One Eternal Ember

Chapter 9

I turn to find Lilith, Zenna, and Delano all gone. How had they just mingled into the crowd so easily? I grimace, and walk into the crowd. The flowing colorful gowns swish past me in whisking sounds, so soft to the ear. Couples weave in and out, following the tune of the upbeat music. They spin, and twirl creating the most beautiful sight. I make my way to the long table, covered in beautiful red cloth adorned with foods, and wines. I snort to myself as I pick a croissant from a plate and turn to watch the couples dance.

Watching them dance is like a symphony where nothing makes sense but the rhythm. Dancing was never my thing. I was always thinking of the tactics of hand to hand combat, or swordsmanship. My teacher would always swat me for not listening, or for curtsying incorrectly. It never bothered me, because my brother would always teach me what he learned after practice anyways. I smile to myself as I take a bite of the croissant, relaying memories of my elder brother in my mind.

Castiano, my only sibling, and my best friend. We would tell eachother everything. I would always tell him how Mrs. Hella would smack me with rulers everytime I spoke about knives in her class. Or how Gabriel Vellus would kick dirt on my dress during spellmanship. Or how my favorite color was red, not a bright red but a deep rich red. My brother and I were inseparable. We would've conquered Kingdoms together. A bitter taste fills my mouth after I finish the croissant thinking of how things ended between us. What I did was unforgivable to him. Family meant everything to Castiano. Even when I meant nothing to them. It makes me wish things were different.

"Are you always in your head when you're told to have fun?" A voice rumbles from behind me. I don't have to turn around to know who it is, and yet I still do.

"Only when I'm told to have fun and I'm not completely drunk."

A smile creeps across Delano's face, as he glances to the dance floor. "You're not a fan of dancing?" He asks, picking up a plump strawberry from a silver tray.

"Unfortunately for every man in here, no." I say, watching him with my arms crossed, my hip leaning against the table.

He makes eye contact with me as he bites into the Strawberry. "Mm." Is all he says as he chews, swallows, then licks his lips. "You really are from a small port if you don't even enjoy dancing."

"As I said." Is all I say, picking up a piece of pineapple. I lift the fruit to my lips slowly, and bite into it. I close my eyes, enjoying the sweet taste on my tongue. I plop the last bite into my mouth and release a sigh. I then chew, and finish it. I open my eyes and make eye contact with Delano, who has his hands placed on the table. I lick my lips, then flash him a grin, spinning on my heel and walking into the crowd. If he wants to play games, we can play games.