Damian guided them through the lively ballroom with a calm confidence, his silver eyes carefully observing everything around him. Despite the tension he felt inside, he appeared completely composed.
The whispers of the guests faded as he passed by, and many turned their heads to watch him, but Damian ignored them.
Evelina walked closely beside him, her own graceful presence attracting attention, though she kept her expression neutral. Jasper followed a bit behind, moving quietly and deliberately, blending into the grandeur of the palace with his servant's demeanor.
As they exited the ballroom, the lively strains of the orchestra faded, replaced by the quieter hum of the palace corridors. The polished marble gleamed under the golden glow of sconces, and the distant echo of guards' boots created an undercurrent of unease.
Damian glanced back and spoke in a low but firm voice. "We'll take the eastern stairwell. Fewer guards that way."
