The room is dimly lit, illuminated only by a string of fairy lights draped along the wall. Posters of constellations and starry skies are tacked up next to shelves overflowing with books and trinkets. Naomi sits cross-legged on her bed, humming softly as she sketches in her journal. (doorbell rings) Naomi pauses, her pencil hovering over the page. She glances at the clock—9:14 PM.
NAOMI (softly to herself) Who’s stopping by this late?
She places her journal down and heads to the door. Her cheerful demeanor shifts to curiosity as she opens it to find… no one. Naomi looks down and sees a black envelope with gold trim lying on the doormat. She picks it up, turning it over in her hands.
NAOMI (confused) What is this?
She notices her name written in flowing, golden script. Her brow furrows as she tears the envelope open and pulls out an elegant invitation card. CLOSE-UP: THE INVITATION An intricate masquerade mask design is embossed in gold foil. The text reads: "You are cordially invited to the Royale Masquerade. Dress your best and prepare for an unforgettable night. 11 PM sharp. Address provided below."
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NAOMI (reading, amused) “Unforgettable night,” huh? Sounds like some over-the-top party
. INT. NAOMI’S CLOSET – NIGHT
Naomi rifles through her clothes, pulling out a sleek, shimmering navy-blue dress adorned with tiny, silver specks resembling stars. She holds it up in front of her mirror.
NAOMI (smiling) Perfect. Starry Minstrel, reporting for duty. I wonder who sent that invite. Must’ve cost a fortune to make something this fancy. (she then walks outside)The sound of a car pulling up outside breaks the silence. Naomi peers through the curtains and sees a sleek, black car waiting at the curb. Its windows are tinted so dark she can’t see inside.
NAOMI (to herself) Well, that’s not creepy at all. Grabbing her small silver clutch, she steps outside and cautiously approaches the car. The driver’s side window rolls down slightly, revealing a man in a dark chauffeur’s uniform. His face is obscured by shadows.
CHAUFFEUR (flatly) Miss Sanders?
NAOMI (hesitant) Uh… yeah, that’s me.
CHAUFFEUR Your presence is expected. The camera lingers on Naomi’s face as the faint glimmer of excitement in her eyes shifts to unease. Outside, the scenery begins to change—the lights growing dimmer, the streets narrowing, and shadows creeping across the windows. The scene fades as the car disappears into the night, heading toward the masquerade.
