Chapter 64: Enthralling Power

As the dance began, Benjamin and Yuri were also invited to the ball. They stood together, watching Emily from afar. She wanted to approach them, but Gaiyi stopped her.

Emily carefully observed their surroundings. Although they appeared to be VIPs at the event, there was an undercurrent of tension. It seemed they were being monitored, and the people around them emitted a metallic scent, most likely silver. Emily had to be cautious with her words and actions to prevent them from falling into further danger.

The atmosphere of the ball seemed peaceful. Emily looked at the unfamiliar faces, their fake smiles, and their polite exchanges. They held delicate highball glasses filled with red liquid, emitting a hint of alcohol but more prominently the scent of blood. No matter how elegant the castle's decorations were or how serene the atmosphere appeared, it couldn't hide the underlying brutality and the overwhelming bloodshed, surpassing even Le Senba's castle.

The first dance began, accompanied by the melodious saxophone. Gaiyi elegantly extended his right hand and slightly bowed his head like a true gentleman. "May I have the pleasure of dancing with Miss Emily?"

Emily glanced at Benjamin and Yuri, noticing their anger, but they remained motionless. She concluded that they were unable to move freely. Reluctantly, she lightly placed her fair and delicate hand on Gaiyi's.

Gaiyi's fingers gently caressed the back of Emily's hand, feeling the smooth and soft texture and the warmth transmitted by her hand. Emily's hand was slightly cold due to nervousness, with a faint perspiration on her palm, but for Gaiyi, it still felt warm.

Gaiyi led Emily to the center of the dance floor, one hand supporting her slender waist. Their steps synchronized as they danced gracefully together.

Emily was not a skilled dancer and almost stepped on Gaiyi's feet after just a few steps. However, Gaiyi merely smiled faintly at her.

Gaiyi was tall, and Emily had to look up to see his eyes. She was grateful for his height at that moment. She could sense his gaze, but she focused her attention on his chest, finding a focal point on his clothing and not letting go.

Without direct eye contact, Emily felt less nervous. Her footsteps became less hurried. Despite her lack of dance experience, Gaiyi guided her through a few steps, and she followed along, gradually reducing the frequency of stepping on his feet.

The entire ballroom was covered in a semi-soft flooring, not too plush, nor too hard, but it cleaned the guests' shoe soles immaculately. Perhaps the guests themselves were already impeccably clean upon entering. Despite stepping on Gaillion's feet numerous times, Emily couldn't leave a single footprint on his shiny shoes.

"Miss Emily is quite talented in dancing," Gaillion's voice sounded from above, containing a hint of appreciation but mostly blatant flattery.

Emily felt like a pawn in his hands, unsure of the meaning behind Gaillion's flattery. She remained silent, not feeling particularly honored by the compliments. Her steps became even more erratic, and she accidentally stepped on Gaillion's foot with her high heel.

Gaillion noticed Emily's deliberate actions, gave a slight smile, and fell silent, focusing on the dance.

The music was soothing and gentle, flowing like a brook through a mountain ravine, traversing breathtaking scenery reminiscent of Emily's carefree and joyful days at Cyberville University. As the music grew slower and more melancholic, it echoed the worries and sorrows entangled in Emily's heart day after day. She recalled James, perpetually wearing a sorrowful expression.

Emily had not yet freed herself from her somber emotions when the music suddenly shifted into a passionate and furious crescendo, resembling a symphony of fate with its ups and downs, accompanied by cries of accusation and heart-wrenching roars of anger. Gaillion's steps became swift and urgent, outpacing Emily's rhythm. He almost half-embraced her, spinning and leaping in the music's madness, providing her with a cathartic experience.

As the music gradually eased, calming the turmoil in Emily's heart, Gaillion abruptly tossed her into the air and caught her in a steady embrace. Utilizing the momentum, he pushed her away from him. Emily spun twice before Gaillion grabbed her left hand. In that moment, the music and the dance froze, silencing all other sounds and emotions. Thunderous applause erupted throughout the room.

Emily, still immersed in the music, hadn't regained her composure when Gaillion suddenly released her hand and was already seated on the throne, looking down at the dance floor.

Caught off guard by the sudden transition, Emily stumbled and nearly fell to the ground. Before she could steady herself, countless black figures emerged from the shadows and swarmed towards her from all directions.

These were clearly not guests attending the ball. They wore identical black form-fitting outfits that resembled combat suits, their garments flexible and adapting to their movements. Emily swiftly assessed the situation—they were battle-trained vampires. They surrounded Emily, running at an astonishing speed, forming a circle of darkness that prevented her from discerning their exact numbers.

The vampires' sprint stirred up a gust of wind, causing Emily's jet-black hair to dance and sway like turbulent waves. A chilling aura gradually formed between her brows, and a gleam of determination flickered in her eyes. She had no time to ponder Gaillion's intentions, nor to feel anger. She had to remain calm and assess the current situation.

The black figures continued to run circles around her, while Gaillion remained seated on the throne. This was a premeditated attack. The people who had been gathered in the center of the dance floor had now dispersed to the periphery, watching the imminent spectacle with cold eyes. There was no surprise in their gaze, and some even had a slight upward curve at the corners of their mouths, seemingly filled with anticipation.

Benjamin and Yuri had been restrained the moment Gaillion returned to the throne. They lay helpless on the ground, bound by silver ropes, their only remaining strength visible in their worried and anxious eyes. They struggled, but their expressions conveyed despair.

The Vampire Coalition, as a major faction that united seven powerful and prosperous clans, operated with strict hierarchical structure, much like a prosperous and mighty nation. Gaillion, as the current supreme commander of the past century, appeared to be even more suited to leadership than Alexander. He sat leisurely on the throne, exuding an air of arrogance. He took the wine glass handed to him by a servant, narrowed his eyes, took a sip, and then waved his hand.

The vampires surrounding Emily instantly changed formation. Sharp swords suddenly lunged at her from all directions. Emily leaped into the air, narrowly evading the deadly strikes. As she descended, swords glistening with a cold light were waiting, pointed in the direction she was falling, ready to greet their prey.