Idle chatter and murmurs carried throughout the ballroom as Regina sipped at her champagne. It was most likely illegally imported since such drinks were prohibited about two years ago, but it was far preferable to the other option. She looked every bit the part of a vampire elite, carrying herself with poise and grace as she eyed the other guests.

Tonight, she was Ms. Valentina, a newer member of the society but eager to learn the ropes. It had taken years to establish herself as plausibly a vampire despite her utter disdain for them. The room was alive with fashionable color and the warm glow of chandeliers overhead. There was a subtle tang of copper, blood, in the air. No subtlety here, not when they believed themselves impervious to spies.

Soft piano notes melded with violins and horns as vampires mingled with humans dangling on leashes. The mere sight made her stomach churn, a mix of disgust and awareness of the danger she'd entered. Tonight was about connections and information. Rushing in would cost her life. In a room full of vampires, she was outnumbered several times over. Even if she wished to free those captive thralls, she couldn't do so just yet.

Taking a sip of her drink, she waved over a servant to set her glass down and request another. Anything to avoid drinking the crimson liquid most had chosen tonight. With a polite nod, she sauntered to the lounge chairs where others sat, watching vampires talk and trade human pets.

The leather booth creaked beneath her, causing two vampires to glance her way. Right, sensitive hearing. Her gaze drifted along the crowd as she crossed her legs and gave a quiet, appraising hum. Many spoke quietly but were heard by others. She'd have to be smart about gathering intel. Glancing toward the man beside her, she was about to speak before a familiar figure caught her eye.

Ah, the vampire whose heart she'd broken. What was she doing here, probably on vampire business...how rancid. Good thing she'd stamped out those budding feelings long ago. She was just a pawn in her game. Maybe this time she wouldn't miss her target. Brushing a lock of hair behind her ear, exposing a dangling earring, she made her way over.

With a charming smile, she murmured, "Well darling, it seems that you could make it to the party after all." The glass in her hand felt heavy as she recalled their last meeting. She'd tried to kill her then, and still intended to. A shame she couldn't right now though. Maybe the vampire knew something, but it'd be hard to get anything after...well, history. She eyed her, wondering how to coax information out and noting how put together she looked tonight in that outfit.

"Fancy yourself a glass?" Regina gestured to a nearby servant, the platters filled with enticing red lifeblood. She intended to play her cards well and keep them close to her chest.