The music continued to cause a motion of elegant dance to it's listeners. They were like puppets. The piano repeated a few notes, the violin hummed, for a while they sung in unison. The tempo picked up and the specters began to match their footwork. There was one playing a drum, the other was the mute, Sona. She has her eyes closed, a smile gracing her lips as she played her Etwahl. An echo of a sigh reflected back through Zed's mask as he turned his eyes away from the stage and the orchestra. He walked back behind the stage. Sitting down, he erected his blades from their gauntlets and ran his right thumb softly over the cold metal - testing it's sharpness. He grew tired of waiting around for someone who clearly wasn't going to show. Saphera is happily prancing around with Shen, he's there to protect her. Maybe it's because he's too scared to take a life. Maybe he wants me to kill Jhin? That was the plan, anyway. Yet, why must he involve the girl. She's young, and already mentally scared from what happened almost two years back. Not to mention being controlled by a demon...or was she? Women are confusing. Zed retracted his blades and walked just behind the curtain and peered to check on the crowd once more. Still dancing away. He picked out Saphera and Shen pretty quickly, not many of the redheaded champions showed up to the ball this year. Saphera was a lot more petite than Miss Fortune. To his displeasure, he was an onlooker to Shen spinning her around, a small smile and blush gracing her pale cheeks. Shen's hand was too low down on the summoner's waist for his liking. Maybe Shen didn't care about Jihn at all. He just saw the opportunity to flirt with an already vulnerable girl. He always was selfish. With a grunt, Zed looked on, something lighting and burning deep in his stomach at the sight of Shen dancing with Saphera. Not jealously, protection maybe? I must not let these emotions overcome my judgement. The last thing this 'mission' needs is to me to feel human emotions for a lowlife...and a summoner. He scanned the audience once more. Everyone seemed happy. Nothing was unusual. Drinking, dancing, feasting. Soon he couldn't control his gaze and it wandered back to Shen and Saphera. The two were discussing something now, and with a nod of Shen's head, Saphera turned away, and began walking towards the side entrance to the stage. Zed rushed around, confused, he could not lipread for that distance.

He waited for the door to open and the summoner to walk backstage. Seconds after Saphera walked through the doorway, Zed grabbed her firmly by the wrist and dragged her away from the door. Cornering her slightly. She pulled her wrist back, placing her hand to her chest, her face turning a little pink from embarrassment and shock. Her breath slightly heavy.
"Oh- Don't do that you scared the life out of me…" She whispered softly, frowning. Lightly hammering her fist into his right shoulder. However… he didn't flinch.
"What are you doing? What did Shen say?" Zed missed his apology, skipping straight to the questions with a low, stern voice.
"I'm going to the bathroom…." The redhead raised an eyebrow at the masked ninja. Why would he care about that? Zed was suddenly taken back. Oh. Bathroom... right. Under his mask he rolled his eyes. This is what I get for letting emotions cloud my better judgement. The shadows will be disappointed in me. "Zed?" Her soothing voice brought him back and away from his thoughts. He must've taken too long to reply.
"Right. It just looked like it was something important, from your body language, and the way in which you and Shen were speaking...I just thought that- " Saphera cut him off, without missing a beat, she replied. "Yes..I..uhh..really need to pee!"
"Oh." He felt something slap him. What is wrong with me? "My apologies, summoner." Zed stepped back and gave her some space. Allowing her to walk away towards the bathroom that was adjacent to where he dragged her. Saphera giggled at him as she entered the door.
Ugh. Zed cursed to himself, before turning back to his post behind the stage and continued his vigil over the ball.

The orchestra had stopped now, all the listener's stopped dancing, and applauded. The members bowed, thanking their dancers. Sona continued to play, and the others passed by Zed as they went to go and change their instruments for the next performance. Shen briefly made a look over to Zed, who just nodded in response to his gaze. It didn't take long for the small orchestra to begin playing again. Not all of it's member's had returned, maybe the violinist wasn't needed for this piece, it was a shame. He liked his style.

