[Leif's POV—Rainbow Fashion Show, Thorenvald Garden—Evening—Continuation]
I scanned the crowd for Alvar, but he was nowhere to be seen. My stomach knotted slightly—where is he?
"Leif…" my father's voice cut through my thoughts, calm but firm. "You should start the event. People are waiting."
I straightened, lifting my chin. "Yes, Father," I replied, my voice smooth and confident.
The music swelled, strings and brass intertwining like molten gold, and the spotlights danced across the silver ramp. Nobles murmured in excitement, their eyes gleaming under the lantern light. I stepped onto the stage, champagne glass in hand, moving with the poise of someone who had already won.
I raised my glass slightly, smiling faintly, and began.
"Ladies and gentlemen," my voice carried easily over the chatter, firm and polished. "Welcome to the first-ever Rainbow Fashion Show. Tonight, you will witness designs that celebrate color, light, and the brilliance of Trivium Core Stones."
