Academy days (Book 2 of IA)

[25] The dance of elementals

Having donned a second-hand suit that I managed to find, I arrived at the dance ball, feeling both excited and nervous. As I approached the entrance, I was stopped by the receptionist who appeared to be an elemental.

"Excuse me, you cannot enter without an invitation," the receptionist said haughtily, looking down on me as if I didn't belong there.

"But I do have an invitation," I protested, showing her the letter from Veritas.

The receptionist scoffed, "This could be easily forged. We cannot let a human like you in without proper verification. Elementals only."

Frustrated and feeling out of place, I didn't know what to do. Just as I was about to give up and leave, Veritas appeared.

"Is there a problem here?" Veritas asked, her tone firm but polite.

The receptionist stuttered, "Uh, well, this human claims to have an invitation, but we cannot let him in without proper verification..."

Veritas glanced at the invitation in my hand and then back at the receptionist, "I personally invited Kard to this event. I assure you, his invitation is legitimate."

The receptionist's face turned red with embarrassment, "Oh, I-I apologize, Miss Aeolus. Right this way."

Veritas nodded and turned to me, "Kard, please come in. I'm glad you accepted my invitation. Enjoy the dance ball, and don't worry about any further misunderstandings."

As we entered the dance hall, I could feel the eyes of the other elementals on me, their expressions filled with disdain. It was an uncomfortable feeling, and I couldn't help but doubt myself.

"Maybe... I don't belong here," I said quietly to Veritas, my confidence wavering.

Veritas looked at me with a reassuring smile, "Don't let their stares get to you, Kard. You're here because I invited you, and I believe in you. Don't forget that there are people who see past the differences between humans and elementals."

Taking a deep breath, I tried to brush off the negative energy around me. "You're right, Veritas. I shouldn't let them dictate how I feel. Thank you for inviting me and believing in me."

Veritas nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "You're welcome, Kard. Now, let's enjoy the dance and show them that humans and elementals can coexist and celebrate together."

As Veritas and I continued to enjoy the dance, I noticed Wyndham approaching us with a not-so-subtle look of envy in his eyes.

"Veritas," he began, his voice laced with irritation, "I see you've brought a human to our elemental dance ball. Is this really the best company you could find?"

Veritas maintained her composure and smiled, "Wyndham, there's no need for hostility. Kard is my friend, and I invited him here as my guest. It's important for us to learn to get along with humans, don't you think?"

Wyndham's expression hardened, and he shifted his gaze to me. "And you," he said, addressing me directly, "don't think for a second that being here with Veritas gives you any special privileges among the elementals. We won't hesitate to put you in your place if necessary."

I stood my ground, meeting Wyndham's glare. "I'm not here to cause trouble or seek special treatment, Wyndham. I'm just here to enjoy the evening with my friend. That's all."

For a moment, it seemed as though Wyndham was going to continue arguing, but instead, he let out a frustrated huff and walked away, leaving Veritas and me to return to the festivities.

"Don't mind him, Kard," Veritas said, trying to lighten the mood. "He can be overprotective sometimes, but he'll come around eventually."

I smiled, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Veritas. Let's not let him spoil our evening. We came here to have a good time, and that's exactly what we're going to do."

As Veritas and I continued to enjoy the dance, Amare appeared, her posture and demeanor radiating pride and superiority. She approached Veritas, a condescending smirk on her face.

"Veritas, darling," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "I must say, I'm surprised to see you here with a... human." She glanced at me, her eyes narrowing in disdain.

Veritas remained calm, replying with poise, "Amare, Kard is my friend and my guest tonight. We should be working towards understanding and unity between elementals and humans. It's beneficial for all of us."

Amare scoffed, folding her arms. "You've always been too idealistic, Veritas. Humans are beneath us, and it's best to keep it that way. Otherwise, we risk diluting our power and heritage."

I couldn't hold my tongue any longer. "Amare, it's not a matter of who's better or worse. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. We should be celebrating our differences and learning from each other."

Amare fixed her icy gaze on me. "How amusing, a human preaching about unity. But you should know your place, Kard. You're out of your league here."

Before the situation could escalate further, Veritas gently placed a hand on my arm. "It's not worth it, Kard. We won't change her mind tonight. Let's continue enjoying ourselves and focus on the positive."

"Underlings will always be...Underlings." Amare her voice laced with prejudice.

Unable to hold back my anger, but not wanting to trouble Veritas, I clenched my teeth and dashed out of the scene.

As I burst through the doors of the dance hall, the cool night air hit me. My chest heaved with a mix of frustration and embarrassment. Veritas followed me, her concerned expression evident.

"Kard, wait!" she called out as she reached my side. "I understand how you feel, but running away won't solve anything."

I sighed, my voice shaking with emotion. "I'm sorry, Veritas. I just... I can't stand the way they look at me, the way they talk about me. It's like I'm less than human to them."

Veritas placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I know it's hard, but you can't let their words get to you. You're a strong, capable person, and you have every right to be here as they do. Don't let them define who you are."

"I..." My voice stopped.

"We don't have to go back there, if you don't want to. Let's dance here, Kard. It's more peaceful, and I can teach you how to dance properly without all the judgmental stares," Veritas suggested, her voice gentle and reassuring.

I hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Alright, I'd like that."

Veritas positioned herself in front of me and placed her hand on my waist. "First, I'll show you the basic steps. Just follow my lead and try to relax."

As the music drifted through the air, Veritas guided me through the dance steps with grace and ease. My initial awkwardness faded as I focused on her movements and the rhythm of the music.

"You're doing great, Kard," Veritas encouraged. "Just remember to breathe and let the music guide you."

We continued to dance, our movements becoming more fluid and synchronized with each passing moment. Under Veritas's guidance, I gained confidence and began to enjoy the dance, the tension from earlier in the evening melting away.

"See, Kard? You're a natural," Veritas beamed, her eyes sparkling with pride. "Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something."

"Veritas, I can't thank you enough for tonight. For believing in me, for teaching me how to dance, and for standing up for me in there," I said, my voice filled with gratitude.

Veritas smiled warmly, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "You don't need to thank me, Kard. We're friends, and that's what friends do. Besides, I know you would have done the same for me."

"Yeah." I said plainly with a grateful smile.

With that, we shared one last dance under the moonlight, surrounded by the beauty of the garden and the warmth of our friendship.

Q: Do you go to school balls?