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“What was Ryrik saying?”
“He came from the ballroom and reported that Jocelyn wasn’t seen there. Come on, let’s get her off of our minds and head down for a dance.”
I trotted along with him as people moved out of our way. We ventured deeper into the casino, turning a corner around a pillar where the full scope of my work was displayed in all of its magnificence.
All of my sprays and their various colors jumped out in a kaleidoscopic exhibition. They hung from wall to wall, their vibrance complemented by shining holo balls that floated beneath the ceiling. Each time they bounced off of each other, they changed color.
The ceiling itself was illuminated as a photographic effect of space. Galaxies and nebulas moved ever so slowly. It was as if the casino was a planet drifting across the universe, and we were looking out a giant window.
As humble as I had always been, I felt almost too confident when I saw guests stop and marvel, pointing in awe at my work. A burst of music caught my attention as I glanced at the ballroom floor. It was full of guests that moved back and forth to the music, which came from a live band settled on a raised platform.
“I love the look on your face,” commented Draven. “Cherish the way you’re feeling. After tonight, there will be no doubt of your skill as a florist.”
We walked together toward the floor, keen for a dance. My eyes subconsciously ran along the crowd of guests that stood on the sidelines.
Just then, the sight of a woman in an ornate feathered mask stood forward. I stopped in place, a sense of looming dread coming over me as the woman stared blankly. She wasn’t painfully near, but I could tell she was looking right at me.
“Draven!” I called, pulling him by the arm.
“What is it?” he asked.
I looked up at him with fear in my eyes, clinging to him for dear life.
“I think I saw Jocelyn!”
“Where?”
I turned back to where I saw her, pointing in that general direction until I saw she was no longer there.
“I swear I saw her just a second ago…”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive,” I told him as a shiver ran up my spine. I glanced around nervously, feeling as though a thousand pairs of eyes were looking down on me from above. “Never mind. Maybe it was someone else.”
Draven gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Tell me if you see anything suspicious.”
I stuck to his side like glue as we made our way onto the ballroom floor. I took a deep breath, collecting my thoughts as Draven wrapped his arms around my waist.
“Remember how we danced yesterday?”
I nodded, looking around as I did so.
“Hey, focus on me. Everything is under control.”
“I’ll try.”
Just then, the crowd around us shouted in an uproar of joy as a loud bell rang out. I screamed and dug my nails into Draven’s arms. He grunted in pain.
“Celestia, help me!” I exclaimed.
“Elara, it’s okay! That bell sounds when someone has won the golden jackpot.”
“Damn it… Sorry, I’m just on edge.”
“It’s all right,” he said, kissing me on the forehead. “Put your head on my chest and listen to the beating of my heart. Close your eyes and relax.”
