---
She hesitated, her gaze darting away. "That's... a conversation for another time. For now, just know that I value your presence here."
Dabi didn't trust her, but he nodded, deciding to let the matter rest for now.
He had more pressing concerns and this party might still hold the connections he needed.
Althea Illyrian said the main reason for inviting you into the party comes now.
Suddenly the hall room was cleared.
People just ask one other for a dance. A romantic music starts to play. Althea Illyrian ask Dabi for a dance.
Dabi says you are such a clever girl. You know very well how to change a conversation topic.
They started to dance with others young couples.
As the evening wore on, Dabi mingled cautiously, absorbing snippets of conversation and filing away potential leads.
The Illyrian estate was a nexus of influence, and though he still felt like an outsider, he couldn't deny the opportunity it presented.
