Achtzehn

907 42 6
                                    

Die Furcht wächst in die Nacht

The higher floors of the Zapolyarny Palace were a world of their own, steeped in quiet luxury and elegance

Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.


The higher floors of the Zapolyarny Palace were a world of their own, steeped in quiet luxury and elegance. Y/N had never ventured this far into the palace before, and now, as Columbina led him through the halls, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder. Her soft humming filled the air, echoing faintly against the marble floors and high ceilings. There was a serenity to this part of the palace, as though the chaos of the Fatui’s world couldn't touch it.

“We’re almost there, dove,” Columbina said gently, casting a glance back at him with her mysterious, knowing smile. Her voice was like a lullaby, delicate and soothing, yet laced with a certain playful charm. She had taken to calling him "dove" not long after they met, and it stuck. Somehow, it felt right coming from her, as though the name carried a secret meaning between them.

Y/N followed her quietly, his footsteps soft, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. When they finally reached their destination, his breath caught in his throat. Before him was a grand ballroom, its vast expanse illuminated by chandeliers that sparkled like captured starlight. The floor was polished so smooth it seemed like glass, reflecting the golden glow of the room. The walls were adorned with delicate murals and high windows that overlooked the snow-covered landscape outside.

“It’s beautiful,” Y/N whispered, his wide eyes taking in the breathtaking sight.

Columbina gave him a mischievous smile, stepping into the center of the ballroom and twirling slowly, her long dress fanning out gracefully as she moved. “I thought you might like it here. I come here to escape, to enjoy the quiet.”

Y/N watched her, mesmerized by the way she moved with such elegance, her presence almost ethereal. She extended a hand toward him, her smile softening. “Shall we dance, dove?”

Y/N hesitated for a moment, but then he nodded, stepping forward and taking her hand. Her grip was warm, and her touch gentle as she pulled him into the middle of the room. Columbina began to guide him through a slow, graceful dance, her movements fluid and effortless, like she was born to it. Y/N followed her lead, his steps tentative at first, but soon he found a rhythm, moving in sync with her.

The two of them twirled around the ballroom in perfect harmony, the sound of their feet brushing against the floor the only noise filling the space. Columbina’s soft humming continued, a melody that seemed to flow in time with their movements. Y/N found himself lost in the moment, the weight of the day and the lingering fear from the fire melting away as he danced with her.

“You’re good at this,” Columbina complimented him, her eyes shining with delight as she spun him gently, her hand never leaving his.

𝕾𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖓 𝖘𝖊𝖆𝖘Where stories live. Discover now