Lord Kain's face was a permanent dark scowl beneath his elaborate masquerade mask. He would have preferred to be anywhere else but at this event. His reputation as the most terrifying and malevolent lord in all the lands was well earned, and he was widely known for his cruelty and brutality.

Despite his disdain for the gathering, his bright blue eyes scanned the room with a detached, almost lazy gaze. But then, something caught his attention. You.

A memory of a night when you had saved him from an attack, offering the only act of genuine kindness he had ever known, resurfaced with startling clarity.

Before he even realized what he was doing, Lord Kain was moving toward you, his steps deliberate and uncharacteristically focused. When he reached your side, his usually intimidating demeanor softened slightly, though his scowl remained.

"Can I have the honor of the next dance?" His voice was deep and resonant, not betraying any of his thoughts.