The gala was being held at the most beautiful estate August had ever seen. The driveway was lit with hundreds of lights and trimmed with thousands of flowers. The door was manned by the best-dressed and most well-mannered staff he had ever had the pleasure to meet. They took over for the driver to open the door of the limo and usher him via umbrella cover to the entrance way where they showed him inside, seeming to know already that he was supposed to be there. A good thing, really, because Doren had left with the invitation and August had strong doubts Doren would have told anyone to expect him.
The foyer was immense and immaculate, the stairs teeming with guests, and after a few quick directions from a couple of smiling waiters, August walked into the hall set up as ballroom. Tables wer
