Steps of Trust

She smiles, reminiscing on her loving parents.

"I remember my mother's lullabies," Laverna said quietly, her voice soft against the music. "And my father's strong hands, always lifting me high like I weighed nothing. His laugh used to echo in the house, deep and warm."

Shin tilted his head slightly, curiosity softening his sharp features. "You remember all that?"

She hesitated, a bit of uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "Sometimes I wonder if it's real. If those are actual memories... or just dreams I clung to as a child to survive. Maybe they were stitched together from stories I heard, little pieces of comfort I needed."

His grip on her hand tightened gently, reassuring her with his warmth. "Dreams or not, they helped shape who you are. That love you hold onto? It's real, because you kept it alive."

Laverna looked up at him with a grateful gaze. "That means more than you know. Sometimes I feel like I'm rediscovering who I was supposed to be."

He smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Anytime, my love. You deserve to find every piece of yourself."

For now, they had other plans involving the middle of the dance floor and many eyes watching the duo. The spotlight didn't faze them—not when they had each other to focus on.

By the grace of the gods, everyone seemed impressed by the pair. Their movements were smooth, as if they had been dancing together for years, their chemistry undeniable.

She didn't care much for all the attention. She had become lost in the moment, her senses returning to normal, but grateful for the slower tempo and the warmth Shin emitted.

His body engulfed her protectively, keeping her close. His scent calmed her nerves as she gratefully breathed him in.

She looked up at him, a soft blush spreading across her features as she noticed him staring directly at her. He had kept that look shortly after referring to her as his wife.

"You know," she murmured, her lips curling into a sly smile, "if you keep calling me your wife, I might start demanding honeymoon benefits."

Shin blinked, caught off guard, then chuckled. "Oh? Is that a threat or a promise, my love?"

"Depends," she said with a playful tilt of her head, her voice low and confident. "Do you intend to keep sweeping me off my feet like this? Because I might not want to come down."

He leaned in just slightly, a smirk dancing across his lips. "With moves like yours? I'd be a fool not to. And trust me, I plan to sweep you off your feet every chance I get."

She laughed, genuinely, sweetly. The sound was light, unguarded—so rare from her that Shin's heart skipped.

It was the first time she'd flirted back. The first time she initiated a playful exchange like this, and he didn't miss the spark in her eyes.

Her growth had been extraordinary. In just a month of grueling training, both in combat and etiquette, she'd become radiant.

That had been a good call on his part. Alfonso's temper had been rising, and she could guarantee her bad side was far more terrifying than his.

As they danced, she spotted Alfonso in the corner, pacing with his eyes wandering in search of her. Wicked emotions pulsed through him, causing her fangs to lengthen and her eyes to flicker with red.

Before she knew it, a strange aura far stronger than the others misted outward from her. Don Alfonso stepped onto the dance floor, still refusing to acknowledge Shin's presence.

"This Don Alfonso is persistent," Shin thought, annoyed. His arm wrapped tighter around Laverna's waist as he released a flicker of bloodlust and killing intent, warning that if the man touched her, he would die.

Alfonso yelped, startled by the invisible pressure crushing his pride, and looked horrified before quickly slipping from the room. As the wicked man left, Laverna took a deep breath, feeling her fangs retract and the flecks vanish from her eyes.

Don Alfonso backed off abruptly, though he turned and walked confidently as if he had given up the pursuit. Don Alfonso's heart pounded in his chest, frightened as though his life had flashed before his eyes.

"Was that... you just now?" Laverna whispered, eyes still watching the door Alfonso disappeared through.

"He needed to know where the line was," Shin replied calmly, but his eyes were still sharper than steel.

She leaned her head briefly on his shoulder, her voice low. "I felt it. That presence of yours... it told me I was safe. It told him he'd regret even trying."

Her words made Shin pause, heart skipping again. He looked down at her, seeing how close she'd remained to him, unshaken.

Shin's expression softened into a smile as they resumed the rhythm of their dance. "Sorry," he finally said.

She looked up at Shin in awe, a smile threatening to curl on her lips. "Don't be sorry. I appreciate it. He's truly a vile man. You protected me without hesitation."

Laverna glanced back toward where Alfonso had stood, then returned her gaze to Shin. "And you? You're terrifying... but only to the right people. To me, you're... comforting."

He chuckled. "Terrifying and handsome. Quite the combo. Hopefully not in that order."

She laughed gently, her fingers tightening around his. "Don't get ahead of yourself, husband. I might start getting used to this."

The hair on the back of her neck lifts, and her ears shift from side to side; something seems off. He said this once again, indicating that he will do something, just like what he did back then. He didn't wait for the answer, because what is happening now is more important. He will not betray her now, not ever.

"Laverna, do you trust me?" he asked again, a familiar signal that he was about to do something unexpected.

Unable to place it, her mind shifts to Shin as he speaks. 'Trust him?' She nods, looking towards the doors. "Until you give me a reason not to." She says softly, so no one else can hear.

Shin's gaze told her to trust him once again. She saw the certainty in his eyes, the confidence in his stance.

He would not betray her—now or ever. Through the Crest, he instructed Laverna on what they were about to do, and she understood, quickly moving into position.

"Follow my lead." Shin summoned his katana and smiled. Gasps rose from the crowd as he announced, "Do not be afraid. We will now demonstrate our homeland's dance. I am sure you will all be entertained."

He looked at the bards, tossed a coin to the maestro, and said, "Make the beat exciting."

As the musicians adjusted and prepared, Shin and Laverna took their places once more. In the energy of the room, a new rhythm stirred—one that promised spectacle, danger, and the power of their bond.