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Ch 11: The first real Dance

Author: Riareads
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-06-27 08:57:43

The crowd parted subtly as we entered, a practiced ripple of curiosity and protocol. Faces turned and champagne glasses lowered.

Near the centre of the room, by the marble hearth, stood Lord Elric Storm. His presence commanding even in his stillness. He was speaking to a cluster of men in tailored black, but his gaze shifted the moment we stepped into the light.

"Son," he said with a clipped nod, then turned to me. "Clara."

I dipped in a careful curtsey. "My Lord."

He took a step forward and offered a rare, approving smile. "You look the part, both of you."

I wasn't sure what that part was, but I accepted the compliment with a graceful tilt of my head.

Lord Storm clasped Darrell's shoulders briefly. "You've cleaned up well boy. Almost convinced me you enjoy this things."

Darrell's mouth twitched. "Let's not push our luck."

Then Lord Storm turned to me again, his eyes scanning the room before resting back on mine. This reception is tastefully balanced and not overdone."

"Thank you," I
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