The ballroom's golden light caught the edges of Vivianne's green dress as she followed Evelina through the crowd, her eyes scanning every face, every shadow, every corner where a dark-haired mage might be hiding.
"He's not by the windows," she said.
"No."
"Or near the refreshment tables."
"I can see that."
"Then where—"
Evelina stopped walking.
Vivianne nearly collided with her, catching herself at the last moment. "Lady D'Arclight?"
"Look."
Evelina inclined her head toward a shadowed alcove near the far wall, half-hidden behind a marble pillar carved with dancing figures. The light from the chandeliers barely reached it, leaving its depths in a comfortable gloom.
And in that gloom, two figures stood close together.
One was tall, with broad shoulders and fiery hair that caught the faint light.
The other was smaller, slimmer, with hair the color of ash.
Kevin and Phoenix.
Vivianne's breath caught.
Evelina's lips curved.
"Interesting," she murmured.
