An Evening of Elegance

By the time he returned with a light meal, something warm and easy to eat, Myrra was already half-asleep, curled up on the couch, her breathing slow and steady.

He sat down beside her and nudged her lightly. "Hey, eat first."

Myrra mumbled something incoherent, not even opening her eyes.

Ian sighed. "You asked for this, you know."

Carefully, he scooped a spoonful of food and brought it to her lips. "Come on, just a little."

Myrra, still in that hazy, half-asleep state, parted her lips slightly. Ian gently fed her, watching as she sleepily chewed.

"Good?" he asked softly.

She made a small sound of approval, then barely managed, "More…"

Ian chuckled under his breath and continued feeding her in slow intervals, letting her rest in between. Her head tilted against his shoulder at some point, and she made no effort to move away.

By the time she finished, she had practically fallen asleep against him. Ian let out a quiet sigh, setting the bowl aside.

Myrra shifted slightly, her voice barely a whisper. "Stay here a bit…"

Ian glanced down at her peaceful expression. After a moment, he leaned back into the couch, letting her rest against him.

"Yeah, yeah," he muttered. "Sleep."

Myrra's lips curled into a tiny, satisfied smile before she drifted off completely.

Ian wakes up late, stretching lazily in the quiet of their apartment. Today was a day off, and he intended to make full use of it. With training pushing his body to the limit, balancing rest and effort was crucial. He remained on the couch for a while, half-awake, half-drifting, his mind idly replaying his battle with Axilya.

Meanwhile, Myrra was anything but idle. She was already busy, sorting out clothes, adjusting accessories, making sure everything was perfect. She was fully absorbed in a holographic display hovering before her. With a flick of her fingers, patterns shifted, colors morphed, and fabric textures altered in real time. The interface responded instantly to her adjustments, every gesture refining the outfit she was working on.

"You're really taking this seriously," Ian muttered from his spot.

"Of course I am," Myrra turned toward him, arching an eyebrow. "And don't think you're getting out of it," she said, swiping her fingers across the display. With a quick command, the designs locked in place. "Now, hold still. Your outfit is next."

Ian sighed but complied.

The 3D printer hummed to life, materializing their selections within minutes.

As the evening arrived, they changed into their outfits.

Myrra's dress was nothing short of mesmerizing. A deep, midnight blue dress, it hugged her curves before flowing down in waves of near-weightless fabric, shifting between shades of violet and obsidian under the light. The material shimmered subtly, intricate threadwork laced with hints of iridescent golden tracing elegant patterns along the bodice and hips.

She had customized the neckline to perfection, just deep enough to be alluring without being overt, framing her collarbones and dipping lower in a way that demanded attention. The sheer, translucent fabric along her arms gave a teasing glimpse of skin beneath, embroidered with delicate, swirling designs that glowed faintly in response to movement. The high slit along her thigh added the final touch of effortless seduction, revealing just enough with every step.

Ian, who had fully intended to keep his composure, found himself momentarily forgetting how to breathe. His thoughts came to a halt as Myrra turned, the soft light catching against her form, highlighting the smooth contours of her figure.

She smirked, clearly catching his reaction. "Lost for words?"

Ian exhaled. "Yeah… something like that."

Compared to her, Ian's attire, designed under Myrra's meticulous eye, had a sharp yet sophisticated edge. The deep black fabric had a subtle sheen, with faint indigo accents along the seams. It was sleek yet understated, emphasizing his broad shoulders and lean frame without being overly elaborate. The high-collared jacket sat snugly, and the slightly open neckline of his shirt gave a relaxed yet polished look.

Myrra took a moment to look him over, tilting her head. "Not bad. This suits you."

Ian smirked. "You'd know. You designed it."

Myrra only gave a satisfied nod before they made their way to the event. 

The venue was one of the Institute's grand halls, a space rarely opened except for prestigious gatherings. Towering pillars lined the entrance, their surfaces engraved with flowing energy patterns that pulsed faintly, reacting to the presence of those who passed through. A vaulted ceiling stretched overhead, embedded with shimmering constructs that mimicked a night sky filled with drifting constellations.

While this event was exclusive to Arcane Engineering, several distinguished guests from other fields had been invited, adding a mix of perspectives to the gathering.

As Ian and Myrra stepped into the grand hall, the golden glow of chandeliers cast soft halos over the elegantly dressed guests. The air was thick with warm conversation and the distant harmony of a live orchestra tuning their instruments. Myrra's grip on Ian's arm was light, but there was an undeniable energy to it, a quiet excitement she made no attempt to hide.

Ian exhaled, his gaze sweeping over the hall. "They really went all out, huh?"

Myrra tilted her head slightly, amusement flickering in her eyes. "It's Arcane Engineering. You think they'd settle for anything less than perfection?"

Soon, they found their group amidst the crowd. Rhys, standing with his usual effortless confidence, smirked as he took in Ian's attire. "I'd say you clean up nicely, but it looks like Myrra's the one responsible for that."

Ian rolled his eyes. "You're not wrong."

Reina gave a knowing smile, her deep burgundy dress catching the light as she crossed her arms. "At least he didn't fight her on it."

"I considered it," Ian admitted, earning a subtle jab in the ribs from Myrra. He shot her a look, but she merely turned away, feigning innocence.

Lirien, dressed in a striking black ensemble with silver-threaded geometric accents, studied the hall with quiet appreciation. "Impressive setup. Almost makes me forget we're at an academic institution."

Cailen smirked, adjusting the emerald coat draped over his shoulders. "Almost."

