Ethan exhaled quietly after a moment, before he turned toward Hayley. "We'll figure it out later," he said in a low voice. "Stay calm for now."
Hayley's eyes were still glowing. She didn't respond immediately, but after a second or so, she gave a reluctant nod.
At that moment, the atmosphere of the hall began to change.
Conversations tapered off as Heads turned towards the descending figure of Lady Audrey Desdemona.
She walked down the grand staircase at the far end of the hall, with her hand sliding down on the polished banister railing. Each step was measure and unhurried.
Her gown was an elegant shade of green, flowing down her frame. The neckline was high, the sleeves long and fitted, and a delicate silver brooch rested just above her heart.
Her hair was swept back into an intricate arrangement, pinned in place with care. There was not a single strand out of place.
