~ The villain's dance

~ the ball

The grand ballroom shimmered with lights, reflecting off crystal chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. Laughter and music filled the air, but for Selever, it felt like a twisted game. He stood at the edge of the dance floor, scanning the crowd, his mind a whirlpool of thoughts.

Kael entered, her presence commanding attention. Selever's heart raced, but he quickly masked it with a smirk. She'll pay for what she did.

As the music shifted, Kandy and Zyn bounced over, their faces lit with excitement. Kandy's bubbly energy was infectious, though a hint of sadness lingered behind her smile. "Isn't this amazing? Everyone's here!"

"Older brother!!" Zyn exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she nudged Selever playfully. "Come on, it's our night to let loose! Tori would want us to enjoy ourselves, right?"

"Yeah, right," Selever replied, his tone flat. "While I'm over here plotting their demise?"

Zyn pouted, crossing her arms. "You're such a downer! Stop it! We can't just sulk all night. You know Tori would want to see us happy!"

"Maybe Tori would want them to pay," he shot back, though a flicker of doubt crossed his face.

Kandy chimed in, "And what about you? You think she'd want you to lose yourself in this anger?"

Selever glanced at Tori's spirit, shimmering softly at the edge of the dance floor. Her warm smile reminded him of happier times, but he quickly pushed the thought aside.

Willow, Tori's older brother, stood nearby, his expression shadowed by grief. "Stop bringing her up, Kandy. It only makes things worse." His voice was low, haunted by memories.

Amber hovered at the edge of the room, her anxious demeanor betraying her attempt to blend in. She brushed her hair behind her ear, eyes darting as if searching for an escape. "I... I just need some air," she murmured, slipping out of the crowd.

Milo approached Selever, concern etched on his face. "You need to chill, man. This isn't the time or place for that."

"Right," Selever scoffed, his calm exterior unwavering. "Because we're all here to have a good time while Tori's dead."

Suddenly, a flicker of light caught his eye. Tori's spirit appeared, glowing softly. She smiled warmly at her friends, her presence a bittersweet reminder of the joy they had lost.

Tori had smiled warmly. "Salutations, are you all having fun?"

Zyn's eyes widened. "Tori?" she whispered, glancing at the others, feeling a mix of hope and sorrow.

"Yeah, she's here," Willow breathed, disbelief mingling with longing. "Just... not in the way we want."

As the music swelled, Amelia entered, exuding grace that contrasted with her troubled past. She caught Selever's eye, and for a moment, they locked gazes, understanding hanging in the air.

"Selever," she said softly, "you need to let this go. It's not worth it."

"Easy for you to say," he shot back, his voice smooth yet sharp. "You didn't lose her."

Zyn stepped closer, her voice gentle but firm. "Listen, Selever. I know you're angry, but you can't take this out on everyone else. You're my brother. I can't lose you, too."

"Zyn, don't you get it? They all need to suffer. Kael will be the first." His tone was steady, but beneath it lay a brewing storm.

Zyn's playful demeanor shifted to concern. "You're scaring me, Selever! Please, let's just enjoy tonight. We can honor Tori without tearing everything apart."

Selever hesitated, the flicker of doubt creeping into his heart. "You think so? Maybe I should thank Kael for the chance to make everyone understand the consequences of their actions. After all, she's going to die, too."