Chapter 37: Watch Your Mouth

Kara led Byron into the ballroom. The hall blazed with light. A massive crystal chandelier spilled a galaxy's worth of glitter, as if a skyful of stars had come to roost overhead. Plush red carpet softened every step, and ornate murals adorned the walls.  Power players from every field mingled in clusters. The men wore razor-cut suits and carried themselves like movie stars. The women in their sumptuous gowns moved with effortless grace. They chatted in easy circles, laughter rising and falling,...