A Dance That Unravels Secrets and Stirs Jealousy

Arvanya's POV:

Esme's voice snapped me back to reality, pulling my attention away from Lucian and back to our group. Nova and Finn excused themselves after a brief chat, leaving the three of us standing together. Esme crossed her arms and muttered, "Looks like I was right. Every higher-ranking person here seems to be associated with fire elementals. It's like we don't even exist to them."

I placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "We don't need their attention to have fun. We can enjoy ourselves just fine."

As we continued talking, a sudden movement caught my eye, and I turned to see Ryker and Zane approaching us. To my surprise, they weren't alone. Walking alongside them was none other than Lucian, the so-called Dark Prince.

Esme and Calen froze in place, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief. Ryker flashed a charming smile. "Hi, guys. Mind if we join you?"

I tugged gently on Esme's arm, breaking her out of her stunned silence. She quickly composed herself, offering a polite nod. "Sure."

I kept a polite smile on my face, though my heart was racing. Zane was the first to speak, his tone light and teasing. "You know, Aria, you're the most beautiful girl in this entire hall."

I laughed softly, shaking my head. "There are so many amazing-looking girls here tonight. I'm sure plenty outshine me."

Ryker leaned in slightly, his smile widening. "No, we mean it. You're breathtaking, and no one here can compare." His words were sincere, but there was a mischievous glint in his eyes as he added, "You can ask Lucian if you don't believe us."

At that, my gaze instinctively flicked to Lucian. Ryker turned to him expectantly, clearly enjoying the moment. Lucian's eyes narrowed slightly at Ryker, a faint glare directed his way, but after a brief pause, he gave a curt nod. His deep voice cut through the air, firm and certain. "He's right."

The shock was palpable. Esme and Calen looked like they'd forgotten how to breathe. Even Ryker raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by Lucian's agreement. As for me, I felt my stomach flip. Lucian's words had left me utterly speechless.

Zane and Ryker exchanged smug smiles, like they’d just won some silent competition. Then Zane turned to Esme, his grin widening. “You’re looking great tonight too, Esme. Didn’t want you feeling left out.”

Esme blinked, clearly startled. “Uh… thanks,” she stammered, her cheeks turning pink.

Before the moment could sink in, Celeste appeared. Her golden dress shimmered under the lights, clinging tightly to her figure, the deep neckline daringly low, as if meant to draw every eye to her. It was a look only someone like her could pull off—bold, provocative, and undeniably attention-grabbing.

Her presence commanded the room, and as my eyes met hers, I caught a fleeting glimpse of something sharp and cold in her gaze—a look meant only for me. I didn’t flinch, even as she smoothed her expression into a syrupy smile.

She then turned to Lucian, her voice softening as she spoke, "I was looking for you everywhere," the sweetness in her tone barely hiding her underlying frustration.

Ryker, leaning casually against the wall, didn’t miss a beat. “Everywhere? Guess you missed the part where he was trying to avoid you.” His words cut sharper than a blade, the smirk on his face daring anyone to challenge him.

A ripple of laughter spread through the group, though everyone tried to stifle it. Celeste’s smile faltered, and her sharp glare was now fully directed at Ryker. But as usual, he remained unfazed, his expression as smug and relaxed as ever.

“Well, Aria,” she said, her voice dripping with condescension, “you’re not looking bad tonight. For once.”

Her words stung, but I refused to let it show. Around us, the atmosphere grew taut. Lucian stiffened beside her, his jaw tightening as his sharp gaze flicked between us. Zane and Ryker’s earlier amusement faded, replaced by visible discomfort.

I smirked, meeting Celeste's gaze. “Well, Celeste,” I replied coolly, “it’s nice to see you finally recognize something good when it’s right in front of you.”

The tension hung in the air for a moment before it broke—Zane and Ryker both failed to suppress their laughter, their shoulders shaking as they tried to hold it back. Celeste shot them an icy glare, but her frustration only made it worse. Lucian’s eyes glinted with amusement, and I could almost hear his silent chuckle as he watched the scene unfold.

“Lucian, let’s go,” She said suddenly, slipping her arm through his like she owned him. “I want you to meet my father. He’s here now.” She barely glanced at him before tugging him toward the other side of the room, her expression triumphant as she looked back at me.

