The dance hall was spacious, with polished wooden floors that gleamed under the natural light filtering through tall, arched windows. The walls were adorned with rich tapestries depicting various cultural performances throughout Elarion's history, elaborate dances from both Lysoria and Lowmere, some filled with ancient mysticism and others rooted in festival celebrations. The faint scent of lavender and cedar lingered in the air, calming yet energizing, like the perfect space for creativity to spark.
"Ladies, perfect timing," Ms. Evira greeted, giving us a warm smile and a nod. She stood near the front of the room, her clipboard tucked under her arm. Her presence was as commanding as always, tall, with piercing gray eyes and a graceful elegance that suggested she'd been a dancer herself once.
"We need to finalize the theme and music for the upcoming Cultural Festival," she continued. "As seniors, you'll be leading the performance."
She handed me a list of approved tracks, the pages crinkling slightly under my fingertips as I skimmed through them. Traditional Elarion melodies filled the list, all beautiful in their own way, but none of them spoke to me. They were... safe. Predictable.
I tapped my fingers thoughtfully against the clipboard, my mind wandering to the melodies I'd scribbled in my journal, the ones that had a heartbeat of their own.
"Do you have any ideas in mind?" Ms. Evira asked, her gaze steady but encouraging.
"Actually," I said slowly, weighing my words, "I've been playing around with some concepts. Something that reflects both tradition and individuality... a fusion of the old and new."
Jade nodded enthusiastically. "Ooh, I like that! Like incorporating a tribal beat with modern lyrics or instruments?"
"Exactly," I said, a flicker of excitement sparking in my chest. This was something I could get behind. Something meaningful.
Ms. Evira's smile widened, clearly pleased with the direction. "I knew I could count on you two," she said. "Athena, you'll be responsible for the final track selection. Let me know your decision by next week."
I nodded in response, clutching the clipboard tighter. This was something I could do. Something that felt right.
The meeting wrapped up shortly after that. Jade and I lingered for a moment in the empty hall, the echoes of past performances seeming to hum softly around us. I stretched my arms above my head, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders. Dance had always been one of my escapes, one of the few places where I didn't have to think too hard. Here, I could just feel. Express everything I kept bottled inside openly, without fear of judgment.
"Okay, this is going to be awesome," Jade said, breaking me out of my thoughts. She looped her arm through mine as we walked out of the hall together. "Let's make this the best festival performance they've ever seen."
I grinned. "Deal. But first, let's get through our next class. Hopefully, it's as exciting as the last one."
Jade raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Exciting, huh? That's one way to describe it. Let's see if we survive this one."
We made our way through the bustling hallways toward our final class of the day. The atmosphere was buzzing with that familiar end-of-day restlessness, students either dragging their feet or rushing in hopes of squeezing a few minutes of freedom early. Our last class went by in a blur of notes, lectures, and half-hearted participation. I was too busy replaying the meeting with Ms. Evira in my head, already hearing potential beats and melodies swirling in my mind.
The sound of the bell pulled me out of my thoughts, signaling the end of the second day. Jade and I exited the building together and met Ezzy at the parking lot entrance.
"Finally!" Ezzy grinned as she spotted us.
We fell in step, our laughter and light banter filling the air. As we headed further into the lot, I caught sight of Zion and Jax leaning against Zion's sleek black car, deep in conversation. Jax waved briefly when he saw us, and we waved back.
My gaze, however, lingered on the spot where Riven's motorcycle had been parked that morning. It was empty now. He wasn't with the guys, and for some inexplicable reason, I felt a twinge of both curiosity and disappointment. I quickly brushed it aside, reminding myself of my mantra. Not my problem.
Still, the absence lingered in the back of my mind as we made our way to Ezzy's car.
"Alright, let's get this shopping trip done before Lara rides our backs for being late," I said, shaking off the thought and forcing myself to focus on the task ahead.
Ezzy laughed as she unlocked the car. "She's probably already memorized every rack in the first store."
"Great. That means we won't have to waste time hunting for options," Jade quipped, climbing into the passenger seat.
With a sigh of resignation, I slipped into the back seat. The car hummed to life, and soon, we were on our way to Lysoria's Shopping District.
