Asher decided that the ballroom was too crowded for likings. Alice was lost among the guests.

She was a social butterfly unlike him. Being around so many people tired him out, especially when masked.

He understood that anonymity was the main aim of the masquerade ball but still. He hated it. He wished to be home in bed to rest.

For a fleeting moment, without understanding why, he thought of his wife. He recalled grandfather telling him that Zahra was a quiet person. Alive was truly not.

“Hey handsome,” a voice startled Asher out of his thoughts. He frowned looking around.

A cat meowed. Asher huffed out a laugh. For...