Fates Intertwined

53. | An Attack

As the music changed back to the classical ballroom dance, dancers lined the dance floor, women facing opposite of the guys. Middle of the Night played on violin and they took the first steps forward.

"You're avoiding me." He spoke as they walked in circles, their palms inches away from the other.

"With good reason." Aurora responded, holding eye contact with Zyran before swapping hands.

"Feels almost like it did back then, does it not?" He quirked a brow as they moved counterclockwise. They followed with the beat of the music, dancing in synchrony.

"Back then, you had the tendency to follow me." Aurora retorted.

"Back then, you had the tendency to run away." They lifted both hands, turning clockwise again. "I want to try a relationship, Rory."

She inhaled. "You heard what Octavia said. We can't have a relationship; we can't even touch."

"So we find a way."

"Zyran—"

"No, I'm not going to avoid this, Aurora." She held his gaze. "I love you. I have since I found you staring at me in the market. I want to try." He spoke slowly.

"We can't—"

"We have to try." He argued. They stepped away as the beat slowed. Aurora stared at him, a heavy feeling in her stomach. He wasn't going to give up; she could tell just by looking in his eye.

The beat kicked up again and Aurora's hand fell over Zyran's shoulder, his falling to her waist. They spun around, dancing through the dance floor. Other couples were doing the same, but they didn't pay attention to them.

Their attention was locked on each other.

The music progressed and as it did, Zyran spun Aurora, her dress flaring. The tension surrounding them increased with their eyes burning against each other.

Aurora wanted a chance with Zyran, but she didn't know how. And it wouldn't be long before the full moon arrived and if she stayed, they'd lose everything. She couldn't risk it.

Evelyn stood off to the side with Oliver. "Oo, thank you." She smiled, taking the flute of champagne. She threw her head back to drink the liquid and grabbed another.

"They remind you of us, do they not?" Oliver asked, watching as Aurora spun out only to twirl back to Zyran. He lifted her up and spun them before setting her back down and continuing to dance.

Evelyn grinned. "Ugh, the tension. You can just feel it."

"Why do they look so angry?" Madison asked, confused.

"They're not. They're just..." Evelyn trailed off, blinking rapidly. She felt lightheaded. "They're just...denying themselves the want they feel."

"You okay?" Oliver asked, rubbing his hand over her back.

She nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine."

Evelyn watched as Aurora and Zyran danced as though no one else was around. "Oh..." Evelyn spoke as she felt herself sway and her vision swirl. She looked around, noticing multiple different people dropping to the floor.

"Evelyn?" Madison called, her brows pulled together in concern.

"Ohhh, that'ssss not good." Evelyn slurred. Her glass of champagne slipped from her grasp, shattering against the floor.

"Ev?"

She felt her eyes flutter. "Someone...spiked...the drinks..." She whispered before she was collapsing into Oliver's arms.