Guardian of Vulnerable Flames

Chapter 38

The Queen gracefully waited for the murmur of the crowd to subside before she began to address the gathered Guardians. With a soft smile, she started her speech, her voice carrying a regal warmth that captivated the room. "Welcome, Guardians. Thank you all for coming tonight," Queen Guaya began, her words carrying a gentle melody that resonated throughout the grand hall. The Queen expressed her profound gratitude for the presence of every Guardian in attendance. She spoke with pride about the successful commencement of the winter season, assuring the crowd that everything was going as planned. The Guardians, in their roles as caretakers of the natural world, played a crucial part in the seasonal changes of the human realm. "With each passing season, you continue to demonstrate the utmost dedication to your duties. It fills my heart with pride to witness the unwavering commitment you have shown in ensuring the progress of nature's development," the Queen continued, her words echoing with sincerity. The Queen emphasized the critical responsibilities of the Guardians; the shaping of the seasons and the protection of relics. As she spoke, her eloquence painted a vivid picture of the interconnectedness between the Guardian realm and the human world.

The beauty of the Queen's speech was not just in her words but also in the sentiments she conveyed. Gratitude and admiration were woven into each sentence, creating a tapestry of appreciation for the Guardians' tireless efforts. The gathered crowd, in response to the Queen's address, showed their appreciation with respectful nods and warm smiles.

As Queen Guaya concluded her speech, she bestowed a warm smile upon the gathered crowd. "Enjoy yourselves tonight," she encouraged, her voice carrying the resonance of both authority and genuine goodwill. The Queen's eyes scanned the room, and when they found Furie amidst the crowd, she bestowed upon her a nod of acknowledgment and another reassuring smile.

In a seamless motion, a discreet assistant swiftly handed Queen Guaya a glass, and with a gracious lift, she toasted to the celebration. "Go and have fun, Guardians. You all deserve it," she declared, her regal presence commanding the attention of the room. The applause that followed was hearty and genuine, a collective expression of gratitude and respect for their esteemed Queen. As the music began to fill the air, the atmosphere transformed into one of enjoyment. Some Guardians took to the dance floor, twirling and swaying to the rhythm, while others engaged in lively conversations or savored their drinks.

In the midst of the festivities, Zephyr, taking a sip of her drink, experienced a moment of surprise when a gentleman approached Blaze, extending an invitation to dance. The unexpected request caught Zephyr off guard, prompting a little choke on her drink.

The man who approached Blaze exuded an air of mystery and a subtle hint of rebellion. He bore the unmistakable traits of a bad boy, evident in the way he carried himself and the unique details of his attire. Also the fact that he dared approaching Blaze and her forever enraged eyes, made him a brave man. Furie, observing from the sidelines, could discern intricate wind drawings adorning the bottom of his pants legs and sleeves, a clear indicator of his affinity with the element of Air. With piercing big blue eyes and long white hair that fell gracefully around his shoulders, the man's appearance was both striking and unconventional. Underneath his suit, his physique revealed a strong and muscular build, adding an undeniable allure to his presence. Despite Blaze's considerable height, accentuated by her black high heels, the gentleman still towered over her.

As he extended an open hand toward Blaze with a corner smile, his eyes remained fixed on her face, an unwavering focus that hinted at both confidence and intrigue. Blaze, raising her eyebrows in response, delivered a pointed inquiry, "Who do you think you are?" The air crackled with a mixture of tension and curiosity, creating an electrifying moment between the bold gentleman and the fiery Blaze. The Air Guardian only grinned wider at Blaze's challenging question. He seemed to revel in the playful banter, eager to engage in the game that had unfolded. Closing the distance between them, Avel leaned in a little and introduced himself, his voice carrying a confident charm, "My name is Avel. What is yours?" Blaze, ready to unleash a barrage of retorts, was momentarily taken aback by the unexpected interruption from her sister.

Furie, quick to diffuse the tension, stepped in and playfully nudged Blaze forward. "Her name is Blaze, and she would love to dance with you," Furie declared with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. The look exchanged between the sisters spoke volumes, as Blaze shot Furie a horrified glare, and Furie responded with a knowing smile. Blaze articulated with her mouth, "I hate you" to which Furie answered, "I love you." Then Avel took Blaze's hand in his, and as they began to walk away, Blaze couldn't resist giving Furie a not-so-subtle expression of disdain, showing her middle finger. In response, Furie simply smiled and mouthed, "Have fun." The playful exchange continued, leaving Blaze both exasperated and amused as she reluctantly followed Avel into the dance floor, guided by the Air Guardian's confident lead.

Having successfully orchestrated Blaze's unexpected dance partner, Furie turned around to face her friends, Leaf, Rain, and Zephyr. The trio sported amused expressions, clearly enjoying the amusing turn of events. Rain, with a playful smirk, remarked to Furie, "You're not afraid of being bit, Furie." Leaf, his eyes filled with admiration and amusement, added, "You are one brave of a woman," acknowledging Furie's bold move in nudging Blaze towards the enigmatic Air Guardian. Zephyr, sharing in the amusement, laughed and chimed in, "Blaze is never going to forget tonight." Furie, rolling her eyes playfully, smiled at her friends. She knew her sister well and understood that sometimes, a little push was all Blaze needed to break out of her shell and enjoy herself. It was, after all, a part of the unwritten sibling manual; Furie's responsibility was to nudge Blaze into embracing the unexpected, even if it involved an unpredictable dance partner.

Rain, with an excited point towards the dance floor, exclaimed, "Look, guys! Ash is dancing with the guy he was talking to earlier." The group turned their attention in the direction Rain indicated and witnessed the handsome Ash, sporting a radiant smile, twirling in the arms of the lovely brown-haired man. Observing the scene, Zephyr added with a playful tone, "The fish has been hooked." The group erupted in laughter, genuinely happy for Ash, who appeared to be having a splendid time at the Winter Reception.

Amidst the joyful atmosphere, a new voice broke through the conversation. "Would you like to dance with me?" The group, momentarily surprised, looked around and discovered a man awaiting an answer.