We gathered for a group photo first.
Everyone squeezed closer. Lyra wrapped one arm around me, Ella leaned into Adam, Elias tried to photobomb from behind. Cameras clicked. Someone shouted "Smile!" — I didn't, obviously — but Lyra did enough smiling for both of us.
Then the lights dimmed.
And the music changed.
Golden Brown filled the hall.
My breath caught.
That song.
It always reminded me of princesses and knights — old kingdoms, candlelit halls, slow dances under chandeliers. But at the same time… it was chill. Dangerous. Soft in a haunting way.
Lucien turned toward me.
He didn't ask.
He simply extended his hand.
I stared at it for a second.
Then placed mine in his.
His fingers closed gently around mine, warm and steady.
He guided me to the center.
Nyx & Lucien
His other hand rested lightly at my waist. Not possessive. Not distant.
Perfectly balanced.
I placed my hand on his shoulder.
Our eyes met.
For a moment, the crowd disappeared.
We moved slowly, naturally, like our bodies already knew the rhythm. He led with quiet confidence. I followed without resistance.
"You okay with crowds?" he asked softly.
I shook my head slightly.
His thumb pressed reassuringly against my waist.
"Stay close to me," he said. "I've got you."
Something in my chest tightened.
I nodded.
We swayed together, fabric brushing, steps syncing. His gaze never left mine for long. Every time I looked away, he gently pulled me back with a small shift of his hand.
People around us were watching.
I could feel it.
But Lucien didn't care.
His aura alone was intimidating — tall, composed, dark elegance wrapped around him like shadow. Standing beside him felt like being protected by a storm.
"You look…" he paused, searching for words.
I raised an eyebrow.
"…unreal," he finished quietly.
I looked away.
Compliments make me uncomfortable.
But my heartbeat betrayed me.
Adam & Ella
A little distance away, Adam spun Ella gently, catching her before she stumbled.
She laughed softly.
"You're glowing tonight," Adam told her, eyes full of admiration. "I swear, Ella… you make this place brighter."
Ella blushed.
"Stop," she murmured. "You're the one who looks like he belongs in magazines."
He smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"I only look good because you're looking at me."
She shook her head, smiling, but her eyes stayed on him like he was the only person in the room.
They moved closer, foreheads almost touching.
Soft.
Tender.
Dangerously sweet.
Lyra & Elias
Then there were Lyra and Elias.
Absolute chaos.
Elias deliberately stepped on Lyra's foot.
"HEY!"
"You were drifting!"
"You're leading like a wounded penguin!"
They started whisper-fighting while dancing, bumping shoulders, stepping wrong, glaring at each other.
They looked like two angry kittens trapped in formal clothes.
I almost smiled.
Almost.
Lyra flicked his arm.
Elias retaliated by spinning her too fast.
She squeaked.
People nearby tried not to laugh.
They were ridiculous.
After the song shifted, Adam leaned toward Lyra, wiping sweat from his forehead.
"Honestly," he said, shaking his head. "Nothing will ever settle between you and Elias."
Lyra crossed her arms. "Well, he's the one who starts."
"Excuse me?" Elias appeared beside us mid-dance, now holding Isha's hand. "That's slander."
Isha laughed."Don't you think, Adam? They fight like husband and wife."
Lyra and Elias turned toward each other at the exact same time.
"Eww!"
"Nooo!"
They said it together — loud and dramatic.
Thankfully, the music swallowed their voices.
Lucien leaned slightly toward me.
"They're exhausting."
I hummed in agreement.
But despite the chaos… despite the noise… despite the flashing lights…
For a brief moment —
With Lucien's hand steady at my waist…
With music wrapping around us…
With Lyra laughing, Adam admiring Ella, Elias pretending not to care…
It almost felt peaceful.
Almost.