Sophia's partner, a charming but forgettable young man named Lord Thomas, smiled blandly as he twirled her across the dance floor. But Sophia's attention was elsewhere, her eyes scanning the crowded ballroom for a glimpse of the mysterious stranger.
Who was he? And what did he want?
As the music drew to a close, Sophia's partner bowed low over her hand. "May I have the pleasure of the next dance, my dear?" he asked, his voice dripping with insincerity.
Sophia forced a smile, her eyes still scanning the room. "I'm afraid I need a moment to refresh myself," she said, her voice cool.
Lord Thomas's face fell, but he quickly recovered. "Of course, my dear. I shall await your return."
As Sophia made her way through the crowds, she felt a shiver run down her spine. She was being watched, and she knew exactly who was doing the watching.
She stepped out into the cool night air, her eyes scanning the shadows for a glimpse of the stranger. The moon was full overhead, casting an eerie glow over the gardens.
Sophia's heart was racing as she walked along the winding paths, her senses on high alert. She could feel eyes upon her, boring into her skin.
And then, suddenly, he was there.
Valentin emerged from the darkness, his eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intensity. Sophia's heart skipped a beat as he approached her, his movements fluid and predatory.
"You're following me," Sophia accused, trying to keep her voice steady.
Valentin smiled, his lips curling up in a sly, cruel smile. "Perhaps," he said, his voice low and husky. "Or perhaps I'm just interested in getting to know you better."
Sophia's eyes narrowed. "I don't think that's a good idea," she said, trying to sound firm.
But Valentin just laughed, the sound sending shivers down her spine. "Oh, I think it's a wonderful idea," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.
As Sophia gazed up at him, she felt a sense of trepidation. There was something about Valentin that seemed to warn her away, something that seemed to whisper danger in her ear.
But Sophia was not one to shy away from danger. She was drawn to it, like a moth to a flame.
And Valentin, with his piercing eyes and cruel smile, was the most dangerous thing of all...