With her head buzzing and her heart racing, Torie knew she had two choices; retreat and lose whatever it was she had with Anthony over something she had not at all wanted to happen, or chase him down and beg him to listen to her.

She had never been one to back down.

His legs were much longer than hers, and he had a head start, but Torie had a sneaking suspicion she knew where he might be headed, if he hadn't apparated himself straight out of the party altogether. Cold night air stung her skin and lungs as she opened the nearest doors to the balcony leading down to the garden, but she would not be deterred by the chill. Torie was supposed to be made of stronger stuff, even if she has just been reduced to a teary mess with what had just happened to Basil. She had never been made to feel so uncomfortable or unheard in her entire life. She had been warned about such situations before her debut, which clearly was why ladies were not supposed to be alone with gentlemen, but this was Basil.

Torie had to clear her mind of those unresolved feelings for the moment, as she caught a moving figure out of the corner of her eye. Turning that way she hissed, "Anthony? Please, I need to speak with you." Her tone was pleading, near hysterical, even if she didn't want it to be. He had to know she wanted no part of that, just how... unsavory it had felt. Wrong, even.

It was him, she realized with renewed panic and urgency, "I need to explain, please." She added as she moved toward him.