Life with the Warden continued to torment Shiva. Physical punishments were hindered while he found other methods to break her will. His trump cards against her continued to lay on her brother and the storage room. After the first incident with the storage room, Shiva vowed to obey his every command without question, least almost entirely. The Warden enjoyed his power over her and how obedient she had become around him, almost like a toy. Unlike the other average souls he had collected through the years, never did he imagine having control of a summoner, which he found ironic. Though there were moments she resisted, it never lasted long before she returned to her submissive state. The Warden had trained her well and he was proud of his work. During the time this all took place, Shiva continued to wear the same clothes, having to wash them herself and attempt to keep decent hygiene, regardless of her situation. Allowing her hair to grow just below her shoulders, the mass on her frame had also diminished. No longer baring the strength she once had, her body turned to a petite size, making it easier on the Warden to physically control her. He had completely changed her to his taste. After all, this is what he lived for.

Thresh had ordered her to bathe as he would discuss matters with her shortly after. Complying to his orders, Shiva made her way to the lake to prepare her bath. In the middle of stripping off from her attire, the Warden appeared before her with clothing in his possession. Upon meeting his gaze, something caused him to freeze as she felt him about to speak. He remained silent as he examined her properly for the first time. The glimpse of someone he had long forgotten re-appeared in his mind, causing him to halt further actions. It passed quickly as he tossed what seemed to be clothing on the ground before her.

"You will wear this for the Ball. I will provide you with accessories before infiltrating Demacia's Grand Hall" he spoke.

"Yes, master..." she spoke softly.

Leaving her to resume her preparation for the Ball, it wouldn't be long before she appeared before him wearing what he provided for her. Silky black dress with an under layer of dark green fabric, tattered at the hems. Chest exposed enough to reveal the "X" he had imprinted over her heart. Fitting short gloves which exposed most of her arm to match the dark colored stockings provided along with the clear heels. Resting her hands over each other on her abdomen, her head lowered for him as he instructed her on tonight's event.

"Security has increased greatly within Demacia's borders and I am unable to harvest souls to my liking, so we will gather a few from right under their noses. They will never expect it" he explained.

Revealing another piece of garment to compliment the outfit, it was a mixture of black and dark green. Going around her to apply it to her, he continued to speak of his plans.

"You've been such a good girl lately, I should reward you by allowing you to pick the victims for tonight" said Thresh fastening the strings to the corset.

Feeling it squeeze the very breath out of her, she didn't complain as he continued to tighten it until he saw fit. The one thing to startle her was choosing the victims. Even now she knew nothing of his tastes, but he didn't seem picky. Picking victims for him was a new low for her, but her will didn't allow he to argue against him, for she lived under his shadow and accepted it.

"...if I am to choose the wrong ones, master?" said Shiva concerned.

"There is no such thing as the wrong ones. You pick them and I do the rest of the work" said Thresh tying up the strings into a ribbon. "You should be thankful it's something so simple".

"I am...thank you...master" said Shiva.

"Good girl, now wear this. The theme is a masquerade after all" he said handing her a decorative mask.

Wearing the mask provided, her only thoughts were how was he going to get past security with his obvious presence.

"Close your eyes, we must get going" he said guiding her to unfamiliar grounds.

Keeping her eyes closed while being guided, he gave her a push before letting go of her. Cautiously walking in a slower pace when she no longer felt him, the temperature seemed to have risen all of a sudden. Knowing not to keep her eyes closed, step by step she continued to walk until an arm locked with her own. Instantly she knew it wasn't Thresh's, for it felt completely different. Finally opening her eyes as she struggled to free herself from the unknown man guiding her, he yanked her back as he stopped abruptly to confront her.

"Settle down, wench" he growled.

That voice. It belonged to Thresh. The ghastly tone had completely disappeared, his voice sounded normal, human. He looked human. Thresh's large frame toned down to a fit frame as he wore a proper suit embroidered with gold trims and a mask resembling her own. Short silver hair slicked back with three large tendrils hanging behind him. Hands, actual hands. It was almost unbelievable as to how he completely changed, she was at a loss for words. Wasting no time as he locked arms with her once again, they slowly made their way to the palace, where soon enough traffic began to pile up. Walking amongst the crowd, Shiva began to tense up while approaching the doors leading into the Grand Hall.

"Don't act suspicious or you'll ruin everything" he spoke.

The Grand Hall was the most active area in the palace and it showed. People dancing, drinking, eating and socializing with one another. It felt like deja vu. So far no one was recognizable off the bat as he continued to guide her mindful of the situation. Each moment she didn't see anyone she recognized calmed her. The Warden grabbed them a pair of drinks to continue venturing around until she found a victim for him.

"Anything?" he questioned her.

"No...I can't seem to concentrate..." said Shiva.

"You best find someone before it ends. I will not leave empty handed, you hear?" he spoke slightly irritated.

