My dragon knight in shining armor

The dance floor is alive with a whirlwind of movement and color, a vivid display of jubilation that pulses through the air. The music, a vibrant heartbeat, courses through every vein, syncing with the lively spirits around me. Strobe lights flash and lasers carve trails of light, casting an otherworldly glow over the dancing crowd.

Sarah, the radiant birthday girl, is a beacon of joy. Her laughter, a melody of pure merriment, weaves into the rhythmic beats. She twirls and sways, effortlessly drawing others into her magnetic aura. With each step, she exudes an infectious enthusiasm, making her the undisputed center of the festivities. Her father’s gift of closing up the Dungeon Club for her special day embodies the exhilaration of this night, and it’s clear she’s savoring every second.

I attempt to lose myself in the revelry, allowing the music to carry me away. Yet, my gaze involuntarily darts around the room, a futile search for a familiar face. Among the sea of dancing silhouettes, I strain to find Liam. But he remains elusive, a conspicuous absence that gnaws at me. I don’t see the redhead anywhere, either.

As the night wears on and the bass reverberates, a sense of disquiet settles in. Liam should be here, part of this celebration. The question of his whereabouts lingers, overshadowing the spirited atmosphere. But as the music crescendos and the crowd’s energy escalates, I’m swept up in the collective euphoria, my concerns momentarily silenced by the sheer force of the party.

The music pulses around us, a living entity that seems to throb in sync with my racing heart. Nikko’s presence before me is a comforting anchor in this sea of pulsating energy. For the first time tonight, I’m actually enjoying myself.

As we sway and move to the rhythm, Nikko’s attention never wavers from me. It’s an intoxicating feeling, the unspoken connection between us. His smiles and his gaze speak volumes, and a fluttering warmth settles in my chest.

But as the band’s playlist continues, a wave of exhaustion washes over me. Perhaps it’s the alcohol or the relentless dancing, but I need to give my toes a rest. I lean closer to Nikko and speak over the music, “I think I need to take a break.”

Nikko nods in understanding and escorts me back to our table. Concern etches his face as he studies me. “Are you alright? You look flushed.”

I take a few sips from my water goblet, feeling the cool liquid soothe me. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. I guess those charming little cocktails are the culprit.” I chuckle, trying to dismiss any worries he might have.

He suggests heading to a balcony upstairs for some fresh air, and I eagerly agree. Nikko takes my hand, and we navigate through the darkened mezzanine floor.

The fresh air sounds inviting, so when Nikko suggests the balcony, I readily agree. He leads the way, and we ascend a spiral staircase hidden behind towering speakers. Nikko takes my hand, and we navigate through the darkened mezzanine floor. Our only guide is the flashing lights from below. As we step into the dark catwalk-like hallway, I notice subtle movements in the shadows— other couples finding their own secluded spots.

The door to the balcony opens, revealing a small but sufficient space. The view is captivating, a bird’s-eye perspective of the bustling city below, illuminated by fleeting flashes of club lights. I take in a deep breath, letting the cool night air wash over me. It’s a brief respite from the loud music and a chance to clear my head.

“It’s a marvelous view,” I remark, glancing at Nikko. His gaze at me is intense, and I feel a sudden unease.

“Amazing view, really,” he murmurs, his eyes fixed on me. The air crackles with tension.

A nervous chuckle escapes me. “Are we still talking about the same thing?”

Nikko’s voice drops lower. “Liv, every little thing about you captivates me... the way your eyes sparkle in the light, the way your lips move when you speak… the way your cheeks flush… the longer I look at you, the more I want to—”

Before he can finish his sentence, Nikko closes the distance between us and kisses me. Shocked by his sudden and bold move, I stand there, momentarily paralyzed. My body urges me to respond, but my mind is in turmoil.

I pull back abruptly. “Whoa, Nikko—this is not what I had in mind when I agreed to get some fresh air—”

He tightens his grip, pressing closer. “Liv, don’t you want this too? It’s just a kiss—”

The intensity of the moment rattles me. “No!” I assert, pushing him away.

Without a second glance, I turn and stride back through the doors. The club’s pulsing beat feels almost accusatory now. I don’t look for Sarah or Anya.

I exit the club and step onto the bustling street. The night air outside is a welcome contrast to the chaos within.

