The Ascendant Shadow

Chapter 15: Shadows Hides Her Innocence

Xander's POV:

I took a deep breath as I watched Valentina dance with Ron, unable to tear my eyes away from her. They moved together in sync, swaying to the rhythm of bachata. Her hips flowed effortlessly, sensually, as if the music had become part of her body. For the first time, I saw Valentina drop her guard completely, letting the walls she usually held so tightly around herself crumble in the warmth of the moment.

Her smile was different tonight—wide, genuine, and full of light. She squinted slightly as she laughed, her eyes soft with a rare innocence that came out whenever Ron's hands gripped her waist and pulled her closer. The blush creeping up her cheeks told me she was feeling the closeness too, but she didn't pull back. She didn't retreat. She leaned into the dance, into the moment, allowing herself to just be.

Ron, meanwhile, had a huge grin plastered on his face, and I could tell it was as real as it got. No facade, no tough guy act—just Ron, soaking up every second of her presence. His hands rested on her waist, guiding her with a gentleness I hadn't seen before. When she almost stumbled, a playful misstep in their dance, Ron caught her easily, wrapping an arm around her back and pulling her flush against him.

"You okay, princess?" he asked, his voice teasing but tender.

Valentina looked up at him, her smile unwavering. "I'm perfect, how about you, cariño?" she responded, and I didn't miss the way Ron's grin faltered for just a second when she called him that. Her voice was soft, intimate—almost as if the word was meant for more than just fun.

"I'm fucking happy," Ron admitted, pulling her close before they made their way back to us.

Valentina sat down between Jason and me, her energy still radiating from the dance. The joy, the laughter—it all lingered in her eyes, and I couldn't help but smile as I saw her so free, so alive.

"Exhausted, love?" I whispered in her ear, my voice low enough so only she could hear. She looked at me with a glowing smile, her eyes lighting up as soon as they met mine.

"Not yet," she said, laying her head back against my arm. "You?"

I chuckled softly. "I'm good," I whispered, feeling the warmth of her body as she leaned into me.

Jason turned to her with a smirk. "Are you drunk or just tipsy?" he asked, his tone playful.

Valentina flipped her head toward him, her laughter still lingering on her lips. "Tipsy. I'm not drunk yet, but I'll let you know when I am." She grinned, and Jason reached over, gently brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Ron collapsed beside me, clearly spent from dancing with Vale. "Where's Chris?" she asked, her tone curious but relaxed.

"He's just handling something," I replied. It wasn't a total lie. Chris had gone to make sure Luke understood his deadline. Vale just nodded, her attention already drifting back to Jason.

"Can I?" she asked softly, and at first, Jason looked confused until she pointed to her legs.

Understanding dawned on him, and he lifted her legs, placing them gently in his lap. Valentina sighed in relief, her smile softening. "Thank God, those heels are killing me," she whispered, her head now resting against my chest. I could feel the steady rhythm of her breath, inches away from my chin, as she finally relaxed into the moment.

Jason began taking off her heels, one by one, and Valentina looked at him with pure gratitude. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice gentle. Jason just smiled in response, shaking his head slightly.

"I thought you weren't tired, princess?" Ron teased, a smirk creeping onto his face.

Valentina's lips curled into a mischievous grin. "You wanna dance, cariño? Because I can still—"