The romantic, elegant melody filled the hall like a seductive whisper, flowing over the gold-adorned walls and mirrors. The violin wept sweet notes, intertwining with the deep chords of the piano, while the lights dimmed gradually, leaving only an ethereal glow over the center of the hall. Glenn and Lesley danced, immersed in the music and the golden half-light.
My steps were firm, guiding Lesley with precision, yet also with a care that bordered on devotion. Her dress twirled with each turn, sparkling like a living constellation under the flickering lights. The lady's soft perfume mingled with the faint incense in the air, creating an almost hypnotic haze around them.
But no matter how captivating the dance was, my mind wandered to another moment, to another woman. I remembered Selene's intensity, the way our bodies moved in perfect harmony, as if fate itself guided us. Her touch wasn't merely physical; it burned, claimed, seared into my soul with something impossible to ignore.
Unintentionally, my gaze lifted, seeking her on the raised throne. There she was—Selene, motionless, shrouded in shadows, her inscrutable eyes like an abyss. There was a weight to her presence, a silent dominance that pulled me away from reality.
It was only when I felt Lesley's gentle touch on my face, our foreheads connecting, the warmth of her body, her soft texture, that I returned to the present. Her eyes searched mine with a mix of sweetness and restrained pain.
"Glenn..." Lesley whispered, her voice soft as a breeze yet laden with an emotion I couldn't ignore. Her eyes, usually so confident, now shimmered with a vulnerability I'd never seen before. She hesitated for a moment, as if fighting her own words before letting them escape.
"Just for this moment… focus on me. I know I'm not… I'm not her. But here, now, I'm also a lady. And I… I deserve your attention, even if just for this dance." Her voice trembled slightly at the end, almost imperceptibly, but enough to make a knot form in my chest.
There was pain there—an insecurity she had never shown before. Lesley, always so strong, so imposing, now seemed small in my arms, as if afraid I would compare her to Selene and find her lacking.
Her words echoed in my mind, and something shifted in my posture. I let go of all distractions, my eyes locking onto hers. The connection between us deepened, as if the world around us had vanished.
Our movements grew more intimate, more synchronized—every step and turn conveying an energy that broke down Lesley's defenses. I pulled her closer, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. Her hand rested lightly on my shoulder while the other intertwined with mine. I held her gently, my hand firm on her waist—an intimate yet respectful touch.
I spun her with precision, making her dress flare like a blooming flower, and when she returned to my arms, our eyes met again.
There was something about this moment that stirred change, both within and without.
It was as if time had stopped, and only the two of us existed in that hall. Lesley felt warmth spread through her body—a mix of admiration, respect, understanding, and, deep down, a small flicker of desire. Who wouldn't want to feel desired? To feel important, revered in someone's eyes?
A woman like Lesley had a line of suitors at her door, waiting for their chance. She had been with others before, yet in the end, something had always been missing, that inner spark that changed everything.
The dance became a silent dialogue, where every touch, every glance sent shivers through those watching.
When the music ended, the hall erupted in applause. Glenn and Lesley remained for a moment, breathing deeply, still caught in that magical instant. But soon, other families approached the center of the hall, beginning their own dances.
Our connection was interrupted when, beside us, a cacophony of voices from eager young men and ladies surrounded us, begging for a dance.
As was customary, we bowed to each other and distributed dance opportunities to the waiting guests.
**
Seraphine still wore the same apathetic, unenthusiastic expression, but her cheeks were flushed, her pure white dress swayed through the hall, and her eyes betrayed surprise.
Trapped in a firm yet polite embrace, moving with clarity and respect, Glenn guided her in an angelic dance. His eyes, always fixed on hers, seemed to strip bare all her inner thoughts—and from time to time, she couldn't bear to meet those golden orbs, turning her head downward instead.
Her body temperature rose; the friction between them shattered some of her prejudices. She completely forgot about her defeat and, for a moment, felt as though she were being carried on clouds, all her personal troubles vanishing.
Unfortunately, the music came to an end, and for the first time, Seraphine felt cheated. It was as if her song had been far too short. The situation threatened to cloud her judgment—perhaps she could request a second dance—but to no avail.
Glenn stepped back politely, offering a slight bow.
"Lady Seraphine Lunaris, the honor was mine," he said courteously.
"Likewise, Young Master Glenn… might I—"
"Young Master Glenn, would you grant me the honor?" A feminine voice cut her off, and with forced politeness, Seraphine returned, sulking, to the table where her family sat.
Other young men asked her to dance, but she refused them all eagerly.
**
"Huu…" A soft, sensual sigh escaped as Glenn lifted his partner in a swift motion. "Young Master Glenn, I had no idea you were so skilled at dancing," Vex replied.
"It's nothing remarkable. Everything becomes simple when both parties know what they're doing."
