87 The Sapphire Necklace

Claire's POV

Over the next few days, Louis kept himself busy searching for Luna Diana. But each time he returned, his face looked heavier, and I could tell that the chances of finding Luna Diana alive were getting slimmer.

Maybe to distract himself or because the return ball was approaching, Louis didn't let himself dwell on his mother's death. He got back to teaching me Luna lessons and even started teaching me how to dance again.

Under his guidance, my dancing skills improved quickly. As the night of Louis's return ball drew closer, my nerves were getting more and more on edge.

...

The night of the ball arrived.

"Oh, I finally finished this dance, Louis!" I gasped, catching my breath after a dance.

"You did great, Claire," I reassured him.

"But according to the lesson plan, I still need to practice for another 30 minutes tonight. I want every step I take at the ball to be perfect and elegant. I don't want people laughing at me because of my dancing."