Frustration and confusion mingle within me as I walk away from the club. I set off on foot, determined to put distance between myself and the whirlwind of the party. The cool night air embraces me, offering solace in the midst of my inner turmoil.

Realization hits me that I left my purse behind, but I’m too annoyed to go back for it. Hailing a cab is out of the question, so I make up my mind to walk all the way back to the dorm.

The city streets pulse around me, a symphony of honks and distant chatter. My steps are brisk, fueled by a mixture of frustration and determination. With each stride, the rhythmic thud of my feet reverberates up my legs, a physical echo of my emotional state.

Midtown Manhattan’s towering structures cast elongated shadows, the city’s restless heart beating in time with my own. As I navigate the labyrinth of side streets, the sharp edges of my discontent gnaws at the edges of my thoughts.

My shoes, once protective armor, now feel like shackles. I slip them off, clutching them in my hand, the pavement cool against the soles of my feet. The city’s pulse continues, oblivious to my internal tempest.

Crossing the expanse of Manhattan Avenue, I remain largely oblivious to the sporadic passing of vehicles, my focus locked on the path ahead. Two more blocks to the dorm. Two more blocks to solitude and quiet reflection.

A cacophony of horns, tires screeching, and flashing lights shatter my cocoon of contemplation. Suddenly, an otherworldly presence engulfs me, and I’m wrenched off the ground, my shoes slipping from my grasp. Wind rushes against my face, and my hair becomes an unruly curtain that obstructs my vision.

It feels as though I’m hurtling through space at the speed of light; the sensation making my head spin. Amid the chaos, I catch glimpses of the starry night sky through the tangled locks of my hair. Panic surges, my heart racing in sync with the adrenaline coursing through my veins.

My heart, or what I think is my heart, thunders in my chest. The only sound I can discern amidst the tumult is the thunderous flapping of wings, which I sense more than see in my peripheral vision. I’m overwhelmed, teetering on the brink of unconsciousness.

Then, as abruptly as it began, I land with a gentle thud on a patch of dew-kissed grass, the impact jarring my senses. The breath I’d been holding escapes me in a rush, my body protesting against the abrupt transition.

“What the—”

My startled words are cut short as I find Liam’s face hovering above me. My mind struggles to process the abrupt change in my surroundings. Liam’s face expresses one of sheer disbelief, his eyes wide and almost bulging from their sockets.

His voice carries a note of fury as he chastises me, and his anger is palpable. “You almost got hit by a speeding truck, Liv! What were you thinking? Why did you leave the club like that? Are you drunk?”

I swallow hard, the reality of what just transpired sinking in, along with a rush of fear and confusion.

His words register with a delayed clarity, snapping my thoughts back into focus.

I shake my head, still struggling to process the whirlwind of events. “I... I don’t know... what just happened?”

His eyes bore into mine, a potent blend of relief and frustration. His words, sharp and urgent, cut through the lingering haze, grounding me in the stark reality of the situation.

Central Park surrounds us with its nocturnal mystique, bathed in the ethereal glow of the city’s ambient lights. The park’s towering trees stretch their branches skyward, forming a natural canopy above us. Dew-kissed grass cushions my back as I lay there, attempting to make sense of this surreal situation.

My voice trembles with incredulity as I try to piece together the disjointed fragments of memory. “How did we get here? I was almost near the dorm when—”

Liam’s gaze pins me with anger, his frustration palpable. His words slice through the confusion, and my ears strain to make sense of them. “We flew.”

I instinctively touch my ear, wondering if the pounding music from the club has left my hearing impaired. “Say that again?” I mutter, half to myself. “I guess my eardrum shattered in the—”

His interruption catches me off guard, and I find myself holding my breath. My gaze locked on him as he takes a seat beside me on the grassy expanse. He speaks with a grave seriousness that sends a shiver down my spine.

“You heard me right, Liv,” Liam asserts, and the weight of his words hangs heavily in the air. “We flew. I hope that proves I wasn’t kidding when I said I’m turning into a dragon... I just did.”

Doubt clings to my thoughts like a stubborn shadow, refusing to dissipate. My mind races, grappling with the impossibility of it all. Dragons are creatures of myth and legend— it could have existed at one time in the distant past— but not something you encounter on a moonlit night in Central Park. I search Liam’s face, seeking any hint of deception or jest.

But his eyes hold a sincerity that pierces through my skepticism, and a strange tension hangs in the air, leaving me at a loss for words.