Selaphiel's invitation had spread across all of Ophris.
In the events that followed, nearly every inn in Pyrellis was booked solid. People had begun arriving weeks before the specified night, flooding the capital with an air of barely restrained excitement.
Security had to be tightened; brawls erupted sporadically in the streets like summer storms.
In a rare move, the Royal Family issued a decree, temporarily turning the city into a neutral zone, criminals and wanted men would not be hunted, so long as they did not break the peace.
This spoke volumes about the influence Selaphiel held in the Kingdom.
The ball was highly anticipated, and not without reason.
Lugh wasn't planning to attend. He only intended to watch, hidden from sight.
Just then, he heard a voice.
"...me? Can you believe it?"
Another voice answered, drier and less interested.
"With what you said to her, it shouldn't come as a surprise."
