conversation blending softly beneath orchestral notes drifting gracefully through the air. Elysion's we

us, admiring, cautious. Respect and envy mingled, subtle yet palpable. This was his natural environ

finally, h

of place yet mesmerizing. The midnight silk gown hugged her gentle curves, contrasting beautifully again

ng in a way he hadn't anticipated. Her quiet beauty radiated inn

ved toward her. An instinctive

dictability. Instead, Ariadne Kyros was something

erously

cold, calculating. Selene Drakos stood silently, silver gown shimmering faintly, eyes

or the first time, Theon wasn't

ting from unseen instruments. Ariadne stood near a marble pillar, half-hidden in shadow, clutching a crystal flute she hadn't dared

d that belonged

housand tiny chandeliers suspended like droplets of stardust overhead. Ariadne drew a careful breath, reminding herself that sh

instant she'd stepped into this world of

ice beside her, smooth as velvet with a hi

t skipped briefly as she found herself

s frame. Jet-black hair fell casually yet perfectly into place above those emerald eyes, their intensity oddly disconcerting,

s staring dir

omposure quickly. She raised her chi

Or maybe it's just the company." His lips curved

, polite but guarded. "It's my first ni

ve." His voice held a fai

on't l

olerate it. But liking something mean

axed a fraction, intrigued despite her

. "And what exactl

"I'm guessing you've never had to tolerate m

epening, a challenge accepted. "Careful, Ari

es keep things

iadne felt her pulse quicken, aware that the man before her posed a danger not just to her peace o

ng their silent standoff. Ariadne felt the subtle sh

apped around a steel blade. Silver hair styled meticulously, blue

reeted calmly, ex

y to Ariadne, measuring her with a look so sub

swered, polite yet firm

missive. "Ah, from Thalassa. Interesting. Ely

," Theon interjected smoothl

subtly. "Talent or pe

t the implication. "If you have question

"Research? Oh, I think we both know

Theon warn

ng, Theon. I'm sure we'll speak again." She glided away

ully. "She doesn't li

ition," Theon replied, h

eyes directly. "What'

fully, thoughtful.

distance between them, regaining her composure. But his hand, warm and

was low, urgent. "

again, breath quick

feel heat radiating softly through the thin silk

whispered, her voice betraying the ner

darkening with something primal. "You're fa

e shook slightly, betraying e

ist, a caress so subtle it ignited nerves

y, breaking the intimate moment. "We're fro

ice was soft, compelling. "Ma

ly, trying to regain control of th

ep telling yourself that, Ariadne. But yo

ions suddenly raw and

g fiercely in her chest. Theon Ariston was more dangerous than she'

ipped quietly toward a nearby corridor, unaware of t

ent Ariadne Kyros from disr

hidden passageways, danger followed clo