Not just one, no, he was onto his third now. Should he really be mixing alcohol with the medication that was keeping him awake? Most definitely not.
Despite the potential consequences, Renlin shrugged off the thought. The smooth blend of bourbon and bitters seemed to align with his desire for a temporary escape.
As he continued to indulge in the amber liquid, the surroundings blurred slightly. The chatter around him faded. Renlin found solace in the anonymity the mask provided. It shielded him, allowing a bit of detachment from himself.
For many, the night offers a detachment from the realities of the world. In tje world of dreams, you can escape, explore, and experience a different reality. However, for Renlin, this nocturnal detachment takes a darker turn. His nights are not a sanctuary but rather a battleground where nightmares unfold.
For Renlin, these nightmares were a dance right on the border between sleep and wakefulness. The shadows of dark and unrest lingered, and the need for help became not just a stimulant for wakefulness but a shield against the haunting visions that awaited in the silence of the night.
The masquerade, with its vibrant energy and lively atmosphere, surrounded Renlin. The music pulsed through the air, the laughter of masked friends, and the colorful array of costumes painted the room with vibrancy. Yet, amidst this lively scene, Renlin found himself acutely aware of the silent that lingered, the absence of some, the unspoken sorrows that resonated beneath the surface. In the midst of the celebration, a subtle melancholy danced alongside the lively beats, a reminder that not everyone was here partaking in the celebration.
Renlin held no fear of public speaking; the opinions of others held little sway over him. As Renlin found himself standing ahead of the group on the staircase, a wave of uncertainty lingered. How had he ended up here? Navigating through the crowd, Renlin found himself on the staircase almost as if guided by an invisible force.
Now elevated on the staircase, Renlin looked over railing to the bustling crowd below. The illusion of everyone’s presence was kept well, but they were all aware that not everyone truly was at this party.
Renlin cleared his throat, but the noise of the masquerade drowned out the sound, leaving it unnoticed by the attendees. He tcleared his throat once more, this time a bit louder, this time being able to capture the attention of those nearby, his action echoing in the expansive space as a deliberate pause.
Renlin took a step forward, attempting to speak loud enough for everyone to hear., “Well, isn’t this a lively night?” his voice cracked ever so slightly, leading to a moment of pause, before he chuckled it off.
“Isn’t it just so nice that we’re all here together again, creating memories and sharing moments in this vibrant gathering?” Renlin rambled. “How was your summer, Miles? Seraphina? Did you guys do anything exciting?” Renlin asked, a smile on his face, but the lack of response hung in the air, leading to an awkward silence.
As Renlin exclaimed, “Oh right, they can’t answer because they aren’t here. And here we all are just okay with that? Is that okay? I mean I have been letting the thoughts run all over my mind, so I’m sure I’m not the only one. Raise of hands who has been thinking this too!” he gestured dramatically, expecting a response.
Renlin chuckled to himself, saying, “I for one have suspicions…” as he continued to entertain his thoughts in front of all his classmates and professors.
@NinthHouse attention attention ren has spoken
@novella waiting for his prince to rescue him