Varen helped me regain my composure, waiting patiently until the cool night breeze had swept away the heat from my tear-streaked cheeks. Only then did he gently guide me back to the ballroom.
"Come on, there's someone you need to meet," he said with a grin, tugging me toward a cluster of men engaged in conversation over champagne.
"Prince Varen! A pleasure, as always," one of them greeted warmly, extending a hand.
Varen accepted the handshake with a polite smile. "Mr. Renfield, it's good to finally see you again. It’s been too long."
Mr. Renfield was a striking man in his forties, with neatly styled brown hair and piercing brown eyes. His black tuxedo fit him perfectly, exuding an air of refinement and authority. His movements were deliberate, reminiscent of characters from old British