The shopping district of Lysoria was as dazzling as ever. Crystal-arched buildings gleamed under the golden-red hues of the late afternoon sun, and enchanted street lamps floated serenely above the wide, bustling streets. Magic-infused signs advertised everything from rare enchanted artifacts to high-fashion boutiques.
Ezzy, Jade, and I strolled along the main promenade, weaving through groups of shoppers. Lara had messaged earlier to say she was already waiting outside one of her favorite stores, "Elysian Elegance," a boutique known for its breathtaking formalwear.
"There she is," Jade pointed out, spotting Lara near the entrance. Her sparkly notebook was tucked under her arm, and she was tapping her foot impatiently, scanning the crowd for us.
When Lara spotted us, her eyes lit up excitedly, and she practically tackled us in a big hug.
"Took you long enough! I was starting to think you guys forgot about me," she teased, pulling us into a tight squeeze before stepping back. "Now, are we ready to find the perfect outfits or what?"
"We're ready if you are," I said, adjusting the strap of my bag.
Lara grinned. "Good, because this party has to be perfect. You girls need to look perfect. The theme is Enchanted Twilight. Think dreamy stardust vibes meets ethereal elegance."
"Yeah wow, no pressure or anything," Jade teased, flipping her raven-black hair over her shoulder. With her striking emerald eyes and heart-shaped face, she could pull off just about any look, but she always leaned into bold colors and eye-catching styles.
"Please," Lara huffed playfully, "you thrive under pressure babe."
Ezzy chuckled. "She's not wrong. You live for dramatic entrances."
"I can't help it if I'm naturally fabulous," Jade quipped, pretending to strut as we followed Lara inside Elysian Elegance.
The boutique was even more stunning inside. Mannequins gracefully adjusted their poses, their dresses shimmering with enchantments designed to highlight movement and light. The air smelled faintly of jasmine and magic-infused silk, creating an ambiance of pure luxury.
"Alright, ladies," Lara announced. "Time to get to work."
We each scattered to browse the racks. Enchanted mirrors floated nearby, reflecting not only our appearances but also giving a subtle glow to items that matched our auras.
"This one's calling you, Jade," Ezzy said, pulling out a deep emerald gown with delicate silver embroidery. "Look at the way it matches your eyes."
Jade's face lit up. "Okay, that's a contender." She held it up against herself and twirled dramatically.
"Definitely you," I said, smiling. "Elegant with a hint of 'don't mess with me.'"
"And what about you?" Jade shot back. "No hiding in neutral tones this time."
I sighed, flipping through racks. "I'm not hiding. I just don't want something over the top."
"Here," Lara interjected, holding out a gown. It was deep amethyst with a subtle iridescent shimmer that caught the light like stardust. The fitted bodice featured intricate swirling patterns reminiscent of ancient runic enchantments, while the flowing skirt cascaded gracefully to the floor, accentuated by a daring side slit. It was both elegant and powerful, perfect for the theme.
I ran my fingers over the soft fabric. "I like it."
"Try it on," Jade and Lara said in unison, practically pushing me toward the fitting rooms.
Minutes later, I stepped out, the dress fitting like a second skin. The shimmer was subtle but caught the light perfectly with each step.
"Wow," Ezzy whispered. "That's... stunning."
Jade clasped her hands dramatically. "Athena, you look like a goddess. No one's going to be able to take their eyes off you."
I laughed, shaking my head. "You're exaggerating."
"Not even a little," Lara insisted. "This dress is you."
"Okay, okay. If you all say so," I relented.
When everyone had finally settled on their outfits, we spent the next half hour accessorizing, trying on necklaces, bracelets, and shoes that shimmered under the boutique's enchanted lighting. Jade found a pair of silver drop earrings shaped like crescent moons, perfectly complementing the emerald dress she'd chosen, while Ezzy fussed over whether her gold cuff bracelet clashed with her sapphire gown.
Finally, with our arms full of garments and accessories, we made our way to the cashier. Lara, ever the perfectionist, double-checked our selections before paying for everything despite our protests.
With our bags in hand, we stepped out of the boutique, the golden-red hues of the sky deepening as the sun began to set. The enchanted street lamps flickered to life, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the busy promenade.
"Alright, ladies," Lara said, shifting her bags to one arm, "next stop: the ballroom."
