The lights shifted again, softer now, casting a warm gold across the dance floor.
The music had picked up, something smoother, more playful. By then, the formality had eased out of everyone's shoulders. People were up. Moving.
Damon had barely made it back to his seat before he was tugged right back into the action.
Svetlana laughed as she turned to dance with her mother, Macey, who insisted she still had some rhythm left in her.
Damon, meanwhile, found himself face-to-face with Victor, who raised an eyebrow and held out a hand.
"You're not getting out of this," Victor said simply.
They danced, if only for a few steps, until Victor clapped him on the back and waved him off, joining Macey instead.
Ashley came next, cutting in on Damon mid-conversation. "I get one," she said, offering her hand.
He didn't argue.
They danced without saying much, just nods and the occasional smirk, but by the end of it, Ashley leaned in. "She's glowing, you know. You did good."
