Lucien and Blaise returned to the ballroom, music filling the air as couples swirled in graceful movements. Lucien discreetly concealed the makeshift stake he had crafted, ensuring it remained hidden from prying eyes. They scanned the room, their gazes darting from one face to another in search of any sign of Frederick.
Blaise, his enthusiasm waning, muttered, "He's probably already gone. Let's not waste our time." Lucien ignored this, and beckoned him to follow.
As they ventured deeper into the crowd, Lucien's attention was diverted by a hushed conversation that reached his ears.
"I can't find Amelia anywhere," one girl whispered, her eyes scanning the room anxiously.
"I saw her just a while ago near the refreshments," another girl chimed in. "But then she disappeared. I think I saw her go off with some guy."
The other girl giggled, but a third girl said, "That's not like her!"
