SERAPHINA'S POV
I had never danced like this before.
Not at any debutante ball. Not during etiquette class. Not even in the privacy of my own kitchen.
Lucian moved with effortless grace, his hand firm but not controlling against my waist, guiding me with the kind of assurance that made me feel like I could do anything—so long as I let go and followed his lead.
I wasn't even aware of my feet anymore—just the warmth in his eyes and the comfort in his smile.
The music flowed through me, and for once, I didn't think, didn't worry about who was watching me or if I was performing well enough.
I just... moved.
When the song ended, the room erupted with applause again, though this time it wasn't thunderous like during my speech. It was gentler, more appreciative—a wave of admiration and awe that blanketed us like snowfall.
Lucian leaned in, his breath brushing the shell of my ear. "You're a natural."
