As Rhain led Daisy onto the dance floor and Tiberius did the same with Helena, the atmosphere of the ballroom subtly began to change. The laughter and chatter of the crowd became less pronounced, receding into the background, and the music from the orchestra changed to a slower, darker rhythm as if it were echoing the very pulse of the night. The twinkling lights dimmed ever so slightly, casting long, eerie shadows that danced along the polished floors and ornate walls. It was as though the time had changed from morning to evening, perhaps even night, bringing intimacy into the moment.
The air grew colder, and even the scent in the room seemed to change. There was a strange, intoxicating fragrance now—a blend of night-blooming flowers and something else she couldn't place.