Ezzy drove us to the Elarion Grand Ballroom, weaving through Lysoria's vibrant streets as the golden-red hues of twilight deepened. The bustling shopping district gradually gave way to the grander, more serene avenues of the elite quarter. Finally, we pulled up to the ballroom, a structure that was both timeless and mesmerizing.
The crystal-arched entrance gleamed under the fading sunlight, reflecting the colors of the twilight sky like a prism. Magic-infused runes faintly glimmered along the building's edges, humming softly with protective enchantments.
When we stepped inside, I couldn't help but pause, momentarily awestruck. The space felt like stepping into a dream. Stardust chandeliers hovered high above, gently pulsing with a soft, celestial glow. The walls shimmered with illusionary murals of twilight skies and blooming celestial gardens. Vines of enchanted flowers weaved along the edges of the room, their petals subtly shifting between shades of blue, silver, and violet. Everything about the ballroom embodied the theme of 'Enchanted Twilight' perfectly.
Ezzy let out a low whistle. "Okay, now this is magical."
"No kidding," Jade murmured, her eyes wide as they traced the floating chandeliers.
Lara grinned, clearly pleased with their reactions. "You haven't seen anything yet. We've got a lot to do, though, so no slacking." She led us further inside, where a group of her friends from Arcanis Academy were already helping with the setup.
Zayn, Lara's on-again, off-again boyfriend, leaned casually against the stage, his signature laid-back grin in place. The soft glow of the chandeliers highlighted the warm tones of his shoulder-length sandy brown hair. Nearby, Jazmin, one of Lara's closest friends and one of the few people from Arcanis I genuinely liked, spotted us and waved enthusiastically, her usual bright energy on full display.
Then there was Fallon. She stood off to the side with a glass of sparkling water, watching us with a critical eye. Her red halter dress clung to her frame perfectly, her ice-blue eyes narrowing as she took us in. Fallon had a knack for subtle insults disguised as polite conversation, and we all secretly hated how she always tried to undermine Lara.
"Oh, look who finally made it," Fallon said, her voice honey-sweet but sharp underneath. "The Brightforge crew. I was starting to think you got lost trying to find the right place."
Lara let out a soft sigh, clearly brushing off the comment. "Fallon, don't start."
I wasn't feeling as forgiving. "Lost? Don't project Fallon. You're practically a walking broken compass," I shot back, my smile cool and unwavering.
Fallon's eyes flashed briefly, but she didn't respond. Jade snickered under her breath.
"Girls, can we not?" Zayn chuckled as he walked over to greet us. "Let's focus. We've got a lot of work to do."
"Right. Team spirit and all that," I muttered, earning a laugh from Jade.
Just then, Calder strolled in from the side stage, radiating effortless arrogance. With his perfectly styled dark auburn hair and sharp, chiseled features, he was the kind of handsome that knew it. That weaponized it. His fitted black shirt was unbuttoned just enough to be calculated, and he moved with the easy confidence of someone who had never been told no in his life.
The moment he spotted me, that smirk of his stretched wider.
Great. Just what I needed.
"There she is," he drawled, eyes gleaming with mischief. "My favorite little heartbreaker."
I exhaled sharply, crossing my arms. "Oh, fantastic. Just when I thought today was going great."
Calder pressed a hand over his chest in mock devastation. "Athena, I'm wounded. Is that any way to greet someone you shared a very passionate moment with?" His voice dipped slightly, deliberate, smug.
I stiffened, heat creeping up my neck. I should've known he'd bring it up.
Silvermoon cocktails. Bad decisions. His hands in my hair. My lips on his.
The memory slammed into me, unwanted and vivid. I had been avoiding Calder like a damn shadow wraith ever since that night, hoping, praying, he'd let it go.
But this was Calder.
Letting things go was not in his nature.
I forced my expression into something unimpressed. "It wasn't passionate. It was an alcohol-induced lapse in judgment."
He let out a low chuckle, taking a step closer. "Right. And what was it before the alcohol kicked in?" His gaze dipped slightly, the amusement in his voice laced with something sharper. "Face it, love. It happened because there was attraction. Stop denying it."
I scoffed, refusing to let him get under my skin. "Attraction? Try temporary insanity."
