Ivan's Fury
The music was approaching its final notes, the elegant rhythm slowing. Yet, the man never once broke his gaze from her, his eyes holding hers with a steady intensity every time they faced each other.
As the final notes of the music faded, Natalie, realizing she was running out of time, mumbled under her breath, "Justin?"
In that precise moment, the man gracefully twirled her away, sending her into a series of elegant spins. By the time she stopped, the music had ended, and when she looked back to find him, he had vanished.
The lights in the hall flashed on, momentarily blinding her as she squinted toward the exit. The mysterious man and his entourage were already making their way out.
She decided to follow him, but as Emcee announced, other couples flooded the centre of the hall and the music started.