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The painting held a great deal of red, though Teresa thought the shade had a dangerous similarity to the wine gown clinging to her slim figure. The gold specks in the grass and tree bark complimented her jewelry, reminding her to rewrite the code of her wardrobe once she'd leave the gala.
"France 1812," a young woman with bright pink hair stood next to Teresa, holding a glass of pinot grigio in hand. Her gown was a soft cream, same as the waves in the water.
"Duchess," Teresa greeted, still hating on the painting.
The girl leaned her back up against the side table made of mahogany, "Senator."
"Any progress?" Teresa took a sip of her champagne.
"Well," the girl downed the rest of her glass. "Saint Sebastian was a bust but I heard some clans at the White Rabbit mention it."
Teresa turned around, setting their glasses on the table, "Andromeda, I know you're trying your best but this is about more than just you now."
"It's Star," she corrected, her eyes wide. "And I get it, Tessa. I really do, but it's not like I can just unlink from everyone whenever I want."
Teresa met eyes with several of her guests, giving them slight smiles. She grabbed her drink, "The code is secured, it has to be on the lower half of the map just ... try the Hall again? Alright, the diadem is the only thing that can help me write the proper rootkit."
Star opened her mouth to speak but Teresa was already on her feet and headed to the podium by then.
Teresa placed her empty glass on a waiter's tray and grabbed another on her way up the stairs in front of the chatty crowd. Tapping her nail against the glass, she grabbed the crowds' attention.
All of them were in black tie attire. The ceiling of the ballroom had been masked with a constellation allusion, mimicking the windows, though those were real.
"I would like to thank you all for joining me on this very pressing matter, since this is the only place we could all meet exclusively," Teresa spoke into the mic. "I'm sure you all have heard the news that I have stepped down as CEO of AvraSystems, ironically enough, due to the recent disappearances of consciousness with some of our players. I would like to note that does not, in any way, mean I am not doing everything I can to correct my mistakes and poor judgement. I would like to thank you all for being brave enough not only to continue participating in this experience but also being the first to board the USS Titanic. Thank you and enjoy your stay."
Teresa was greeted with a wave of applause from the audience. She smiled, gave waves and made her way down the steps and walked into the nearest bathroom, locking to the door behind her.
She was always able to control her anxieties and emotions but downing the rest of her champagne she began to wail in silence, crouching on the floor, yearning to hug something or someone. Teresa had never had an attack like that before, tears and trembles of the skins rushing into her mind all at once, like a switch had been flicked and the silent wails of her absent voice cried for help.
