After a few more exchanges, the Lunarias blended into the crowd with ease, guests flowing around them like water around pillars. Penelope, however, returned, her gown swishing softly as she came back to Jayden's side.

The moment she saw the tightness in his shoulders, her brow lifted beneath the mask. "Are you alright?"

Jayden forced a calm breath, masking the turmoil within. "Yeah. Just… a bit tired from all the dancing." he said. He thought about asking Penelope about the woman and who she was, but he decided to leave it for another time.

Penelope chuckled, her eyes glimmering with amusement. "The best way to cure your fatigue is…more dancing."

Jayden barked a laugh, shaking his head. "You're joking."

She tilted her head, still smirking. "Do I look like I'm joking?"

Before he could protest, she grabbed his hand and tugged him back toward the floor. "Come on, little wolf."

He groaned loudly in complaint, but let her drag him anyway.

As they found their place among the dancers once more, she caught his expression… a mixture of reluctance and exasperation. Her voice softened as she leaned close. "Sorry. I just… need to stay busy. Otherwise, half the lunatics in this hall will try their luck at courting me tonight." she giggled.

Jayden blinked, then gave a small, understanding smile. "Ah. So I'm your shield, huh?"

Her grin widened, and she spun beneath his arm. "Exactly. And don't worry. I'll reward you later." she winked.

Jayden raised a brow, smirking behind his mask. "Now you've got my attention."

Their laughter mingled with the music as they danced again, flames and wolf moving together beneath the chandelier light, every step sealing their partnership deeper before the watching eyes of the masquerade.

The music swelled again, filling the grand hall with the rise and fall of violins and deep cellos. Jayden and Penelope moved gracefully among the dancers, their rhythm steady, their bodies attuned. For a time, the world around them melted away… the gilded chandeliers, the sea of masked aristocrats, the flicker of candle flames.

But then, something shifted.

Jayden noticed it in Penelope first, the slight pause in her step, the way her flame-bright gaze wavered. It was as though she was searching for something.. or someone.

And eventually, she found him: the silver-haired man from earlier, Lord Lunaria. He stood across the spinning blur of dancers and glittering gowns, his amber eyes had found Penelope.

Their gazes locked.

For several, lingering seconds, neither looked away. His stare was steady, unreadable, carved from stone yet heavy with something unsaid. Penelope's lips pressed into a thin line, her mask unable to hide the faint exhale that escaped her. Then, slowly, the man turned and broke away, striding toward one of the towering archways that led into an outer corridor. His presence was so commanding that, even as he exited, heads turned subtly to track him.

Penelope's breath eased out again, softer this time, but with the weight of decision behind it. She turned back to Jayden, her hand still in his. "Jayden," she said quietly, her voice layered with something almost uncharacteristic restraint. "Excuse me. There's something important I need to take care of."

Jayden tilted his head. "Important?"

"Yes." She gave him a measured look, then allowed her playful smile to slip back into place, like a mask over steel. "Wait for me. Pour yourself a drink, find a good corner, and whatever you do…" her smirk sharpened, "don't let any woman steal you away while I'm gone."

Jayden chuckled, letting her hand slip from his. "I'll try not to cause trouble in your absence." he said, deciding not to pry further.

Penelope smiled warmly, as she turned away. Her gown flared behind her like a flame as she slipped into the direction Lord Lunaria had vanished.

Jayden exhaled, scratching the back of his neck, before weaving through the dancers and nobles until he found himself at a long mahogany table near the side of the room. Crystal decanters gleamed, filled with rich wines, fruit blends, and sparkling liquors. He reached for one, pouring himself a tall glass of fruit wine.

Lifting it to his lips, he took a slow sip. The flavor burst over his tongue, sweet and sharp all at once. His eyes closed briefly, and a low, satisfied hum slipped out of him. "Hmm… that's good," he muttered under his breath.

The glass emptied far too quickly. With one last swallow, he set it back down on the table, the faintest warmth in his chest. He turned, ready to drift back toward the dance floor, maybe catch Penelope's trail—when a voice cut into him from behind.

"A wolf's mask, huh? That's pretty daring… for someone of your nature."

Jayden froze. His body locked, his hand hovering mid-motion above the decanter. That voice… smooth, edged with sly amusement, yet unmistakable. His eyes widened as a pulse of shock ran through him.

"No. It couldn't be." he thought.

Slowly, almost mechanically, he turned.

And there she was.

The silver-haired woman from earlier. The phantom mask covered half her face, but her lips.. those curved, knowing lips, were drawn into a sly smile. Her amber eyes glimmered like molten gold, burning with recognition.

Jayden's chest tightened. His mouth went dry. He wasn't in awe of her beauty or her aura, though both were undeniable. No, it was the voice. That tone, those inflections, the rhythm of her words. A voice burned into his memory, one that had once guided him, teased him, saved him from himself.

His throat worked as he spoke, his voice low, almost disbelieving. "Miss Kate…?"

The woman's smirk deepened, blooming into a smile as sharp as it was warm. She stepped closer, the air around her humming with poise. "Hello, Jayden."

She passed him with the grace of someone who owned the room, her gown swishing softly at her heels, and reached for the decanter. Pouring herself a glass, she lifted it delicately, taking a slow, deliberate sip before turning her face back to him.

Her amber eyes glowed faintly, pinning him where he stood. "It's good to see you again."