Flam lounged against a marble pillar, tail flicking lazily as the gala glittered around him. Crystal chandeliers blazed overhead while nobles traded polished smiles and whispered rumors. He sipped a drink he'd shamelessly borrowed from a passing waiter, looking entirely at home somewhere he absolutely wasn't invited.

Rules had never interested him much. Scanning the crowd, his gaze landed on a poised figure moving through the ballroom with effortless authority. Flam grinned.

“Well, well,” he murmured, raising his glass in a mock salute. “Looks like the night's finally gotten interesting.”

He stayed in the shadows, watching, amused. After all, every gala needed entertainment—and Flam was always happy to provide it.