But, Why Kill the Wolf?

Chapter Three

Tip, tap and her heels go click, clack down; Feet sheathed in silver down a freshly stained staircase, no longer the enjoyer. Rather, pleasantly the enjoyed — a thousand stars in the sky but none brighter than thee.

Unbeknownst to herself, a grateful crowd she had so hoped to avoid had packed themselves leaking from the foyer outside into the forecourt, all to gain the first glance at the new lady in her best dress. A fountain of attention to be sure, but very much so overflowing, and any hopes of slipping quietly into her own party had been crushed immediately upon arrival.

If I slip now, it's all over, with every step she fret. Though, to all below, her concentration made the scene seem rather regal.

Truthfully, she had not expected this celebration of faces right after leaving her room, but she knew it was only best to make the most of the spectacle. Few among the faces were familiar, but that mattered so little.

For all, there was a terrible desire to not lose a moment of the euphoria within the air. As the moon grew brighter upon the sky, so too did the hopes that each hour may bring delights greater than the last. Each breath enjoyed as sweet liquor, each dance with each man met with laughter and ecstasy, and even if the night was to be her last, it would be the greatest of all that she could hope for.

Maybe it was the lights, the chill air, or the many handsome men, but never had she wished so badly to live in and not leave a moment.

And so she danced, and so she drank, and so upon a lover's bright candlelight she merried; A cherub herself upon a garden of delight.

"If I may, you seem quite too far in thought for this beautiful night. Might I ask what could trouble such a fine woman?" A voice spoke from above, startling her.

By the time of this intrusion, it had been many hours since the start of the ball and most her energy had already been expended.

The man above her was handsome and well dressed, though in all aspects nothing apart from the norm, except that he was younger than much the rest present. The boy's face was soft apart from the rough, though eloquent, men who filled the floor. Though she had only glanced up from the startle, she quickly looked away to ignore him.

"If I am not mistaken, a man should never approach so brazenly. Or perhaps, were you not taught such things? In which case I can only pity."

"Taught, no. Told, however? Yes. There's only so much anyone can hope to remember when faced with a woman as beautiful as yourself." He held out his hand to ask for a dance, only to be met by Victoria getting up to walk away. A man so rude could be charming, sure, but only so much of a degree could be handled. Besides that, in her eyes, a lack of an introduction was as near to a death sentence as could be. However, walking away she felt a strong hand lay on her shoulder to stop her.

"I believe I made myself cle-" Victoria blurted out, assuming the man had followed her, only to find her father holding onto her. Her heart stopped, and his eyes were strained, yet happy, with a definite excitement.

"Well someone really is tired now aren't they?" He chuckled and motioned her back to the young man "Honey, I want you to meet Victor, he's the son of a close business acquaintance I know and he has been dying to meet you. Victor, I apologize for my daughter's rashness. I promise you that she is just like her mother, a true beauty!"

"Oh! Well, that is quite alright! Given the chance I'm sure she'll find that I can be a little more than a hassle to get used to as well!"

How quickly they are to ruin my fun. It's like I'm not even here...