"Where is she now?"
Alaric wove between clusters of guests. His eyes scanning. Looking for brown hair and a gold mask.
He angled toward the refreshment area.
Then—
Stopped.
There.
Delphine stood near the wine table. Her posture... loose. Too loose.
She swayed ever so slightly. One hand wrapped around a goblet that tilted at a dangerous angle.
Her brown hair had come partially undone from its pins. A few rebellious strands framing her flushed face.
And beside her, leaning in with that particular predatory amusement, stood a young man.
Blue and silver mask. Expensive clothes. Noble or wealthy merchant. Hard to tell.
His hand hovered near Delphine's elbow. Not touching. Not yet. But close enough that the intention was crystal clear.
Delphine laughed at something he said. Too loud. Unguarded. Nearly sloshed wine over the rim of her goblet.
The young man's smile widened. Satisfied.
Alaric's jaw tightened beneath his mask.
How much did she drink?
