02-28-2024, 02:43 AM
The conversation continued. Nikolai found himself talking more and more with Scion and Konstantin, though he was aware that he would soon depart to speak with others of the aristocracy. However, he was lingering because he knew the hosts of the ball would soon make their opening remarks, and when they did, everyone would see that the Ascendancy was close by.
As such, a waitress was summoned to pass flutes of cold champagne, her demeanor professional and tray expertly balanced. Nikolai did not intend to indulge, but he would hold a glass anyway. He would even raise it at the appropriate moment in toast to the Vasilievs.
Nikolai turned to accept the glass that would serve only as a symbol of support, but he was suddenly struck with surprise. The appearance of the waitress struck him with the force of a revelation. She bore an uncanny resemblance to the woman who had been haunting his dreams lately, her features almost identical, a mirror image of the past. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the ambient noise of the party fading into a distant echo. The dissonance of the moment was unpleasant. He had only one other bizarre encounter with dreams come to life, and it did not escape his attention that the man responsible was also here tonight.
He studied her face, quickly picking up on slightly different details than memory imparted. The resemblance was uncanny – the curve of her jaw, the way her hair framed her face, even the slight tilt of her head as she waited for their response. They could be sisters.
Ever the charismatic leader, even the Ascendancy graciously acknowledged the receipt of the glass. “Thank you,” he said and promptly turned his attention back to Scion, the oddity of the moment put to the back of his mind.
As such, a waitress was summoned to pass flutes of cold champagne, her demeanor professional and tray expertly balanced. Nikolai did not intend to indulge, but he would hold a glass anyway. He would even raise it at the appropriate moment in toast to the Vasilievs.
Nikolai turned to accept the glass that would serve only as a symbol of support, but he was suddenly struck with surprise. The appearance of the waitress struck him with the force of a revelation. She bore an uncanny resemblance to the woman who had been haunting his dreams lately, her features almost identical, a mirror image of the past. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the ambient noise of the party fading into a distant echo. The dissonance of the moment was unpleasant. He had only one other bizarre encounter with dreams come to life, and it did not escape his attention that the man responsible was also here tonight.
He studied her face, quickly picking up on slightly different details than memory imparted. The resemblance was uncanny – the curve of her jaw, the way her hair framed her face, even the slight tilt of her head as she waited for their response. They could be sisters.
Ever the charismatic leader, even the Ascendancy graciously acknowledged the receipt of the glass. “Thank you,” he said and promptly turned his attention back to Scion, the oddity of the moment put to the back of his mind.