TBATE: CAERA | VALKYRIE ASCENSION

Chapter 10: Navigating the Social Maze

A/N: You may find this chapter a bit boring, but the next chapter or after that is going to get exciting as a small or maybe a big revelation is going to be shown. Also, I think I am a bit less horny now, so I will focus on writing this now.

CAERA DENOIR'S POV:

I sat in my room, my hands resting idly in my lap as I stared out the window. The conversation with Lenora still echoed in my mind, leaving a knot in my chest. I didn't want to stop practicing—it was in my blood (a small teaser regarding the plot here), in my very being. But I also didn't want to create unnecessary problems for Seris. The thought of making things more difficult for her or the Denoir family weighed heavily on me. Deciding not to think too much about it for now, I focused on my surroundings. 

The evening light filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the floor. Outside, I could hear the faint hum of activity from the main hall of the Denoir estate. The estate was bustling tonight, filled with highbloods and named bloods from various dominions—those who had either allied with or maintained favorable relationships with the Denoirs.

Of course, it wasn't just trusted allies filling the estate tonight. Some of the guests were people the Denoirs didn't particularly get along with—families or factions that had strained relations with them—us. But social obligations were unavoidable. Failing to invite certain individuals could be taken as an insult, and in the world of highbloods, slights like that could lead to dangerous alliances forming in the shadows.

I knew this event was crucial. Every gesture, every word spoken tonight could ripple through the political waters. And here I was, unsure of how to navigate any of it. Well, not really, Nessa had taught me a lot, so I wasn't too alienated now, but even so. 

The door creaked open, pulling me from my thoughts. Nessa stepped in, her usual calm and reassuring presence settling my nerves a bit. 

 "Are you ready, Young lady?" she asked gently. 

 I nodded, though I didn't entirely feel it. "Yes, but... I don't know if I can follow through all that you taught me." I muttered under my breath. 

Turning to the mirror, I looked at myself one last time, taking in the sight of the gown. The deep burgundy fabric hugged my figure elegantly, its shimmering bodice catching the light with every slight movement. The flowing layers of organza gave the dress a graceful, almost ethereal look like I was floating with each step. The high-low design allowed for movement yet maintained a structured, regal appearance. I never imagined myself wearing something this... glamorous.

The ruby necklace around my neck felt heavy, not just from its weight but from the significance it carried. Each red gemstone, matching the hue of my eyes, was surrounded by delicate diamonds that glistened like stars. The matching earrings and bracelet completed the ensemble, all perfectly coordinated in a way that made me feel like I truly belonged in this world of highbloods. But still... a small part of me felt out of place.

I turned to Nessa, feeling both nervous and excited. "How do I look?"

Nessa's smile widened, her gaze warm and approving. "You look breathtaking, young lady. Like a true Lady of highblood. The guests tonight won't be able to take their eyes off you."

Her words brought a small smile to my lips. "I hope I don't embarrass the Denoirs," I said, though the unease in my stomach hadn't completely left.

"You won't. Just be yourself and remember what we went over. And Sevren will be by your side the entire time," she reassured me.

Taking a deep breath, I nodded. "Alright. Let's go."

As we made our way out of the room, the sound of my heels echoed against the marble floor, amplifying the tension in my chest. Nessa led me toward the balcony on the first floor, which overlooked the grand hall below. From there, I could see the sea of highbloods and named bloods mingling, their laughter and conversation filling the air. My nerves tightened at the sight.