Alaric stepped off the dance floor.
The silver-masked woman still smiling behind him. He'd gotten what he needed.
He released her hand. Bowed slightly.
"Thank you for the dance."
"The pleasure was mine." She lingered. Hopeful. "Perhaps another later?"
"Perhaps." His smile stayed charming. Empty underneath.
Then he moved away. Back into the crowd before she could press further.
His eyes scanned. The scanner still active in his vision. Names floating above heads.
Then he saw her.
A woman. Sitting alone near one of the side galleries. Away from the main crowd but still visible. Watching the dancers with detached interest.
Red mask. Her dress was elegant, deep wine color that matched the mask. Her dark amber hair pinned up.
[Countess Viviane]
The name appeared above her head.
Interesting.
She held a wine glass. Half-empty. Alaric grabbed two fresh glasses from a passing servant. Made his way toward her with easy confidence.