Their dance, a fiery, bestial fox and her composed partner, drew eyes. At some point during the banquet, the slower melodies had given way to faster, more intoxicating rhythms, allowing for a dance of fluidity, closer contact, and displays of agility.
Vex was impressed by Glenn's ability to adapt effortlessly to any style.
Their bodies moved in a feverish rhythm, pressed together, following the music's heated cadence. Thighs brushed with every step, sliding in delicious friction that made skin prickle beneath thin fabric. Hands, guided as much by the dance as by latent desire, explored with subtle touches, fingers trailing along the curve of a spine, a firm grip at the waist, a daring graze against the neck when their faces drew near, so close their breaths mingled.
Vex felt the world around her dissolve, consumed by the growing heat between them. Every spin, every pause became an excuse to prolong the contact, to steal another second of this intoxicating tease, this silent game of control and surrender.
She was used to leading, to always holding the upper hand, yet here, she'd found a true match. A man who'd already charmed half the maidens in the hall, while the other half, though betrothed, couldn't hide their interest.
Her initial plan, to tease him until he was spellbound, had backfired spectacularly. Right now, she didn't even realize she was dancing in the palm of Glenn's hand. Her breath came in short gasps, her pulse raced, adrenaline spiked. The fur of her tail bristled, and a delirious glow lit her crimson eyes.
But it ended. The music slowed, signaling its finale. As the last notes faded, Glenn stepped back politely, bowing and complimenting her skill.
Yet her world had gone silent. She wanted more, another taste of this poison, another round of their intricate, provocative exchange. But it was futile. Another maiden swiftly claimed Glenn's attention, stealing her place.
With a dissatisfied huff, Vex retreated. This, she suspected, would be the consensus among all who danced with Glenn tonight: frustration that it ended too soon.
**
"Where does this magnetism come from?" Athena asked, her arms draped around Glenn's neck as they moved to a slow, romantic tune.
His golden eyes reflected her violet ones, sending shivers down her spine.
"I truly don't know. You humans are the experts at keeping secrets, you tell me!"
Glenn's arms tightened slightly around Athena's waist, and she flushed at the unexpected pull.
"Don't you think you're being forward with a chosen of the church?" she quipped, voice dripping with irony.
"If all the nuns in your religion were like you, I'm certain the church would've shut its doors by now," Glenn shot back, nodding pointedly at her scandalously provocative attire.
"Mleh…" Athena stuck out her tongue playfully.
"Seriously, though. Why do you think we feel the same… sensation?" she pressed, blunt.
"No idea!" Glenn replied cheerfully. "In case you forgot, I've only been 'awake' for forty-five days. And, I only accepted this dance assuming you'd have the answer!"
"Ah!" She gasped softly when Athena slyly yanked his hair with the hand behind his neck.
"Oh, please. As if you'd pass up dancing with the banquet's most beautiful girl after all those plain nobodies!"
"Hah! Forgot to mention how humble you are, too."
"Yes. Beautiful and humble."
"You're rebellious, but at least you're funny. That's something," Glenn murmured, guiding her smoothly across the floor. "Makes up for not knowing why we feel this… odd pull when we're together."
"Are you a masochist? Want another hair-pull? The Three Fates' nuns did say your kind is ruled by carnal desires," she teased.
"Haa…" Athena's breath hitched when Glenn pressed her closer, her chest flush against his firm torso.
"Of course. Spoken by the holiest of nuns, clad in pure, immaculate vestments," he shot back under his breath.
Their hypnotic dance drew stares, not for its sensuality, but for its familiarity. To onlookers, Glenn and Athena seemed like old friends. Their banter, their locked gazes, their effortless chemistry, all of it was too natural. Even the elven and dwarven delegations frowned in suspicion.
When the music ended, separating them, Athena was, like the others, pushed aside with unsatisfied reluctance, making way for the next maiden to throw herself into Glenn's arms.
**
Seated on her throne after hours of conversation with Elian, Kargath, Saerion, Baldur, and Angela, Selene finally stole a moment of quiet.
Her glowing eyes tracked one figure in particular, a man constantly swarmed by dance partners. A rare, genuine smile curved her lips as she watched him trade sarcastic barbs with a purple-haired, god-touched human.
Then her gaze flickered. A dangerous light, imperceptible and silent, gleamed within. None present would understand, but she knew what was happening.
And even with the answer in mind, her heart remained unsettled.
**
The night wore on without incident. After hours of dancing, the crowd dispersed to mingle, demon kingdom elites forging alliances, discussing trade, and solidifying power.
"Young Master, the secondary pavilion is prepared for the next generation's gathering," a black-armored soldier reported.
"Good. I'll go ahead. Escort all who wish to join."
"Understood!"
Soon, the realm's rising heirs, one by one, filtered out of the hall and into a more private space, reserved for their exchange.