The ball continued in full swing, but something between the stars and shadows had changed.
Celeste wandered to the edge of the hall for air. The open balcony was quiet, bathed in moonlight. She closed her eyes, allowing herself a single moment of peace.
"You dance well," came a familiar voice behind her.
She turned slowly. Auren leaned casually against the stone railing, wine glass in hand, but his usual spark was dimmed. "Was that your instructor's recommendation too?"
Celeste blinked. "What?"
"You seem to have quite the network," he said, gaze flicking to where Leonel now chatted with the senior council.
She crossed her arms. "Jealous?"
"I don't get jealous," he said flatly.
"Right."
A silence settled between them. The music drifted in from the ballroom, a softer waltz now filling the air.
"…You didn't even ask me for a dance," she said suddenly, surprising them both.
Auren raised an eyebrow. "Would you have accepted?"
"Maybe."
Another beat of silence passed before he stepped closer and extended his hand.
"One dance?"
She hesitated—then placed her hand in his.
They moved into the soft light, under the swaying lanterns and moonlight. Auren was warm, his steps confident, the pressure of his hand steady on her waist.
"You hide things," he said quietly.
"So do you."
He chuckled. "True. But I feel like I'm slowly figuring you out."
"Don't try too hard," she replied.
"You're strong, Celeste," he said, suddenly serious. "You pretend you're not. But you're more than what you let them see."
Her breath caught. She looked away—but Auren's hand gently brought her gaze back to his.
"You may want to hide from the world, but you won't be able to hide from me."
The dance ended too soon, but the air between them buzzed with something unspoken—warmth, tension, and a fragile truth they both felt but couldn't name.
Back inside, Leonel watched them, his expression unreadable.
From another balcony, Iris Elowen stood in shadows, her lips curling into a faint smile.
The stars above watched quietly.
And the night carried on—filled with secrets, sparks, and the beginning of storms to come.