summary: Elain is a high-profile celebrity constantly in the public eye. Her bodyguard, Azriel, is more than he seems. Despite his professionalism, he harbours unspoken feelings for Elain
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The opulent ballroom of the night court mansion was alive with music and laughter. Chandeliers cast a golden glow over the elegantly dressed guests who danced and mingled, their faces radiant with the joy of being in the presence of royalty. Elain Archeron stood at the center of it all, her pink gown flowing like liquid silk around her. Her smile, the very one that had graced countless magazine covers and melted hearts on the big screen, was in full display as she exchanged pleasantries with industry moguls and fellow stars.
"Elain, darling! Your performance in 'Enchanted Seers' was simply divine," gushed a distinguished director, his eyes twinkling with admiration.
"Thank you, that means so much coming from you," Elain replied, her voice as warm and genuine as her smile.
As the night wore on, the crowd's adoration seemed to grow with every passing moment. Elain moved gracefully from one conversation to the next, her laugh like a melody that wove through the clinking of champagne glasses and the soft murmur of voices. Yet, beneath the surface, she felt the familiar strain tugging at her heart. The weight of expectations, the relentless scrutiny, the ever-present need to maintain her image—it all pressed down on her like an invisible shroud.
Slipping away from the throng, Elain made her way to a secluded balcony. The cool night air was a welcome relief against her flushed skin. She leaned on the ornate railing, gazing out at the glittering cityscape below. The lights of Velaris spread out like a sea of stars, each one a reminder of the dreams she had chased and caught, and the ones she had let slip away.
Lost in thought, she didn't hear the soft footsteps approaching until a familiar voice broke the silence.
"Elain, are you okay?" It was Azriel, her bodyguard, his expression a mix of concern and quiet strength.
Elain's heart skipped a beat, and she turned, her smile faltering for the first time that evening. "Just needed a some air.".
Azriel joined her at the railing, his eyes scanning the surroundings out of habit, ever vigilant. "You don't have to do this." he hesitated, "I know how much you want out.". He finished.
Elain felt a blush creep up her neck, her heart pounding a little faster. She'd always been flustered around Azriel, his calm demeanour and piercing eyes making it difficult to maintain her composure but Elain sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. "I know. It's just... there's so much at stake. My family is counting on me. Sometimes it feels like I'm more of a product than a person.".
Azriel's gaze softened as he looked at her. "You're more than just a celebrity, Elain. You're a person with dreams and fears, and it's okay to feel overwhelmed. But you need to talk to your family, make them understand.".
A tear slipped down Elain's cheek, quickly wiped away before it could smudge her perfect makeup. "I just want to make sure they live a comfortable life before I call it quits, they have gone through too much."
"So have you," Azriel said firmly.
Elain nodded, drawing strength from Azriel's words. She took a deep breath, feeling the tightness in her chest begin to ease. "Thank you.".
They stood together in silence for a while, watching the city lights flicker in the distance. Elain's mind was a whirl of emotions, trying to focus on the comfort of Azriel's words while battling the butterflies in her stomach. The sounds of the party drifted through the open balcony doors, but out here, it felt like they were in their little world.
