Riven stood in a corner of his parents' spacious living room. He was wearing a three-piece serge suit, clutching a glass of wine, and observing the activities of the day. The high ceilings are adorned with ornate balloons. The party was underway. The stewards, in all white dresses, bore golden trays and obsequious smiles. Expensive wine sparkled in tall glasses, and the twinkling silvery chandeliers’ light reflected the glitter of jewelry on many of the female guests' hands and necks. ...