Luelle
Luelle stood in the living room, smoothing the fabric of her dress for what felt like the hundredth time. The soft lavender material shimmered faintly under the warm light of the lamp, perfectly fitted yet simple enough to feel like her. Aria's energetic insistence had guided the choice, and while Luelle had been skeptical at first, she had to admit it suited her.
The scent of incense and freshly brewed tea lingered in the air, her mother's usual calming atmosphere wrapping around the room like a familiar embrace. But tonight, the space felt different—charged with an odd mix of excitement and nervousness.
"You look beautiful," her mother said, stepping into the room. Her smile was warm, genuine, but her eyes carried the sharpness of someone who was always assessing, always calculating. Even now, in her role as a doting parent, her underlying purpose never fully disappeared.
Luelle offered a small smile in return, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Thanks."
There was a faint sound outside—car tires crunching on the driveway. Luelle glanced toward the window, catching the glow of headlights through the curtains. Devon was here.
Her mother followed her gaze and nodded approvingly. "I'll get the door. You finish up."
Luelle took one last look in the mirror, her mind flickering briefly to the events of the past year. It hadn't been easy—balancing school, her responsibilities, and the quiet vigilance she carried like a second skin. But the year was ending, and Ethan... Ethan was safe.
The thought settled heavily in her chest, a mix of relief and something unnameable. She shook it off, focusing instead on the moment ahead.
Devon stepped inside with a wide grin, his usual charm amplified by the polished look of his suit. He held a small corsage in his hand, its delicate white flowers tied together with a matching lavender ribbon.
"You look incredible," he said, his voice carrying a mix of admiration and sincerity.
Luelle smiled softly, taking the corsage as he held it out to her. "Thanks. You clean up pretty well yourself."
He chuckled. "Figured I'd make an effort for the biggest night of the year."
Before they could move toward the door, her mother appeared, camera in hand. "Don't move yet—you need a photo. Something to remember tonight."
Luelle felt a flicker of hesitation, but Devon's easy laugh put her at ease. "Sure, why not?"
They posed near the window, her mother giving instructions with practiced cheer. "A little closer—there, perfect. Smile."
The shutter clicked, capturing the moment. Luelle couldn't help but think how normal it all seemed, how ordinary. And yet, it felt far from ordinary to her.
Once the photo was taken, Devon opened the door and led the way to his car. The cool night air was a welcome change from the warmth of the house, brushing softly against her skin as they walked.
Devon unlocked the car and held the passenger door open for her. "Your chariot awaits."
Luelle chuckled lightly, sliding into the seat. As he started the engine, she glanced out the window, the faint glow of streetlights casting long shadows along the pavement.
"Excited for tonight?" Devon asked as he pulled out of the driveway.
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I think so. It's... hard to believe the year's almost over."
"Tell me about it," he said, turning onto the main road. "Feels like we were just starting, and now... it's all wrapping up. It's kind of crazy."
Luelle hummed softly in agreement, her thoughts drifting back to Ethan. He hadn't invited anyone to the ball, hadn't made any plans beyond finishing the year and heading to university. She wondered if he would even enjoy the night—if he'd let himself step into the moment, even for a little while.
The car fell into a comfortable silence as Devon drove, the faint sound of music playing through the speakers. Luelle found herself reflecting on how the year had passed without incident—without Ethan getting hurt, without the shadows that lingered around him ever fully breaking into the light.
She knew he carried something heavy, even if she didn't understand it completely. There was a part of him that always seemed slightly removed, watching rather than participating. And yet, she'd felt the quiet connection between them, even if it had never crossed the line into anything more.
"Hey," Devon said, pulling her out of her thoughts. "You okay?"
Luelle blinked, glancing at him briefly before nodding. "Yeah, just thinking. It's been a long year."
He smiled. "It has. But tonight's about forgetting all that, right? Just having fun. Making memories."
She returned his smile, letting his words settle. Maybe he was right. Maybe tonight was just about stepping away from the heaviness, letting herself exist in the moment.
The school hall came into view, its bright lights spilling out onto the parking lot. Cars were lined up, students milling about in pairs and groups, their laughter cutting through the night air.
Devon parked the car and turned to her, his smile unwavering. "Ready?"
Luelle nodded, taking a deep breath as she reached for the door handle. "Ready."
Luelle stepped out of the car, smoothing her dress as she stood under the bright glow of the parking lot lights. The warm buzz of laughter and chatter surrounded her, echoing from small groups of students already milling about near the entrance. The school hall loomed ahead, decorated for the evening, its glowing lights promising an atmosphere of celebration and nostalgia.
Devon joined her, offering her a reassuring smile as they walked toward the entrance. His excitement was contagious, evident in his quick steps and the ease with which he greeted every familiar face they passed.
As they approached the door, Luelle spotted Aria and James standing off to one side. Aria, as always, was animated, gesturing enthusiastically as she spoke to James. Her sparkling silver dress shimmered under the lights, perfectly coordinated with James's navy suit. They looked like a well-planned pair, their outfits working together seamlessly—the result of Aria's meticulous attention to detail.
Aria's gaze caught Luelle, and her face lit up instantly. "Luelle! Devon! Over here!"
Luelle gave a faint smile, stepping closer with Devon beside her. As they joined the pair, Aria's energy seemed to spill over into the group.
"You look amazing!" Aria exclaimed, her grin wide as her eyes swept over Luelle's dress. "The lavender—it's perfect! See, I told you it would look incredible."