Saphera looked down at the freezing water as it ran over her hands whilst she washed them. She took a moment to dry her hands before looking up at herself in the mirror. Becoming critical, she adjusted her hair, used her index to touch up her make-up, and licked her lips to moisten them. For a moment, she just stared into her own eyes. Waiting to see who would blink first. It always felt like she never knew who she was looking at...or who was staring back at her. She shook away her thoughts, and turned to grab another tissue to dry her hands. The bathroom door opened as another entered. She felt a presence. They didn't walk into a cubical. Saphera listened and continued to dry her hands before dropping the tissue into the bin, and looking back up at herself for one final judgement of her looks.
"What a divine dress.." The door locked with a click. Saphera once again felt the horrid cold of the Freljord rush down her spine. Hitting every nerve in her body. The summoner continued to stare at herself in the mirror. Blink. Please blink... this isn't real. All she saw was her panicked expression, her eyes filled with dread, she knew this face. That of dread, anticipation and fear. A once flushed pink face… deathly pale. Her heartbeat thumped like a drum in her ears. Every breath she took caused her to shake. Her organs twisted, doubling over, knotting; trying to suffocate themselves. Saphera continued to stare into the mirror not even sure if she was focusing on her own face now. Frozen solid in place. The music outside began to pick up again, it seemed louder than it was before. Was that the style? Or was it her anxiety trying to distract her. She flinched when it spoke out again. "I...love how it's drawn inspiration from the traditions of Ionia."
"Th...Th…" Saphera couldn't even control her speech. She felt truly alone and with no control.
"Though...you're not from here...are you, Saphera." The redhead closed her eyes at the sound of the noise again. This isn't real. Open your eyes and it will be over. It's just a dream..just a dream. Just a - there was a loud step towards her, as she felt the air rush towards her.
"LOOK AT ME!" She felt a force grab her throat, before she could react, or even open her eyes. She felt the cold tiles of the bathroom walls press into the exposed area of her back and shoulders. No air escaped her to even scream. She felt the pressure increase on her windpipe until she was forced to open her eyes widely and gasp desperately for air. "Thank you, now I can see those lovely, boring eyes of yours. Gray, really? It's one of the more uneventful colours. I'm truly sorry for you...I expected more from a mage." Saphera watched as a pale faced man with dark ruffled hair tilted his head to the side. Analyzing every minute detail of her features. Deep blue eyes assessing hers. "Yet...they seem so full of life, but is that fear flooding your veins?" He smiled mischievously with pale pink lips and eased the pressure on her throat. Saphera had now grasped her hand around his wrist in an attempt to give herself more breathing space and potentially rip him off her to no avail. Saphera scanned the man's details. His skin was near flawless, and had a glowing, tanned appearance upon closer inspection. Perfectly shaven. Sharp jawline. Slightly thick pink lips. His face was perfectly symmetrical. A masterpiece of human anatomy. The summoner felt some courage rise up from within her bones. She began to struggle. Saphera placed her other hand over his wrist and tried to pull him away with more effort. Putting her heel against the wall to push back. Thrashing her body she wriggled pathetically like a fish out of water. A growl escaped his throat and he push back with much more force onto her neck once again. Bringing up his spare hand, and placing it onto her left shoulder to apply pressure, pinning her against the cold tiles.
"Art is hung from walls to be STILL, it's easier to observe that way." He spat at her with aggression. The back of her head hit the wall with force. She felt something sharp press into her head on the impact, but the fear stopped her from fully registering it.

Panic consumed her, she felt everything in her body go into overdrive. Her only response was to gasp. The only thing stopping her from hyperventilating was the pressure on her throat not allowing enough room for air. Tears rolled down her face, she closed her eyes and turned away from him. Pain from hitting her head began to transform from an ache into a migraine.
"Stop...th-this...please.." Saphera whimpered out pathetically, using what little air she could.
"Oh my! It speaks! What a good trick, did Shen teach you that? I bet he loves treating you like a dog." He moved his hand from her shoulder and grabbed her chin, forcing her face towards him. His soft fingers pinching at her cheeks. "He seems to like you..does he really know you? I do...I like to research my upcoming projects.." A chuckle escaped him. "My dear, it's alright...shhh" He shushed her sobs whilst wiping away her tears with his thumb. Saphera flinched, bracing from his movements on her skin. "I'm not here to hurt you...just merely… make a good impression.." He pulled his hand away from her neck, letting her weight take her to her knees. The summoner's dress angelically flowing around her as she fell. Her hands bracing her on the floor, where she managed to stop herself from collapsing. He gave her a moment to recover, her tears falling to the floor and air finally filled her lungs.
"You see, my dear, I don't think he is fully aware that you're from a bloodline of one of the most powerful mages on Runeterra. How do I know? Well, one must be completely stupid not to recognize those markings under your eyes." Sarcasm filled his face. "However, Ionia is full of morons, so why is a superior being like yourself gracing this island?" Saphera couldn't cough up an answer, she was using her energy to take deep breathes and plan a way of escaping this nightmare. "I understand that your wonderful mother didn't want you after you tried to kill her two years ago -"
"She was never my mother." Saphera responded with fire at his words. "I was an orphan and she found me."
"Oh you dumb bitch." He grabbed her by the hair and dragged Saphera to a stand. He was met with an expression of anger and a frown. She changed her expression in an attempt to prove to him that she wasn't scared. Although, her breathing and heart rate said otherwise.
"That stupid arachnid murdered your parents and you're fully aware of it. Why else would she adopt an orphan child if it wasn't for spider food..hrmm?" Shock now displayed on the mage's face, confusion on her attacker's. "Oh..you don't know? You poor thing.."
"She...f-found me.." She shook her head in disbelief.
"She murdered your family in cold blood, Saphera. She did it so she could have her own powerful little pet.." He grinned and placed his hand on her cheek. "I bet you made an excellent pet..."

