Luna walked down the Great Hall. Everything seemed still.
Walking away from the children's area, she buried deep down what had happened there, the memory of it, she tossed aside.
She walked through the center of the hall, following the red carpet. For now, her curiosity had faded. Her unsteady breath began to settle as she inhaled... and exhaled.
Slowly, her saddened expression began to soften. The pain in her heart drifted away, tucked deep inside, where no one would see, for now.
She smiled.
Just like that, as if nothing had ever happened.
Luna walks forward, that same smile still on her face. It's not perfect—but it holds. She takes another breath, this one a little lighter. And somewhere along the way, the fake smile becomes a real one.
She chuckles softly, brushing off the moment like dust from her shoulder, and heads toward Aria and Nyx.
She spots Nyx and Aria across the hall, lost in quiet conversation. Nyx leans casually against the windowsill, arms crossed, while Aria stands beside him, mirroring his posture with a thoughtful expression.
A small smile tugs at Luna's lips—soft, a little shy. A faint blush warms her cheeks, not as bright as before, but real. Her eyes widen as joy suddenly overtakes her, and she bolts toward them.
They don't notice.
Not until the last second.
Nyx turns just in time to see her—
Whump!
She crashes straight into him, her arms wrapping tight around his waist.
"Pfff—!" he exhales sharply, his body folding slightly from the impact.
Laughter bubbles up around the hall. A few people glance over, amused. Some smile. A few chuckled.
Aria slaps a hand over her mouth, but it's too late—she bursts out laughing, unrestrained and full of warmth.
Luna with a happy squeal, she lets go of Nyx, immediately flinging her arms around Aria next. The two girls embrace, Aria still laughing breathlessly.
Nyx groans, rubbing the sore spot on his stomach. He turns to Luna, his expression softening. He raises a hand and gently ruffles her hair.
Luna freezes, surprised. Her eyes go wide—then slowly shift to neutral, and finally melt into a smile.
A soft laugh escapes her lips.
Above them, Aria notices movement—musicians setting up on the upper balconies of the Grand Hall. They gather on the podium where the acoustics are best, readying their instruments.
Aria's smile returns, this time brighter, playful. "Oh, it's about time." She turns to Luna, extending her hand. "Luna, wanna dance?"
Luna hesitates.
Her eyes flicker with fear, a touch of shame. But then she blinks it away, inhales deeply, and nods.
"Y-Y-Yes… why not!"
Aria chuckles and gives her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Good answer."
She tugs Luna gently toward the center of the hall. The crowd parts slightly for them, watching with quiet curiosity.
Left behind, Nyx watches them go. He exhales a long, quiet sigh and gives a small shrug.
"Happens," he mutters with a faint smirk.
Then he reaches for his cup resting by the windowsill, takes a sip, and leans back to watch them dance.
Aria tugged Luna forward, guiding her toward the center of the hall, just as the music was about to begin. She paused, taking Luna's second hand, and the two stood there for a moment, waiting, while the buzz of conversation swirled around them.
As the crowd slowly gathered, the air hummed with anticipation. The floor around them grew crowded, the chatter growing louder, but still, Aria and Luna stood at the heart of it all, the calm before the storm.
And then, the music began.
It swirled around them, light and playful, as Aria gently pulled Luna into the dance. Luna hesitated at first, her heart pounding in her chest, but Aria's warm smile helped ease the tension in her shoulders.
"Just follow my lead," Aria whispered softly, her hand warm against Luna's.
Luna nodded, taking a steadying breath as the waltz began. Her steps were uncertain at first, a bit stiff, but Aria moved with fluid grace, guiding Luna effortlessly. The world seemed to fade into a blur of white, the music wrapping around them like a soft embrace. Slowly, Luna found her rhythm, her feet moving in time with the beat.
As Aria twirled her, Luna's face lit up with a smile that grew more genuine with every step. For that fleeting moment, there was nothing but the music, the dance, and the warmth of Aria's hand in hers. The tension in Luna's body melted away, replaced by laughter, and for the first time in a long while, she felt light—free.
"This feels... nice," Luna whispered, her voice barely audible over the music.
Aria's grin was wide, her eyes sparkling with joy. "You're doing great."
They danced on, the waltz carrying them through the hall, the rest of the world fading into the background. Aria and Luna were swallowed by the magic of the moment, alone in their dance. Luna glanced up at Aria, her eyes tracing her features with quiet admiration. She watched as Aria moved effortlessly, her eyes closed in focus, her smile never faltering.
Luna's worries were forgotten, brushed aside with each graceful step. She was lost in the music, enjoying every moment.
As Aria spun her again, the white world around them slowly faded back into reality. The crowd cheered and clapped, their applause a distant echo to the girls.
Aria gasped for air, her chest rising and falling with laughter. She looked at Luna, her face bright with happiness. "How's that? Did you enjoy it?"
Luna, mesmerized, could only manage a smile and a soft, "Yeah…"
Aria chuckled, then twirled Luna once more, stopping halfway through the spin. The world spun with her. When she came to a stop, she gently led Luna back toward Nyx.
"Want to dance with Luna?" Aria teased, nudging Nyx. "She'll enjoy this."
Nyx, his eyes glazed from too much champagne, shook his head. "No, too much champagne," he mumbled with a faint, dazed grin.
Luna chuckled, and Aria joined in, their laughter ringing through the hall.
As the dance came to an end, a cool breeze swept through the open window, sending a raven's feather fluttering between Aria and Nyx, landing softly on Luna's head.
Aria burst out laughing, unable to contain herself. Nyx, trying to keep his composure, covered his mouth, stifling his own laughter.
The moment was simple, but perfect—a bit of misfortune turned into pure joy, shared between Family.