Dancing with Shadows ✔

The Night of the Ball

Dancing with Shadows

Chapter 7

The days following the festival were filled with a sense of relaxation and accomplishment for Richard, Kate, and Emma. Richard proudly announced that they had sold all their crafted items and earned enough money to last for four months. He decided to take a break from crafting, thinking of it as a well-deserved vacation. Kate insisted that Emma take some time to rest as well, not wanting her to exhaust herself with constant practice.

Emma agreed, and one sunny afternoon, she lay on the grass, watching the clouds drift lazily across the sky. The warmth of the sun on her skin and the soft rustle of leaves created a serene atmosphere. Kate joined her, lying beside her and pointing out different shapes in the clouds.

They lay there in peaceful silence for a few minutes until Emma felt a strange sensation. The ground beneath her began to vibrate slightly, accompanied by a distant thumping sound. She sat up, her curiosity piqued, and saw Richard and Kate standing up and looking in the same direction.

"What's that?" Emma asked.

Before anyone could answer, the source of the commotion became clear. Six large lycanthropes were sprinting towards them, their powerful limbs propelling them forward with incredible speed. Emma's heart raced as she watched them approach, unsure of what to expect.

The lycanthropes came to a halt a few feet from Emma, their massive forms towering over her. One of them, slightly ahead of the others, held a box. As he stepped forward, his body began to transform, the fur receding and his form shrinking until he stood before her as a human. It was Declan, shirtless and imposing, his turquoise eyes locking onto hers.

Emma was still sitting on the ground, her mouth slightly open in surprise. Declan extended his hand to her, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "May I help you up?" he asked.

She took his hand, feeling a jolt of electricity at his touch, and allowed him to pull her to her feet. Declan then held out the box to her, his eyes filled with anticipation. "This is for you," he said softly.

Emma took the box, her hands trembling slightly as she lifted the lid. Inside was a peach-coloured dress, its delicate fabric shimmering in the sunlight. She gasped, her eyes widening with wonder. "It's beautiful," she whispered.

"It's for the ball," Declan explained. "I wanted to make sure you had something special to wear."

Emma looked up at him, her heart swelling with emotion. "Thank you, Declan. This is... so thoughtful."

Richard and Kate approached, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Prince Declan," Richard said, inclining his head respectfully. "What brings you here?"

"I wanted to deliver this personally," Declan replied, nodding towards the dress. "And to see Emma."

Kate's eyes sparkled with understanding as she looked between Emma and Declan. "It's a lovely gesture," she said warmly. "Emma will look stunning in it."

Emma blushed, still holding the dress close. "I don't know what to say. I'm honored."

"Just say you'll wear it," Declan said, his tone playful yet sincere. "And that you'll join me at the ball."

Emma smiled, her heart fluttering. "I'd be delighted."

Declan's smile widened, and he took a step closer to her. "I'm glad. I'll look forward to seeing you there."

Richard cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "Would you and your companions like to join us for some refreshments, Prince Declan?"

Declan glanced back at the lycanthropes who had accompanied him. "Thank you, but we should be getting back. There are preparations to be made for the ball."