"...yes, master" said Shiva.

"Now come" said Thresh guiding her around once more.

Keeping her head lowered while spectating the crowd, her eyes fell upon the person she knew she'd eventually see again; Ezreal. Tightening her arm lock on the Warden, he felt her heart beat spike up instantly. Casually gazing around the room to stare upon the one who triggered it, he tugged at her to continue walking. Catching one last glimpse of him before averting her attention elsewhere, she found herself being guided towards his presence. He was steering her towards his general direction, for his own amusement. Passing through dangerously close to him, his intention was to keep her within his range, yet conceal themselves within the crowd. Ezreal remained in the edge along with the rest of the guests spectating the dance floor. Most of the men in the Hall wore suits with little decorations, but all had masks at their disposal. Most continued to wear them for the sake of the Ball, but Ezreal wore his mask over his head as he drank from his half filled cup. Diving into the crowd with the rest, Thresh held Shiva at the hips as he entwined his free hand with hers and danced amongst the rest. The grip he had on her was enough to guide her through the steps, completely dominating the dance with her. Her eyes never met the Warden's as it always remained focused on Ezreal, up until she heard a familiar giggle wrap its arms around him. The beautiful Lux wearing a royal blue dress with a tiara and mask for the Ball had now squeezed into the picture. Immediately turning away to rest her eyes on the Warden's chest, she couldn't help but take a peek every time they passed near the happy couple. Ezreal and Lux smiled while embracing each other and spectating the dancing crowd, talking amongst each other of things she was unable to hear. Picking up on her vibes over the two, Thresh gradually closed the gap between them until they would pass by them by a mere feet away. Avoiding eye contact with each pass as she sunk her head into his chest, a chuckle could be heard each time until Ezreal picked something up. Something was tugging at him, perhaps someone. Attending to Lux's needs while averting his attention to the dancing crowd, a particular couple had caught his attention. Out of all the other dancer's in the crowd, this couple continuously passed right by them each round.

"Looks like you've caught someone's intention" teased Thresh. "Should we go closer?".

"Please...don't..." whispered Shiva.

Each round they passed, Ezreal tried to get a clear view of the couple, but the masks and attire made it slightly difficult for him. From what he could examine, she had marks covering every exposed area, including parts of her face. Some marks he found familiar, marks he recognized. The man dancing with her, he knew nothing of.

"Shiva?" he muttered under his breath.

"Hm? What is it?" asked Lux.

Ezreal remained silent as Lux watched him intently. Following his gaze, his focused remained on an unknown couple on the dance floor. Whatever he saw in them was beyond her, but it was bothering her for the fact that he continued to spectate them. Shiva realized his gaze was glued to them now as she began to panic. Waiting for them to end on the opposite side of Ezreal and Lux, Shiva broke off from Thresh's grip as she ran off from the dance floor and into the crowd with tears in her eyes. Noticing the lack of presence between the couple all so sudden, he darted off from his spot to chase after them. Running into the all to familiar halls of the palace, Shiva ended up in a secluded hallway while dealing with the heavy pain in her chest. Restraining herself from crying out loud, she sobbed until the Warden's presence was felt.

"Such a beautiful scenery. Everything was going so well until you had to ruin it" said Thresh.

"...you planned this out...didn't you..." said Shiva.

"You could say it was last minute adjustments. I say it turned out well, don't you think?" he spoke.

Hearing footsteps echo through the hall, Thresh turned Shiva to face him as he pressed her up against the wall and had her wrap her arms around him as he leaned as close to her face as possible. Focusing on the Warden's lips being extremely close to her own, his narrow eyes caught her attention the most. They both gazed into each other's eyes, the Warden knowing who followed them here. His eyes were cold and lifeless, there was no shine in those deep emerald hues. Yet, something sparked inside of her. Her heart began to calm its pace, yet it began to beat stronger. Something about this felt so wrong, yet so right. The footsteps became louder as the owner turned out to be none other than Ezreal. Smaller footsteps followed shortly as they belonged to a worried Lux. Peering at the two from the corner of his eye, Thresh didn't expect to feel a pair of warm lips being planted on his own. He kept his calm as he didn't want to make a scene in front of the couple.

"What's wrong with you? Are you reducing yourself to peeping now?" whispered Lux loudly while attempting to drag him away.

"No...I just thought..." perhaps Ezreal was wrong.

Dragged down the hallway by Lux, Ezreal could've sworn it was Shiva, but he felt it was impossible for her to even get here without assistance. Even so, her current appearance and attitude did not synchronize based on what he knew. Shaking his head while making his way back to the Ball with Lux, he would suppress his thoughts of her to try and regain the vibe of the party. Breaking the kiss Shiva engaged on him, Thresh firmly gripped her throat as he frowned.

