[Serpent Queen] Isabella attends another of Carlos' party

Isabella stood before the mirror in her bedroom, her reflection framed by soft, golden light. She was getting ready for the party, eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to let loose, to indulge in the kind of hedonism that her station never allowed. She examined herself, gazing upon her own body with a mixture of pride and self-consciousness.

For her second night in Carlos' lair, she was more prepared, having ditched the conventional dress one might expect at a masquerade ball. Instead she chose a series of jeweled gold chains, looping around her thighs, encircling her breasts, before ending in a choker around her neck. It covered nothing, revealed everything, but that was the point. Anything she wore would have came off anyway, so she might as well look good with nothing on. In the mirror her olive skin glowed, and her dark eyes were full of anticipation. Her hair was tied back into a tight ponytail, revealing her sharp jawline and accentuating the chains she wore.

She looked down at her near naked body, the chains gleaming in the light, and she felt a sense of power. She was the Presidente, but tonight, she was something else entirely. She was a woman, free to explore her desires, free to indulge in the carnal pleasures that Carlos had promised. She could feel the heat building within her, a slow, simmering fire that she was eager to unleash. Shaking her head at her body's weakness, she put on a simple cloak that covered her well and her jade mask, before hurrying out of the door.

The scene at Carlos Silva’s estate was a portrait of unrestrained decadence. As Isabella's car pulled up to the sprawling villa, the familiar terracotta roofs and creamy stucco walls coming into view, she saw that the whole building was alive with pulsating energy. Golden lights spilled from every arched window and door, casting a warm glow over the perfectly manicured gardens that stretched out like a labyrinth below. The air was thick with the mingling scents of jasmine, citrus, and something heavier—an unmistakable blend of perfume, sweat, and ****.

As she stepped out of the car, the chains around her body jingled, announcing her arrival. The butler at the door hurried over to greet her before ushering her into a hidden entrance to the side of the building, but along the way Isabella caught a glimpse of what was happening inside.

Carlos had transformed the estate into a temple of hedonism. Every corner of the grounds seemed designed to entice, to indulge, and to overwhelm. The grand central courtyard had been converted into a dance floor, its intricate mosaic tiles now obscured by the swaying forms of masked guests. A live orchestra perched on an elevated stage played a hauntingly beautiful tango, the notes curling through the air like smoke. Different music pulsed through the rooms within, the beats matching the rhythm of the bodies that moved against each other in various states of undress. Isabella could feel the energy of the place, the raw, unbridled passion that filled the air.

Carlos had outdone himself, she thought.

She was led to a study, the room empty except for a solitary figure lounging in an armchair, a crystal glass of amber liquid in his hand. It was Carlos Silva, the very man who had orchestrated this night of debauchery.

“Ah, Isabella. Welcome back to my little corner of paradise. I'm so glad to see you,” he said, his voice smooth and rich like honey. He was in his element, and his eyes, dark and intense, swept over her body, looking thoroughly disappointed at her cloak. “I must say, your attire is quite... conservative, considering the festivities. But I'm sure we can help you relax and enjoy yourself more fully, hmm?”

“Don't be silly, Carlos. I know what I came here for." Isabella shot back, untying the knot and allowing her cloak to fall off her shoulders, revealing the intricate network of gold chains that adorned her body. She smirked as Carlos' eyes widened in surprise and appreciation.

Carlos let out a low whistle, his eyes roaming over her form with a predatory gleam. "Now that's more like it," he said, his voice low and seductive. "I knew you'd come around to our way of thinking. We're all about embracing the finer things in life here—wine, music, art, and, of course, the most exquisite form of art: the human body." He sipped his drink, clearly enjoying the effect her appearance was having on him.

But Isabella was not one to be intimidated. She walked towards Carlos, her hips swaying, the chains on her body creating a musical accompaniment to her every move. "I'm not here to play games, Carlos," she said, her voice strong and steady. "I'm here to indulge, to experience everything you have to offer. So why am I here talking to you, instead of joining the party?" She looked at him with a daring smile, her dark eyes gleaming with a challenge.

Carlos couldn't help but chuckle at her boldness, his admiration for her growing. "You're a **** to be reckoned with, Isabella," he said, setting his glass down and standing up to join her. "Very well, let's not waste any more time. I've arranged for a new present tonight, one that I think you will appreciate."

He reached for the table, drawing her gaze to a large box, beautifully detailed and decorated with a sparkling diamond the size of a lime. He opened the box with a flourish, revealing what was inside.