The ballroom shimmered like a dream painted in gold.
Silk banners fluttered gently overhead, embroidered with stars and vines that glowed faintly under spell-light. Strings of magical lanterns floated across the high ceiling like soft fireflies, casting a warm hue over marble floors polished so perfectly, Evelisse could see her own nervous reflection in them.
Guests streamed into the room in waves—nobles in elaborate gowns, foreign dignitaries in embroidered robes, warriors polished to perfection. Musicians played a lilting waltz from the corner stage. Somewhere, a tower of candied fruits exploded into flame because the Royal Mage's apprentice tried to "improve" it with a sparkle spell.