-
This plan isn't working, I knew he would never show...Zed was thinking to himself again, on looking at all the people happily dancing and eating their hearts out. It lessened his mood greatly. In his haze he lost sight of Shen. Where in the shadows has he disappeared to? He was scanning for the ninja when he left a presence behind him on the approach. He outstretched his arm and half unsheathed his hidden blade towards the motion.
"Oh, so you're not lacking then….where is Saphera?" Zed growled under his breathed, only Shen..He was still a sly bastard when it came to sneaking up on him. Shen may not have mastered the dark arts, but suddenly appearing behind Zed was his forte.
"She said she was going to the bathroom. Thought you knew this?" Zed monotonically replied.
"She's been in there for a while.."
"Aren't most women?" Zed chuckled. That was a good one.
They both stared at eachother for a few seconds, then walked over to the bathroom. Zed leaned back against the wall adjacent to the door, crossing his arms. Shen stood in front and knocked with the knuckle of his index.
"Saphera? It's Shen, everything alright?" Shen spoke through the door quietly. The ninjas looked at each other again whilst they awaited a response. Time ticked by with no response. Okay, something isn't right. Zed pushed passed Shen and placed his palm on the door to push it open. It moved slightly before there was a 'clunk' and the door refused to move further.
"Shen, It's locked." There is no way someone else walked in. I was watching. Zed's instinct was telling him Saphera was in danger. He sighed deeply, remaining calm. He looked over to Shen, his desperate expression hidden due to the mask. "There is a window in this bathroom. Maybe you should go outside and look in to see."
"You want me to peep into the woman's bathroom Zed? Are you mad?" The two began to aggressively whisper back and forth.
"Well, you had no problem touching Saphera earlier." Shen raised his brow at the comment.
"Are you jealous?"
"Are you a pervert?" Zed bit back, narrowing his gaze. "Just go check to make sure the summoner is alright." Maybe if I speak about her objectively, I won't get as mad.
"Fine." Shen regained his composure and left to find a way around the ballroom to look into the window. He felt like such idiot. Why would Zed even say something like that? He should know Saphera is just a ploy in Jhin's possible game. It's impossible he'd leave someone knowing about his existence. As Shen made his way around the edge of the building, he picked up on the sound of a thud. The ninja quickened his pace and once he got around the corner he couldn't believe what he saw. A tall figure looking towards him, holding what looked like a gun. He had only seen such devices in Piltover. His gaze fixated on the barrel, but slowly, his eyes looked up to it's owner.
"Oh, I've missed you… dear friend." He chuckled, "Though I hate to leave art unfinished, this one is going to need more work...She's going to be fun.." He began backing away, keeping the weapon pointed at Shen. If he moved, he could die. This would be a true test of reflexes. He smiled down the barrel at the ninja, they both knew Shen wouldn't test himself against a bullet. He kept walking backwards. At this distance there is a higher chance he'd miss. Shen narrowed is glare and waited for the right time to charge. 5 more steps...four….three… The twilight blade strood toward as Jhin turned his back and began to bolt. Shen ran to the window, not even bothering to look for Saphera and yelled to Zed, who was still on the other side of the door.
"Break it down!" He yelled and began chasing after the madman.

Zed unsheathed his wrist blade and jammed it between the door and the frame. Sliding it down with force he broke the lock and barged the door wide open. He stopped dead in his spot. His blade hidden again. Oh no…
She wasn't moving. Saphera was led on her back, her pale hands placed across her waist, the left over the right. She can't be dead...she can't be. Zed took a slow steps forward, watching her chest for any movement. The closer he got, the more horrified he became. He knew Jhin was a twisted being, he forgotten what he was capable of. Saphera's hair was untied and redone, now braided to one side. There was blood...so much blood. It seemed to be coming from her head. It was smeared around, the pool that had gathered from a cut on the back off her head was used to paint a lotus on the floor around her head. He heard an exhale.
"Saphera..?" Zed was now stood near her lifeless body. Surely that blood loss would not cause her to bleed to death. Something wasn't right, her breathing was so slow. As if she was asleep. Maybe he had made her consume something. Zed dropped to his knees, picking up her hand and holding it. Suddenly he felt something familiar. His mind began to focus on a memory the shadow thought he had long repressed. Her hair, a braid...her hands on her stomach....her head bleeding…
Suddenly the memory of another death flooded his thoughts. Jhin had posed Saphera in the same way Zed found his mother dead when he was a child. He left Saphera alive...this was a message.
He heard an inhale.
With a deep, heavy sigh he looked away from her body. Raw emotion flooded him, the sight of her was triggering the memory of finding his parents dead all those years ago. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught something on the mirror. His eyes widened, written presumably in Saphera's blood in the mirror were the words,
'I'm back.'