Luelle chuckled softly. "You were right."
"And Devon," Aria continued, turning her attention to him. "Looking sharp! You two are making quite the entrance."
Devon laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, Aria. You and James aren't looking too bad yourselves."
Aria playfully nudged James. "What can I say? I handle the fashion, he handles the charm. It's a good balance."
James smirked but didn't comment, offering Luelle a friendly nod instead. "You ready for this? The whole school's going to be inside—it's already packed."
Devon chimed in, his enthusiasm shining through. "It's going to be a great night. Just what we need after exams."
As the four of them moved toward the entrance, Luelle found herself glancing around at the other students—at the familiar faces she'd passed in hallways all year. There was an energy in the air, a sense of finality mingled with celebration. It felt like the closing chapter of something significant.
Her thoughts drifted briefly to Ethan. She hadn't seen him yet, though she knew he would be here. He had to be. Aria would've ensured it.
The idea of seeing him tonight unsettled her more than she wanted to admit. The year had come to a quiet end, and though she didn't fully understand the depth of what he carried, she was keenly aware of its weight. Somehow, despite the lingering tension and the unspoken questions that surrounded him, Ethan had made it through the year unscathed.
And now, she stood on the cusp of a night that felt both exciting and unfamiliar, her steps steady but her thoughts scattered.
"Ready?" Devon asked, his voice pulling her back into the present as he offered her his arm.
Luelle hesitated briefly before nodding, looping her arm through his. "Ready."
With Aria and James leading the way, the four of them stepped into the hall together. The music spilled out to greet them, a vibrant melody laced with the hum of conversation and laughter. The room was alive with colour—streamers, lights, and elegant table arrangements filling the space with warmth and energy.
As they moved further inside, Luelle took it all in—the glittering decorations, the mix of people and emotions, the fleeting moments of connection.
And somewhere in the crowd, she knew Ethan was there too.
Ethan
Ethan lingered in the far corner of the hall, half-shielded by a cluster of decorations that provided just enough cover to watch without being noticed. The music swelled and ebbed around him, blending into the hum of chatter and laughter. He kept his hands tucked into his pockets, his posture deliberately casual, though his focus was anything but.
His eyes found her almost immediately.
She stepped into the hall with Devon at her side, her lavender dress catching the light with a subtle shimmer that seemed impossibly perfect against her skin. It wasn't just the dress, though—it was the way she wore it. Graceful but unpretentious, like she hadn't even realized how effortlessly she turned heads. Her hair, neatly styled with loose strands framing her face, softened her expression in a way that felt almost... ethereal.
Ethan's breath hitched, though he masked it with a slow inhale, forcing himself to stay composed. She had always carried a quiet elegance about her, a presence that demanded notice without ever trying to. Tonight, that presence was amplified, and Ethan couldn't look away.
Devon's grin was bright as he leaned closer to say something to her. Whatever it was, it made Luelle smile, just faintly, but enough to bring a warmth to her face that hit Ethan with a pang of something he refused to name. Devon looked... happy—uncomplicatedly, effortlessly happy.
Ethan turned his gaze briefly to the floor, his jaw tightening as he wrestled with the mix of emotions that settled in his chest. He'd known this would happen, had told himself over and over again that it was better this way. Safer. She was with someone who could offer her the kind of night she deserved, without the weight of the Dominion or the dangers that came with his name.
But knowing it didn't make it easier.
Watching her now, he felt the ache of everything he'd chosen to hold back. The unspoken connection between them, the quiet moments when her steady presence had anchored him in ways no one else could. And yet, for all his understanding of what she meant to him, he'd kept his distance.
Ethan's fingers curled into fists inside his pockets, not out of anger but out of restraint. It was his choice. His responsibility. If he let her get closer, she might end up hurt—not just emotionally, but in ways far worse than he could allow himself to imagine. He wouldn't forgive himself if she got pulled into a world she wasn't meant for.
And yet, as she moved further into the hall, her arm lightly linked with Devon's, a deeper part of him struggled with the reality. That this was it. That someone else would get to stand beside her tonight, make her laugh, share moments he could only watch from afar.
Ethan's gaze softened, lingering on her for just a moment longer before he turned his eyes elsewhere, forcing himself to blend back into the crowd. He had a role to play tonight, just like always. But the sight of her in lavender would stay with him, pressed into the corners of his thoughts, long after the music faded and the night came to an end.
Ethan's eyes followed Luelle throughout the evening, though he kept himself tucked into the shadows, never stepping forward. She danced with Devon, her movements graceful yet understated, her laughter occasional but genuine as Devon cracked jokes or spun her playfully. Ethan's chest tightened each time Devon drew her closer, the jealousy simmering just beneath the surface. He told himself it didn't matter—that this was what she deserved, a carefree night without complications—but the logic didn't ease the weight in his chest.
And then, in the middle of the night's revelry, Luelle stepped away. He saw her speak quietly to Devon, her polite smile in place, before she moved toward the double doors at the far end of the room. She slipped out into the cool night air, the soft lavender of her dress brushing against the doorway as she disappeared from view.
Ethan hesitated. He told himself to stay put, to let her have her space. But the pull to follow her, to step out of the noise and into the quiet where she stood, was too strong. Almost without thinking, he moved, his steps measured but purposeful as he slipped through the crowd and followed her into the night.