Kindred Souls

Chapter 7 - Fated

-Rain-

"No way! Congratulations. I'm truly happy for you." I reign in my concerns to myself, not wanting to cast a shadow over a momentous occasion for her. Despite only meeting recently, we have grown incredibly close over the week.

"My name is Rain. I am Aster's friend." I watch him carefully with caution.

"Silas Montgomery. Nice to meet you." He greets them politely. He must have met her after he left the poker game.

"Do you mind if we can speak privately?"

"Sure," Aster follows me to the side.

I hold her hands firmly. "How are you? How do you feel?"

"It was electrifying. As soon as he entered the room, I sensed something different in the air. When we locked eyes, I just knew. And then we immediately just gravitated towards each other. As soon as we hugged, it was as if I felt safe and whole for the first time...which is odd to say since I never felt incomplete. We went to the pool to talk, but we haven't marked each other yet..." she babbles full of excitement.

"It feels like all my other relationships are nothing compared to how I feel. I was skeptical but it's hard to describe...you just need to find out when it happens to you." She admits as if she was crazy.

"I can only imagine....so what do you know about him?"

"He's six years older than me and he works in New York City under the Caspian family. He says he is head of security for them. He's currently staying here temporarily with Alec. We still are getting to know each other. I mean, New York City is not that far away. I didn't factor this into my plan so I'll have to talk to him and see what our future is. For now, I'm just happy we have accepted one another."

"It'll work out, and I'm happy you found each other," I give her a big hug. She does not seem delusional but I feel something off about him. The last thing I want is to dampen her happiness. I'll probably ask Alec or Adrian later.

Despite my reservations, I know fate has a way of weaving its threads. Marked partners were inevitable. It just seemed too soon and sudden. The intensity of their connection is undeniable as Silas does seem to truly care for her. There is a new happiness that glows about Aster. I decide not to push it.

"I'll let you go, but do keep me updated." I wave her off as she heads back to Silas. There are a few couples around the pool, which makes me feel incredibly awkward. I feel obligated to give some privacy so I wander back inside.

The crowd has dispersed a bit. The live music is upbeat and everyone sways on the dance floor. Several women glide across the floor in their flowy, floor-length dresses made of luxurious fabrics like silk or chiffon. These dresses ripple and move with every step, creating a mesmerizing effect as they catch the light. The guests, previously the epitome of elegance, are now a bit disheveled. Their formal attire is still impressive, but it's clear that a night of dancing, laughter, and drinks has taken its toll.

The air is thick with a mix of perfume, cologne, and the heady scent of alcohol. There's a relaxed, almost raucous energy as people laugh loudly, shout over the music, and sway more energetically than they might have at the start of the evening. The ambiance is still vibrant, but now it's charged with a mix of exuberance and the carefree chaos that comes with a night of uninhibited celebration.

The lighting still sparkles, but now it dances over a scene where the elegance of earlier is replaced by the fun, messy reality of a lively party. The dance floor, once a place of poised grace, is now a stage for the joyful, slightly disheveled aftermath of a night well spent. I find myself lulled into the chaotic fervor. My heart beats loudly as I feel alive and warm. There is a bit of dizziness but a euphoric feeling rushes through my body.