Calder hummed thoughtfully. "You keep telling yourself that." His lips curled at the edges, his voice dipping into something almost taunting. "But I saw the way you looked at me that night. And for the record? You kissed me first."
My stomach clenched. "You're delusional."
"I'm irresistible," he corrected smoothly. "And I know you hate that you enjoyed it."
Before I could deliver the very colorful response forming on my tongue, Zayn's voice cut through the tension.
"Cal, quit harassing people and get over here. We need help with the lights."
Calder sighed dramatically but didn't move just yet. Instead, he leaned in just enough to lower his voice. "We'll finish this conversation later."
I tilted my head, giving him a saccharine smile. "Oh, don't bother. I already forgot about it."
Calder chuckled, shaking his head. "Liar."
Then he turned, striding away like he hadn't just set my nerves on fire.
I exhaled, rolling my shoulders back, forcing myself to shake off the residual heat creeping up my spine. Whatever this was, it wasn't happening again.
Not if I had anything to say about it.
I exhaled, turning to leave, only for Ezzy and Jade to ambush me.
"Okay, what the hell was that?" Ezzy asked, eyes wide with curiosity.
"You two looked like you had unfinished business," Jade added, giving me a mischievous grin. "What aren't you telling us? Spill."
I groaned, rubbing my temples. "There's nothing to spill. Calder's just… Calder."
Ezzy arched a brow. "Uh-huh. Sure. That look you gave each other said otherwise."
"I don't know what you're talking about," I muttered, trying to walk off, but they followed, their teasing giggles echoing through the ballroom.
We spent the next hour arranging enchanted lanterns, floral centerpieces, and glowing panels around the ballroom. Fallon took every opportunity to give unnecessary critiques, but we mostly ignored her. Jazmin was a breath of fresh air, offering genuine compliments and even helping Jade and Ezzy when their lanterns wouldn't stop changing colors.
Finally, when everything was in place, Lara clapped her hands together. "This looks amazing! Thank you all so much. Tomorrow's going to be perfect."
"You deserve it," I told her with a smile. "Eighteen's a big deal."
Lara let out a content sigh, stepping back to take in the ballroom one last time. "It's perfect."
Jazmin stretched her arms above her head. "I don't know about perfect, but at least it's finally done."
Zayn smirked. "Remind me again why we volunteered to do manual labor?"
"Because Lara told us to," Fallon muttered, flicking an invisible speck of dust off her dress. "And you're all too soft to say no."
Calder chuckled from where he leaned casually against the stage, arms crossed, watching the conversation unfold with amusement. "Correction, you were too soft to say no. I, on the other hand, am here purely for the entertainment."
I rolled my eyes. "And yet you still ended up doing work. Shocking."
He smirked, pushing off the stage with a lazy stretch. "What can I say? Watching you sweat is one of my favorite pastimes." His gaze flickered over me, all smug confidence, and I knew exactly what he was referencing.
I ignored the way my stomach flipped and turned to Lara instead. "Are we finally free to go before someone here starts inflating his ego again?"
Lara grinned. "Yes, you're free, for now. But be warned, Athens. We have a lot to do tomorrow, so don't even think about disappearing."
Jazmin laughed. "Athena? Disappear? That would be a first."
Calder's voice dropped just low enough for only me to hear. "Didn't seem like you wanted to disappear last time, babe."
I turned sharply to glare at him, but he just winked, completely unbothered, before strolling toward the exit.
Zayn clapped his hands together. "Alright, if we're done patting ourselves on the back, can we go now? I need to shower off this hard work before tomorrow."
Jazmin smirked. "You mean before Lara drags you into last-minute party prep?"
Zayn sighed dramatically, slinging an arm around Lara's shoulders. "Same thing."
Lara rolled her eyes but smiled. "You're lucky I like your face."
Laughter echoed as everyone gathered their things, ready to call it a night. But before I could follow, my gaze lingered on the ballroom one last time.
The chandeliers flickered, their glow casting shifting shadows along the gilded walls. The magic in the air pulsed faintly, expectant, like the room itself was holding its breath. Waiting.
A strange unease curled in my chest, but I shook it off, slipping my arm through Lara's as we stepped out into the night.