When Eloise finally left the room, she headed towards the venue of the party within the sprawling mansion. As she descended the grand staircase, each step seemed to carry her further into the heart of the celebration. The sounds of laughter and music drifted up to greet her, mingling with the fragrant scent of flowers and the soft glow of candlelight that bathed the ornate surroundings in a warm, inviting glow.
But beneath the facade of merriment and revelry, Eloise sensed a tension lurking beneath the surface, a quiet undercurrent of unease that pulsed through the room like a heartbeat. It was a subtle shift in the atmosphere, imperceptible to most, but keenly felt by Eloise as she made her way through the throng of guests.
As she mingled with the crowd, exchanging polite pleasantries a