"Let me make this nice and clear for you. Crush whatever it is you're feeling right now. You are here for my pleasure, I am not here for yours. The only reason you are still alive is due to our compromise. Once it's been completed, I will rip your very soul in the worst way imaginable and I will enjoy it. You serve no other purpose. Am I clear?" he growled.

"Y-yes...m-master...forgive me..." said Shiva.

"Good girl. Now go fetch me my victim, I will wait here" he said freeing her from his grasp.

"P-please...I have a room...vacant which...you can use..." she cleared her throat. "A room I was offered upon my first arrival, I assume it's still available...you can use it. It's located in the far back of the castle, furthest room down a corridor just straight ahead".

"Very well. If you prove the room to be valid, I will await for you there" he said walking off.

Caressing her throat while making her way back into the Grand Hall, a suitable victim had to be chosen soon. Maintaining her head low while gliding with ease through the easy distracted crowd, one particular gentleman caught her attention almost immediately. Shiva drifted over to the snack table to pour herself a cup of freshly brewed punch to take with her to an area surrounded by groups of attendees. With little luck, her victim resided within the area. The man stood tall with a combed back dark brown hair and wore the standard attire most guests had, with little changes hardly noticeable. It complimented his figure even if midnight blue played a common color in tonight's event. Noting his gestures were rather aggressive, a smile curled over her face as she drew himself closer to his frame, almost chuckling as to how easy this task would result. Positioning herself near his flailing arm as she passed by, as planned his hand had knocked the cup straight from her grasp as it spilled over her dress. Gasping over the red stained dress, the man was quick to apologize and console her.

"I'm sorry ma'am. I didn't see you there, are you alright?" he asked.

"I'm alright...just my dress..." Shiva hung her head.

"I'm terribly sorry to ruin your wonderful dress...I could call for an immediate cleansing of it" he spoke.

"No, it's quite alright. I have a spare in my room" said Shiva rather timidly.

"If you'd like, I can accompany you to your room and you can provide me with the dress afterward. It's the least I could do" offered the gentleman.

"Follow me please" said Shiva walking out of the Dance Hall to lead the man straight to Thresh.

"Enjoying yourself this fine evening?" asked the man.

"Quite so" replied Shiva.

"Every year it seems to only get better. I'm making sure this one remains special" the man spoke "There's someone I've been itching to propose to and I figured this night would be perfect...of course I trust you not to tell a single soul".

Turning to face the enthusiastic man, a small and luxurious box had been pulled out for her display. Inside the box was a bright diamond which any woman would go crazy for, it would cost a fortune.

"Lovely isn't it" said the man proudly yet sincere.

"Beautiful" said Shiva.

"Custom ordered this one, wanted to make sure she'd love it" he said. "I hope I don't disappoint her".

"I'm sure she'd be most pleased..." said Shiva as her eyes softened.

"What about you, fair maiden? Someone as lovely as you has a special someone, am I correct?" he asked.

"Cupid loves to play games with me" said Shiva.

"Not intentional I am sure" said the man.

Remaining silent until they had reached their destination, Shiva had opened the unlocked door to her former room as they both stepped inside. The room was surrounded in darkness for a brief moment before the green flamed engulfed the darkness and wrapped its chain around the now panicking man.

"W-what is this!?" he yelled.

The box containing the ring had been dropped at Shiva's feet as she knelt down to pick it up. All at the same time the warden had silenced the man to human ears as only he was able to enjoy such screams the man emitted. Wanting not to spectate the implementing form of art the warden had in store for this unlucky soul, Shiva stepped out of the room as she sat next to the door, staring at the ring, feeling no remorse for her actions. An invisible corruption had begun to take place in her heart as spending time with the warden took a great toll. Removing the mask which concealed her face, she bent her knees to her chest as she sunk her head in between with a sigh. Not too long after, a familiar voice turned the corner of the corridor and stood in front of her.

"So it was you..." said Ezreal.

Gazing up to see the still formally dressed Ezreal stand before her, Shiva stood up to his eye level with a stern facial expression. Eye balling the case in her hand, even he was familiar with the contents inside, Ezreal's face softened with a smile.

"He must really love you if he wants your hand in marriage" said Ezreal.

Staring at the box in her hand, Shiva shook her head for his misunderstanding.

"It's not like that" declared Shiva.

Only paying close attention to her face now did he notice the fresh scars which stained her once clean face.

"What happened? You've never had these before" said Ezreal.

"None of your concern" said Shiva.

"Is it him?" said Ezreal.

"I mentioned it was none of your concern" said Shiva turning to the door.

"If he's treating you like this-" his sentence was cut off.

"You're one to talk about it. You decided to stay here with her when I relied on you for that one task. Because of it I was forced to return here...as if seeing you wasn't enough..." said Shiva storming into the room.

Resting herself against the door frame, her chest felt heavy as she dropped to the floor. The warden continued with his work, minding her no attention as she locked herself in the bathroom until the following morning.