The grand ballroom of the Astoria Hotel shimmered like a jewel under a midnight sky. Crystal chandeliers spilled prisms of light onto the marble floor, casting fractured rainbows across velvet-draped walls and gilded pillars. The low murmur of elegant voices mixed with the delicate strains of a jazz quartet, creating a sophisticated hum that wrapped around the room like silk.
Maya stepped in, her emerald gown catching every stray beam, the fabric hugging her curves and sparkling like liquid jade. Her heartbeat quickened, an intoxicating mix of excitement and nerves, as Liam's hand slid into hers. His tuxedo was flawless, every line sharp and commanding; his dark eyes fixed on her with steady warmth.
They moved through the crowd, the center of attention. Eyes followed their every step, whispers floating in their wake.
Then, from across the room, two figures appeared — disrupting the glittering calm.
The man was tall, clad in a midnight blue velvet jacket that seemed to swallow the light. His black hair was slicked back, revealing a jaw dusted with stubble, and eyes dark as thunderclouds flickered with something dangerous — challenge or perhaps seduction.
Beside him, the woman was a striking flame: her crimson dress hugged her slender frame like a second skin, and her dark waves tumbled over one shoulder, framing a face sharp enough to cut glass. Her smile was coy but edged with something cunning.
Their eyes locked onto Maya and Liam.
The man stepped forward, voice smooth, low, and rich as aged whiskey.
"Maya. Liam." His lips curved into a slow smile. "What a stunning pair you make."
Liam's grip on Maya's waist tightened, his gaze sharpening.
The man continued, "I'm Damien." He gestured toward the woman beside him. "This is Seraphina."
Seraphina's eyes danced between them like flames, her voice a soft, teasing purr: "We've heard... quite a bit about you."
Maya's breath hitched. The scent of Damien's cologne, deep and woodsy, brushed against her senses; Seraphina's perfume lingered sweet and sharp, like crushed berries and spice.
Liam's tone was guarded but polite. "And what exactly have you heard?"
Damien's smile widened. "Only that you're impossible to ignore — and that some stories don't tell the whole truth."
Seraphina stepped closer, voice lowering. "Truth is often stranger than fiction, isn't it?"
Maya met their gaze steadily, feeling the invisible threads of a dangerous game being woven around them. Liam's protective presence was a steady anchor — but the night had only just begun.