The soiree was in full swing, the music thrumming through the air as richly-dressed nobles and schemers alike mingled under chandeliers that casted shimmering, decadent light across the hall.

The prodigal of Bhaal kept to the edge of the ballroom, watching with veiled suspicion as Gortash worked the crowd, exchanging barbed compliments and polished smiles with his guests. They'd tried to avoid catching his eye, hoping that he might be too preoccupied to notice them lingering in the shadows.

But Gortash was never one to miss and opportunity.