"C'mon, Sammy, let's go. The others are waiting in the lobby," I said, urging him to hurry.
"Yeah, yeah, you go ahead. I'm right behind you," Sammy replied, tugging at his tie before sprinting toward me.
---
Sammy's POV
The corridor echoed with the sound of our shoes as Rudra and I made our way to the dormitory lobby. My suit was snug, the tie a little too tight, but at least it fit. Rudra, though—poor bastard—looked like he'd stepped out of a comedy sketch. The shop had screwed up his measurements, and now his suit hung two sizes too big. Sleeves swallowed his wrists, shoulders sagged, and his trousers pooled awkwardly over his shoes. He tried to walk with dignity, but every step made him look more like a clown than the confident friend I knew.
I bit back a laugh. The sight eased my nerves for a moment. We were heading to the ball, the lobby buzzing as the gathering place before departure. My stomach twisted with anticipation—not because of the music or dancing.
Because of her.
Talia stood near the lounge chairs, her brown hair falling in soft waves that shimmered under the lights. Her eyes lifted, warm and deep, and my pulse stumbled. She wore a sapphire-blue gown, embroidered with silver threads that caught the glow. The skirt flowed elegantly to the floor, cinched at the waist with a thin belt. She looked like she was already gliding across the dance floor.
"Hi, Rudra. Hi, Sammy," she said.
Rudra muttered a greeting, tugging at his ridiculous sleeves. I opened my mouth, but the words tangled.
"H-h-hi," I stammered, cheeks burning.
Her smile tilted the whole damn world.
"You both look… very handsome," she said kindly, though her eyes flickered with amusement at Rudra's oversized jacket.
"Th-th-thank you," I managed, voice cracking. Rudra rolled his eyes, trying to stand straighter, but the suit betrayed him with every move.
"Are you excited for the ball?" she asked.
Rudra groaned. "Excited to get this suit off, maybe."
I chuckled nervously. "Y-yeah, it should be fun," I said, though my mind was too busy memorizing the way her dress caught the light.
Footsteps echoed from the staircase. Amanda appeared, adjusting the straps of her gown as she descended. She looked slightly rushed, cheeks flushed from hurrying.
---
Rudra's POV
The lobby felt overwhelming. The marble floor gleamed under the lights, the tall glass doors reflected every movement, and yet all of it faded the moment Amanda walked in.
Her midnight-blue dress flowed like water. Silver threads sparkled as if stars had been stitched into the fabric. Black hair framed her face in soft waves, and her blue eyes—clear, steady—made me forget how to breathe.
Sammy whistled. "Rudra, you didn't say she'd look this amazing."
Amanda laughed lightly. "You're exaggerating."
Talia shook her head. "No, Amanda, you look wonderful. That dress suits you perfectly."
I tried to speak, but my voice stumbled. "Y-you… y-you look… r-really nice."
Amanda smiled kindly. "Thank you, Rudra."
Sammy burst out laughing. "Did you hear that? He can't even get a full sentence out!"
Talia giggled. "Amanda, you've made him nervous. Poor Rudra can't talk straight."
Amanda tilted her head, amused. "Is that true, Rudra?"
I swallowed hard. "M-maybe… j-just a little."
Sammy clapped me on the back. "Relax, man. It's Amanda, not the damn queen."
Amanda's smile stayed warm, even as my friends teased.
---
Outside, Talia called from behind. "I hope you guys are waiting for our ride instead of giving us ladies mixed signals that you're interested in each other."
"Eww… hell no. Why the f* would you even think that?" I said, pulling a disgusted face. Sammy mirrored me, his expression ten times worse. Amanda laughed so hard she had to hold Talia's arm for support.
---
The ballroom glowed like a jewel in the night. Chandeliers scattered golden light across the marble floor, music floated gently from the quartet, and the whole place felt alive.
Sammy smirked. "Careful, Rudra, don't trip over your words again. Maybe compliment the ceiling this time?"
Talia laughed. "He's hopeless. Amanda, you've made him nervous."
Amanda smiled kindly, but the teasing burned. My jaw tightened.
I turned to Sammy, my voice steady. "You talk too damn much, Sammy. Maybe try looking at the room instead of me."
Sammy blinked, then grinned. "Oh, so the knight finally swings his sword."
Talia gasped, half amused. "Rudra! You're fighting back?"
Amanda's eyes softened. "It's alright, Rudra. You don't have to prove anything."
But I wasn't done. "If you're so confident, Sammy, why don't you try talking to Amanda without sounding like a jester?"
Sammy laughed, raising his hands. "Alright, alright, I'll stop. You've got some fire after all."
Amanda gave me a small nod, almost proud. The teasing quieted, and for the first time that night, I felt like I'd found my footing.
---
We stepped further into the room. Food and drinks lined the tables—no alcohol, damn it—but I stuffed my mouth anyway. Talia had to bring me water when I nearly choked.
Suddenly, the ballroom erupted. All eyes turned to the grand doors. Two figures entered, regal and commanding.
Sammy leaned close. "They're the king and queen of the mainland. Unless you want to end up behind bars, shut the hell up."
I froze, keeping my mouth shut.
The herald's voice rang out. "Presenting His Majesty, King Cedric Ashford, and Her Majesty, Queen Elara Ashford."
The pair stepped forward, Cedric cloaked in authority, Elara radiant in sapphire.
Cedric raised his hand, and silence fell. "Tonight, I stand before you with my queen, Elara, to honor this gathering. We celebrate our unity, our strength, and the bonds that hold the mainland together."
His gaze swept the crowd. "But I must speak plainly. The frequency of demon sightings has risen—more than ever before. Villages report attacks, travelers vanish, whispers of unrest spread. This is no time for carelessness. Be vigilant, protect your households, and support one another. The crown will not falter, but we cannot stand alone."
Elara stepped forward, calm and resolute. "We will face this darkness together. Let courage guide us, and let hope remain unbroken."
Applause thundered, though Cedric's warning lingered heavy in the air. He lifted his hand once more, his tone softening.
"And now, my friends, let us not forget why we are here. Tonight is a celebration. Dance, laugh, and enjoy this ball as much as possible. Let joy remind us of what we fight to protect."
The music swelled, and the ballroom shimmered with renewed life.