My chest tightened as I watched Lucian let her lead him away. He didn’t resist, though his movements were stiff and reluctant. My gaze lingered, catching how close she stayed to him, practically glued to his side. It shouldn’t have bothered me this much, but it did. It always did.

“Why does she always have to show up at the worst time?” Zane muttered, breaking the silence.

Ryker sighed, his voice heavy with frustration. “It’s like she’s got a radar for ruining the mood.”

I tried to pull my attention away from Lucian, but my eyes betrayed me. I found him again across the room, now standing with Celeste and a man I assumed was her father. Celeste leaned in close, her smile radiant, her hand brushing his arm. He looked tense, his usual self-assured posture replaced by something more strained.

Then, as if sensing my gaze, he glanced back. For the briefest moment, our eyes met. The noise of the room faded away, and all I could focus on was him. His expression softened, something flickering there—regret, maybe? Pain? I wasn’t sure.

But just as quickly, it was gone. Celeste said something to him, and his attention snapped back to her, leaving me standing there with an ache in my chest I didn’t fully understand.

The air buzzed with excitement as the gala unfolded, students and faculty mingling beneath the grandeur of the moment. But amidst the chatter, something tugged at me—a lingering unease I couldn’t quite shake.

Curiosity got the better of me. “I thought parents weren’t allowed to attend these events,” I said, glancing toward Zane. “Why is Celeste’s father here?”

Zane smirked knowingly. “Because her father, Lord Edric Valemont, isn’t just any parent. He’s a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Kaelroia and—get this—he’s the Head of Authority for Vortex Academy. Every major decision about the academy passes through him.”

His words hit me like a bolt of lightning. My chest tightened as a strange unease curled in my stomach. Something about that revelation didn’t sit right with me, though I couldn’t explain why. Before I could dwell on it, a commanding voice echoed from the stage.

“Students, faculty, and esteemed members of the academy,” Lord Valemont’s voice boomed through the microphone, his tone smooth and confident. The room fell silent, every head turning toward the regal figure standing tall on the stage.

His sharp eyes scanned the crowd as he continued, his words deliberate and measured. “It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to tonight’s celebration. In a place where unity and excellence define us, it is crucial to recognize the bonds we share, bonds that go beyond the walls of this academy.”

He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words settle. With a gracious smile, he added, “And now, my friends, let us enjoy this evening in the spirit of joy and camaraderie. May the music and dance that follow serve as a reminder of the strength we draw from each other.”

With a final nod, Lord Valemont stepped back, signaling the start of the festivities. The crowd erupted in applause, their clapping echoing through the hall as he moved away from the microphone.

The lights dimmed slightly, casting a soft glow over the room, and the music swelled, its melodious rhythm filling the air. Slowly, couples began making their way to the center of the floor, their movements graceful as the celebration came alive.

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I watched as Lucian and Celeste stepped into the spotlight, joining the other dancers. Celeste beamed, her golden gown shimmering as she moved with practiced grace. Lucian’s expression was calm, unreadable, but as the dance progressed, his eyes found mine. For a fleeting moment, something flickered there—an emotion I couldn’t quite decipher. It was intense, raw, and it made my breath hitch.

“Aria,” Ryker’s voice gently interrupted my thoughts, drawing me back to the present. His tone was smooth, almost like a quiet invitation. “Would you honor me with a dance?”

I opened my mouth to refuse, but before I could, Esme and Calen chimed in excitedly. “Come on, Aria! It’ll be fun,” Esme said, practically bouncing with energy.

With a small, reluctant smile, I nodded. “Alright, fine.”

Ryker grinned, offering his hand, which I accepted. He led me to the dance floor, where we joined Esme and Calen, who were already moving with fluid grace. The music enveloped us, and I tried to focus on the rhythm, on the moment, but my thoughts kept drifting. Ryker was an excellent dancer, light on his feet, but I couldn’t help but feel a set of eyes burning into us.

Glancing over Ryker’s shoulder, I saw Lucian, his jaw tight and his gaze dark as he watched us from across the room. He was dancing with Celeste, but his attention was completely fixed on me and Ryker. It wasn’t anger—it was something deeper, something conflicted. My heart raced, but I quickly looked away, forcing myself to focus on the steps, though the weight of Lucian’s gaze lingered, unsettling me.

The music shifted into a slower, more intimate melody, and the choreography required the male dancers to change partners. Ryker caught my gaze, smirking mischievously as he spun me around, releasing me into another’s hands. The world tilted for a moment before I found myself face-to-face with Lucian.

