The cab stopped in front of Atish Shah's villa, set back from the road. The long curved driveway slowed every arrival before the wide entrance opened into a high-ceilinged hall.
Raven stepped out in a forest-green, ankle-length dress. The collar ran straight down to her waist, while the back fell into a soft A-line. The right lapel was a shade darker, almost black under the light, the pockets blending into the sides. A phone charm looped around her wrist like a small hand purse. It was enough.
The noise reached her before she stepped inside.
The living room looked more like a ballroom, with a giant chandelier hanging at its centre. Familiar and unfamiliar faces moved through the space. No one approached her, but the shift of glances and low whispers made it clear she wasn't invisible.
Whispers were loud enough to reach her. Atish Shah was by the pool, surrounded by some models he invited. Raven understood and didn't even bother to go and greet the host.
