Masquerade Party

At six feet seven inches tall and approximately two hundred fifty pounds, Samael presented an imposing figure when he walked into a room. His physical stature may be impressive, but his demeanor is the opposite. The shy, some might say, reclusive personality that he developed as a young boy followed him into manhood. His favorite job was crunching numbers in a quiet one man back office of a fiduciary firm. He was always polite, greeting his fellow workers with a “good morning” or “good afternoon” as he walked to the back of the office where his little hideaway was located, but never tried to engage in conversations.

Lily, a petite young lady with a bubbly personality, decided it was her purpose in life to drag Samael out of his shell. Every day during morning break, she would show up at Samael’s office with a pastry and coffee. At first, he would politely refuse her attempts at socializing, but her persistence eventually broke through his wall of solitude. They would spend the fifteen minute break discussing what they did the night before, their favorite books, and places they hoped to visit one day. The conversation was usually one sided, with Lily doing most of the talking. Secretly, Samael thoroughly enjoyed her visits, but he had difficulty expressing it. That part of his brain simply didn’t function that way.

One late October morning, Lily sprinted through his door perkier than usual. Samael greeted her with his usual stilted, “Good morning, Lily,” but he knew something was up. With no preamble, she excitedly told him about the office Halloween masquerade party, and she wanted him to be her date. Samael’s immediate, blunt response was, “No,” then softened it with, “Thank you for asking me,” and went back to his number crunching. Not willing to take no for an answer, Lily persisted. She explained that everyone would have a date and if he didn’t go with her, she would have to stay home alone and heartbroken. He may project a reclusive façade, but inside was a warm and caring person who cradled a soft spot for Lily. It only took one tear sliding down her rosy cheek for him to agree to go.

The office was abuzz with conversations about costumes, with no one revealing who they would attend as. Party organizers challenged everyone to wear a disguise that would completely hide their identity. The last person to remain unidentified would win a cash prize. Lily couldn’t contain her excitement as she told everyone who would listen that she and Samael would attend the party as a couple. Her co-workers were stunned to learn that she actually convinced the reclusive giant to attend. Some jokingly suggested that the only costume that Samael might fit into would be Frankenstein’s Monster. Some laughed at the remark and said Lily could attend as his bride. She smiled and responded that the office may be in for a big surprise.

Time passed quickly as everyone enthusiastically worked on their costumes. Although everyone was outwardly anticipating the party, no one shared who or what they were coming as. Finally, the big night arrived. There was an abundance of ghosts, Dracula’s, werewolves, and witches. The only people missing were Lily and Samael. A tall, shapely, dark-haired woman with runes tattooed over much of her body glided into the middle of the room as if on cue. With all eyes on her, she unfurled her midnight black wings and glared ominously at the room. The party goers didn’t move, frozen with fear.

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“My name is Lilith, Adam’s first wife, Queen of all demons. I have been masquerading among you as Lily while learning your true natures. It is my place to assist my consort in determining who is worthy and who should be damned. Now you shall meet the real Samael, Angel of Death and destroyer of sinners.”

The doorway immediately filled with a massive figure partially clad in body armor. His fingers resembled eagle talons. His black wings pressed tightly against his back. The most terrifying part of this creature are his eyes. They glowed red like hot embers. When he spoke, his baritone voice penetrated the party goers’ souls.

“You have known me as Samael, the reclusive giant. I was sent here by my master to observe and judge all of you. Lilith has been my invaluable assistant. We have the power to see beyond the people you are masquerading to be and into the real you. Tonight, we will unmask you all.

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