His hand settled on my waist, firm yet gentle, while his other hand caught mine. The heat of his touch sent an electric jolt coursing through me, a spark that lit every nerve in my body. I froze, my breath catching in my throat as my heart hammered against my ribs. I knew what it was—the undeniable pull of our mating bond—but the intensity of it still caught me off guard.

Lucian’s reaction was immediate. His grip faltered slightly, his eyes widening in shock as if he’d felt it too but couldn’t comprehend why. For a moment, we stood there, the world around us fading into a blur.

He recovered quickly, his expression slipping into something unreadable, but I saw the questions swirling in his eyes. He didn’t know. He couldn’t know.

“You alright?” His voice was low, almost hesitant, as if he wasn’t sure what to make of what had just happened.

I nodded stiffly, unable to trust my voice. The music swirled around us, but all I could feel was him—his hand on my waist, the heat of his touch, the faint scent of pine and smoke that always seemed to linger around him.

As we danced, the world around us faded away. The glittering chandeliers, the swaying couples, the soft murmurs of the crowd—all of it blurred into a distant haze. It was just me and him, caught in the rhythm of the music and the fluidity of our movements. His hand guided me effortlessly, his touch firm yet gentle, and for a moment, it felt as though we were perfectly in sync, as if we had done this a thousand times before.

The song wove its spell, each note pulling us deeper into the moment. My body moved instinctively, following his lead, and I couldn’t help but notice the intensity in his eyes—eyes that seemed to see right through me. The connection between us was undeniable, palpable, and it sent shivers down my spine. It wasn’t just a dance; it was something deeper, something unspoken but impossible to ignore.

By the time the song reached its final notes, my heart was pounding, my breaths shallow. As the last chord hung in the air, we stilled, our gazes locked, and reality came rushing back like a tidal wave.

The room, once blurred and forgotten, snapped back into focus. My eyes darted to the crowd around us, and my stomach sank. Every single person was staring at us. Esme and Calen’s mouths were slightly open, their wide eyes filled with disbelief. Zane and Ryker, on the other hand, wore matching mischievous smirks, their gazes darting between me and Lucian as if they’d just witnessed something scandalous.

And then, my eyes landed on Celeste.

Her glare was a dagger, sharp and unyielding. If looks could kill, I was certain I would’ve dropped dead on the spot. Her eyes burned with rage and something else—possessiveness, maybe—and her lips pressed into a thin, unforgiving line. The air between us crackled with her hostility, and I could practically feel her fury radiating across the room.

Lucian stepped back, releasing me, and the absence of his touch felt like a physical loss. My heart was still racing, my mind spinning from the intensity of the moment. I nodded stiffly, unable to trust my voice, and turned my gaze away from him, desperate to steady myself.

As we descended from the dance floor, the spell of the music began to fade, but the lingering heat of his touch and the connection we’d shared remained. I could feel the weight of the bond pressing heavily between us, and for a fleeting moment, I dared to imagine—what if? What if he knew the truth? What if he felt it too?

But then I saw Celeste. She was moving toward him with purposeful strides, her anger unmistakable, her eyes blazing with fury. Her focus was entirely on Lucian, but the sting of her hostility reached me, sharp and unrelenting. Whatever this was between me and him, it couldn’t be. Not here. Not now.

I forced myself to breathe, to shake off the lingering emotions. The music had resumed, and couples swayed back onto the floor as if nothing had happened. Yet, I couldn’t ignore the way some still stared, whispering among themselves, or the way Esme and Calen’s wide eyes followed me as I approached them.

When I finally reached them, Esme grabbed my arm, her grip firm but full of excitement. “Aria, what was that?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper but brimming with awe. “You and Lucian... I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Calen was equally stunned, his brows raised. “Yeah, you two looked... incredible out there,” he said, glancing back toward the floor. “You both look like you’re made for each other. Even Zane and Ryker couldn’t hide their shock. Did you see their faces?

I swallowed hard, trying to compose myself. “It was just a dance,” I said, my voice quieter than I intended. “Nothing more.”

Esme gave me a skeptical look, clearly unconvinced. “That wasn’t just a dance, Aria. You two were... electric.”

I shook my head, trying to dismiss her words even as my thoughts betrayed me. Deep down, I couldn’t deny what I’d felt in Lucian’s arms—the spark, the connection, the undeniable pull. It was something I couldn’t explain, something I wasn’t sure I wanted to admit, even to myself.

