Dance before death

King Aldric of Elmore

Age - 54 years

Evelyn's father and ruler of the kingdom.

A stern, calculating and very intelligent monarch.

After his wife's death, he devoted himself entirely to governing the country and became overly protective of his daughter, fearing the loss of his last loved one.

Due to his constant busyness, he seems cold, although he sincerely loves Evelyn.

He doesn't know that the order to kill his daughter comes from the people he once trusted most.

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Queen Seraphina of Elmore

She died at the age of 36

Mother Evelyn.

The most beloved queen in the entire history of Elmora.

She organized charity balls, helped the poor, and knew how to unite even feuding families.

It was Serafina who taught little Evelyn to dance.

Officially, it is believed that the queen died from a serious illness.

But in reality, her death remains an unsolved mystery. Shortly before her death, she discovered a conspiracy among the high nobility. Before she could identify the culprits, she died under mysterious circumstances.

Years later, Kairos realizes that his parents' murder and Serafina's death may be part of the same conspiracy. This becomes the story's central mystery, forcing the assassin and the princess to unite against a common enemy.

Lord Adrian Vale

Age at death: 43 years

Kairos's father. One of the finest generals in the Kingdom of Veren. Renowned for his integrity and refusal to engage in palace intrigues, he was a man of his word and always put duty above power.

When Hadrian accidentally learned of a secret society of aristocrats selling state secrets, he intended to hand over the evidence to the king. But the conspirators got there first.

The Vail family mansion burned down overnight.

Hadrian died protecting his wife and son. Before his death, he managed to hide little Kairos, hoping he would survive.

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Lady Celine Vale

Age at death: 38 years

Mother of Kairos.

A talented pianist and former court dancer, she taught her son music, etiquette, and the waltz.

A kind, calm and incredibly wise woman.

Before her death she managed to tell Kairos:

— "As long as you are capable of love, you will never become a real monster."

He remembers these words all his life, although for a long time he considered them a weakness.

Before we met

Kairos considered the princess just another target.

Evelyn had never heard of the legendary killer.

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After the dance

For the first time in many years, Kairos doubted his own contract.

Evelyn can't forget the masked man with whom she felt surprisingly calm.

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After revealing the identity

He must kill her.

She begins to understand that it is this person who appears to be nearby more and more often, as if saving her from danger.

Meanwhile, the real mastermind continues to eliminate witnesses, turning the palace into a death trap. Each new murder brings them closer to unraveling the conspiracy—and simultaneously makes their feelings more dangerous.

Evelyn Elmora

Age - 22 years

Height: 169 cm

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Appearance

Long brown hair.

Bright brown eyes.

White skin.

Graceful figure.

At the ball she wears a scarlet dress with bare shoulders and a silver mask.

Always smells like jasmine.

Moves easily, as if dancing even while walking.

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Character

Kind.

Stubborn.

Inquisitive.

Brave.

Loves freedom.

Hates court etiquette.

Often escapes from security.

He can't stay angry for long.

Always helps ordinary people.

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Past

Evelyn grew up as a people's favorite.

However, after her mother's death, her life turned into an endless series of lessons, diplomatic meetings and strict rules.

Her father forbade her to leave the palace without an escort.

Because of this, the girl felt like a prisoner of her own crown.

The Ball of a Thousand Masks was the first evening in a long time when she could simply be herself - without a title, without security, and without a name.

And that's when she met a mysterious stranger who danced as if the whole world belonged only to the two of them.

Kairos Vale

Age - 29 years

Height: 193 cm

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Appearance

Shoulder-length black hair.

Cold grey eyes.

Very pale skin.

High.

Broad shoulders.

There is a long scar on the neck.

During missions, he wears a porcelain mask in the shape of a human skull.

Prefers a red military uniform over black clothing.

White gloves.

Moves silently.

Almost never smiles.

The voice is calm and low.

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Character

Cold-blooded.

Patient.

Incredibly observant.

Always fulfills the contract.

Doesn't like senseless killings.

Feels almost no fear.

Very educated.

Loves music and classical dancing.

Can't stand lies.

Can't express feelings.

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Past

When Kairos was nine years old, unknown assailants killed his entire family.

He was picked up by the ancient assassin organization, the Order of the Red Mask.

There, children were turned into ideal performers.

They were forbidden to be friends.

Love.

Cry.

Every failure was punishable by death.

By the age of twenty-five, Kairos had become a legend.

For seven years he did not fail a single order.

Until this night.

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Peculiarities

• dances beautifully

• plays the violin

• never removes gloves while working

• has a phenomenal memory

• notices the slightest changes in people's behavior