The first dance of the evening

As we stepped out of the car and approached the castle, I couldn't help but feel a mix of irritation and reluctant admiration. Seraphine did look incredibly hot, with her sharp suit accentuating her strong build and those intense red and purple eyes. Our gazes met briefly, and I quickly looked away, my cheeks warming despite my best efforts to stay composed.

"Let's get inside," I said, trying to divert my thoughts.

As we neared the entrance, a pair of guards stepped forward, their expressions stern. One of them, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, spoke first.

"State your names and business," he demanded, his voice gruff.

I straightened up, meeting his gaze. "Riley Starcrest and Seraphine. We're here for the ball."

The guard's eyes flicked to Seraphine, then back to me. "Identification?"

I pulled out the invitation Lydia had sent and handed it to him. He examined it for a moment, then nodded. "You may enter. Welcome."

We stepped inside, and I was immediately struck by the grandeur of the ballroom. Lydia had truly outdone herself this time. The room was vast, with high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers that cast a warm, golden glow over the space.

The walls were lined with rich tapestries depicting scenes of royal triumphs and mythical creatures. The floor was a polished marble that reflected the light beautifully, making the whole room seem to shimmer.

Tables laden with food lined the sides of the room, offering a feast fit for a king. There were platters of roasted meats, elegantly arranged fruits, and delicate pastries that looked almost too beautiful to eat.

The scent of freshly baked bread and spiced wine filled the air, mingling with the soft strains of classical music played by a live orchestra.

Not too far away, I spotted Lydia. She was in deep conversation with one of the human commanders, her face showing signs of frustration. Despite her annoyed expression, she looked stunning. Lydia had chosen a dress that was a deep emerald green, which complemented her fair skin and blond hair.

The dress was adorned with intricate gold embroidery, and it flowed gracefully around her as she moved. She wore a delicate gold necklace and matching earrings that added a touch of elegance to her ensemble.

When Lydia saw me, her expression brightened. She excused herself from the conversation and hurried over, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Sister, how are you doing?" she exclaimed, wrapping me in a warm hug.

I returned the hug, feeling a bit of the tension melt away. "I'm doing well, Lydia."

Lydia then turned to Seraphine, her eyes narrowing slightly in scrutiny before a playful smile spread across her face. "And you must be Seraphine. Thank you for taking care of my sister."

Seraphine nodded, a small, polite smile on her lips. "It's my pleasure."

Lydia's grin widened, and she leaned in closer to me. "Riley, can I have a moment alone with you?"

I glanced at Seraphine, who nodded understandingly. "Of course," Seraphine said. "I'll be around."

Lydia led me to a quieter corner of the ballroom, her excitement barely contained. "So, tell me everything! How has it been living with Seraphine? Any interesting stories?"

I sighed, knowing my sister wouldn't let me off easily. "Well, it's been... different. She's very persistent, always trying to understand me and get closer. It's a bit suffocating, to be honest."

Lydia giggled, clearly enjoying the drama. "Persistent, huh? Sounds like she's quite taken with you. How are you handling it?"

"Mostly by hiding from her," I admitted with a wry smile. "It's exhausting, but she doesn't seem to give up."

"She must really like you," Lydia teased, nudging me playfully. "But seriously, how do you feel about her?"

I hesitated, unsure how to articulate my complicated feelings. "I don't know, Lydia. She's attractive, sure, but... there's so much history. It's hard to forget everything that happened."

Lydia's expression softened. "I understand, Riley. But maybe this ball will give you a chance to see her in a different light. Who knows, you might even have fun."

Before I could respond, Lydia's eyes lit up with mischief. "Oh, speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you."

"What kind of surprise?" I asked, a bit wary.

Lydia just winked and made her way to the stage at the far end of the ballroom. She took the microphone, and the room quieted down as she began to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming tonight. It's a special occasion, and I'm thrilled to have you all here. But before we continue with the festivities, I'd like to announce the first dance of the evening."

I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach as she continued. "And this dance will be for the newest couple, my dear sister Riley and her perfect match, Seraphine!"

The room erupted in applause, and my heart raced. I shot a glance at Seraphine, who looked just as surprised. Lydia grinned at me from the stage, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

I was frozen in place, unsure how to react. This was not how I envisioned the evening going, and now I was about to be thrust into the spotlight with Seraphine for the first dance. The reality of the situation hit me hard, and I struggled to keep my composure as I made my way towards the center of the ballroom.