Proserpina

I moved away. A man in a formal black suit, obviously a manager, entered and informed Lucien that the guests had arrived.

I turned to Lucien in some confusion," Are you giving a party? Why?"

But he was already sweeping me out into the main banquet hall: despite his bad leg, trying to keep pace with him while I was in my revealing gown and unfamiliar stilettos, took an effort that effectively silenced me.

When we entered the hall, I recoiled, only Lucien's firm hand tugging me forward stopped me from bolting. It was a crowded place, full of people, the sound of loud conversations, music, the fragrance of...