Varian's attire, navy with celestial embroidery that seemed to shift subtly under the light, made him look right at home in the extravagant setting. "I'd say we enjoy it while it lasts. How often do we get a night off without some deadline hanging over our heads?"

Before anyone could reply, the energy in the room shifted. A hush fell over the guests as Dean Aldric Vaelen took the stage. His presence alone commanded silence, though his words were brief, acknowledging their dedication, their contributions, and most importantly, the rare luxury of an evening free of responsibility.

Following him, Associate Dean of the Rulmose Institute, Selene Avaris stepped forward. With her silver-white hair cascading down her back and a dress woven with shifting metallic hues, she was as striking as she was authoritative. Her voice carried across the hall, smooth and deliberate. "Tonight is yours. Enjoy it."

With that, the instructors withdrew, allowing the night to truly begin.

Ian took his leave from his immediate circle, making his way toward High Scholar Durlan and Master Elara. They greeted him warmly, their discussions brief yet meaningful. He was introduced to several notable figures, researchers whose work had shaped the foundations of Arcane Engineering. Though the conversations were fleeting, there was an unspoken promise of future engagements, a recognition that Ian was making his mark. Soon after, the senior faculty departed, leaving the students to their own devices.

Ian then reunited with his seniors from the research facilitym Jandar, Solana, Kael and Dilya. Among them were two new faces, Taegen and Ealirel. 

Ian introduced them to Rhys, Reina, Lirien, Cailen, and Varian. Though the initial exchanges carried a touch of formality, the atmosphere soon lightened, conversation flowing naturally.

Then, the music changed.

Myrra nudged Ian. He turned to her, only to see her extend a hand, her expression unreadable but expectant.

Ian took it without another word, leading her toward the floor.

The moment they stepped into place, the world around them softened. The hum of conversation dulled as the first notes of the orchestra swelled through the hall. Myrra moved effortlessly, the rich fabric of her gown catching the light with every turn. Ian matched her rhythm, his grip firm yet unrestrictive. Their movements were instinctual, the push and pull of the dance effortless between them.

As the dance continued, pairs formed and shifted, the elegant swirl of movement filling the grand hall. Some guests joined in, slipping seamlessly into the rhythm of the evening, while others, satisfied with their time on the floor, drifted toward the open-air lounge or the dining areas. The atmosphere remained alive, laughter mingling with the soft hum of conversation.

Eventually, Myrra leaned in slightly. "We've danced enough, don't you think?"

Ian chuckled. "Getting tired already?"

She arched a brow. "I am hungry and kind of tired from yesterday."

"Alright. Let's go."

They slipped away from the dance floor, weaving past guests still caught in the music's flow.

As they made their way toward the exit, Ian caught sight of Wiokz. The usually solitary figure was not alone this time, seated at a table in the lounge, he was surrounded by a small group, some elves and some other species. The scene was unexpected enough that Ian slowed his steps.

Ian and Myrra exchanged a glance before diverting their path toward Wiokz's table.

Wiokz, noticing them, gestured subtly. "Ian. Myrra."

They approached the table, where the conversation momentarily quieted. One of the elves, a woman with a regal posture and piercing silver-blue eyes, observed them with mild curiosity. Beside her, another elf, his dark green hair neatly braided, merely glanced up before returning to his drink. A hooded figure sat in silence, faint ember-like sparks flickering at their fingertips. Their face was concealed, but an occasional shift in the fabric revealed glimpses of dark, molten-like skin beneath. Another figure with shifting silver skin leaned back, their body subtly altering with every breath. Their eyes lacked pupils, giving them an unreadable expression.

"How was the evening?" Wiokz asked, leaning back in his chair.

"Pretty good," Ian replied. "What about you?"

Wiokz gave a small chuckle. "Enjoying the food… ha ha." Then, he gestured toward the others. "These two are from the research facility as well."

Ian and Myrra exchanged brief greetings, offering polite nods. The others responded in kind, their interest evident but measured.

"Well, we won't keep you," Ian said after a moment.

Wiokz gave a short nod. "See you around."

With that, Ian and Myrra stepped away, heading toward the table where Rhys, Reina, and the others were gathered.

Rhys spotted them first. "Look who finally decided to join us."

Myrra slid into a seat. "I needed food."

Lirien smirked. "Knew it."

Ian sat beside her, letting the evening settle around them.

As they ate, conversation drifted toward the notable figures in Arcane Engineering and beyond. Rhys, always attuned to such things, casually pointed out a few students seated at another table.

He gestured subtly. "Over there, Kieran Voss, specializing in high-efficiency energy constructs. And that's Alira Fen, working on autonomous casting circuits. Both are at the top of Arcane Engineering, very close to becoming Masters."

Ian followed his gaze, spotting a short figure in deep blue attire speaking animatedly with a taller woman, her pink hair catching the light.

"That one," Rhys nodded toward a group across the room, "Voron. Top five in the First Order's strength rankings across the Institute."

Ian recognized him immediately. The same figure who had been riding the Skyrnox, which Ian had briefly mistaken for a dragon. Voron sat with a composed air, engaged in conversation, his expression unreadable, though there was no mistaking the weight of his presence.

Rhys continued, introducing a few others from different departments, individuals who had made names for themselves in their respective fields. He didn't go into details, but it was clear that the gathering had drawn some of the Institute's most promising students, each leaving their own mark.

In between, a familiar but sarcastic voice cut through the conversation.

"Fancy seeing you here Rhys."