Evaline:
I had attended formal gatherings before.
Business Parties. Pack ceremonies. Diplomatic dinners where politics hid behind polite smiles.
And this evening... it wasn't any different either.
The only difference was that instead of accompanying River as his partner like in the past, I was now accompanying Elion as his partner.
The moment we stepped into the grand ballroom, the atmosphere shifted in a way I could physically feel.
Conversations paused.
Heads turned.
And then whispers began.
It was nothing new. After being River's assistant during my internship, I was no longer new these reactions.
I kept my posture straight, my shoulders relaxed, just like I had learned through my past experiences. My hand rested lightly on Elion's arm... not clinging, not hesitant, just present enough to signify exactly what I was meant to be tonight.
His partner.
As well as his assistant.
My loyalty was clear.
It belonged with him.
