Dominique asked, his voice laced with false concern. "Are you okay? You look a little... flushed."
Nicolas said, his voice slightly slurred. "I'm fine. Just a little tired."
Dominique tilted his head, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. "Tired? At your own party? That's a shame. All that effort, and you can't even enjoy it."
Nicolas shook his head again, the motion slow and unsteady. "Let's go. I want to show you something."
Dominique tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "Show me something? How intriguing. Is it a secret room? A hidden treasure? A collection of bad decisions? I do love a good mystery."
Nicolas didn't answer. He was already walking, his steps unsteady, his hand gripping the wall for support.
Dominique followed, his eyes half-lidded, his movements slow and exaggerated. He swayed slightly, letting his smile become loose and unfocused. He looked like a man who had drunk too much, a perfect mask for his razor-sharp awareness.