Before I could say anything more, I glanced back toward Lucian. Celeste had reached him, her hand curling possessively around his arm as she leaned in to speak. Whatever she was saying, he didn’t look at her—his eyes, cold and unreadable, flicked once in my direction before returning to the floor.

I tore my gaze away, unwilling to dwell on it. Whatever this was, it was better left unsaid. I turned back to Esme and Calen, forcing a small smile. “Let’s just enjoy the rest of the night, okay?”

But even as the words left my mouth, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted, something I wasn’t ready to face. The air felt heavier, the weight of the unspoken hanging between us.

Amidst all the things happening in the gala, I had completely forgotten about the forest and the dark mystery it concealed. The thought of those students who had been abducted and kept in that strange, hidden place haunted me again. I knew I had to uncover the truth, and for that, I needed to venture into the forest.

After a few minutes of aimless standing, I forced a weak smile as I turned to Esme and Calen. "I’m not feeling well," I said softly. "I think I’ll head back to the dormitory."

Esme's face immediately filled with concern. "What? No, I’ll come with you," she said, reaching for my arm. "If you’re not okay—"

I shook my head, freeing myself gently from her grasp. "Esme, it’s fine. Really. You and Calen should stay and enjoy the gala. This doesn’t happen often—don’t let me ruin your night."

"But—"

"Esme," I interrupted, keeping my voice firm but kind. "Please. I just need some air and quiet. I’ll be fine."

She hesitated, exchanging a worried glance with Calen, who nodded at her reassuringly. Finally, she relented, though the worry in her tone didn’t diminish. "Alright," she said. "But if you need anything anything, call me, okay?"

"I will," I promised, my heart squeezing with gratitude for her concern, even as my need to leave overwhelmed me.

After a few more reluctant arguments, they let me go. I turned toward the exit, the cool night air beckoning me. But before stepping outside, I glanced back, my gaze instinctively searching for Lucian. My breath caught when I found him. He was standing with Celeste, Zane, and Ryker. Celeste was talking animatedly, her hand resting on his arm, her stance possessive.

But Lucian wasn’t paying attention to her—his expression was distant, as if his mind was somewhere far away. For a fleeting moment, I thought his eyes shifted in my direction. I quickly looked away, unsure if I could bear what might—or might not—be there.

As I neared the exit, a voice called out softly, stopping me in my tracks.

"Nyra... I'm waiting for you."

The air around me seemed to still, the hum of voices and music fading. My heart pounded as I froze, scanning the room for the source of the voice. It wasn’t my name. Nyra. But the sound of it stirred something deep inside me, something unfamiliar and yet achingly familiar. My breath hitched as the voice came again, weaving through the room like a whisper carried on the wind.

"Nyra... come."

It was stronger this time, and my gaze was drawn toward the large window overlooking the dark forest beyond the academy grounds. My chest tightened as I stared at the swaying treetops under the moonlit sky. The voice was coming from there—I could feel it. A strange pull gripped me, urging me toward the forest.

I had heard that voice in my dream last night, soft and haunting, calling to me as if from the depths of another life. But this wasn’t a dream—this was real. The same voice, clearer now, was reaching for me, breaking through the barriers of reality. My feet moved on their own, carrying me toward the window. My heart raced, confusion and dread intertwining with the undeniable sense of familiarity.

Who was calling me? And why did the name, Nyra, feel like it belonged to me, even though I’d never heard it before?

I took a hesitant step toward the window, the world around me blurring, my focus locked on the dark expanse beyond. My heart thundered in my chest, and a deep ache settled in my core, as though the voice was tied to a part of me I had long forgotten.

"Aria!"

Esme’s panicked voice broke through my trance, shattering the pull of the voice. I turned sharply, finding her hurrying toward me, concern etched on her face. Behind her, Lucian was weaving through the crowd, his expression sharp and alarmed, his piercing eyes locked on me.

Before I could react, something hard struck me from behind. The force of the impact sent me stumbling forward, my arms flailing for balance. I collided with the window, the cold glass shattering beneath the weight of my body. For one terrifying moment, I was suspended, weightless, as air rushed past me and the world spun.

Before everything went dark, I heard the voice again, louder now, resonating in my very bones.

"We will meet soon.... Nyra"