The ceremony seemed to go on forever, a monotonous procession of young nobles stepping forward to greet one another, their voices blending into a dull murmur. Damian barely noticed them, his thoughts elsewhere. His sharp gaze had been fixed on Gabriel since the attendant approached him, whispering the summons that led him out of the ballroom.
Maximilian, standing to his right, shifted slightly, leaning in just enough to say, "You are staring."
Damian did not react, maintaining a composed expression as Gabriel's dark silhouette vanished through the discreet corridor leading to the private balcony.
"He is not going to vanish into thin air," Max said, amused. "Though, judging by your expression, one might assume you believe otherwise."
Astana remained silent on Damian's left, but there was a faint shift in his stance, indicating an acknowledgement of Max's words. Christian, still engrossed in the grandeur of the ceremony, paid no attention to their quiet conversation.
