Winter Ball: The Northern Academy

Chapter 3.2. Winter Waltz.

When the strange trance finally lifted, I glanced around the hall, where the other couples were still dancing as if nothing had happened.

"They barely noticed anything. Only you and Camilla felt the flow of ancient power. The others just saw some colorful flashes around us," explained the dragon, as if reading my thoughts. "That's why I needed you, Aurora. My dragon has accepted you as worthy, and you have enough magic to withstand the ritual. Another mage would have fainted from the intensity. Camilla only avoided that thanks to Sky's mark, though she barely has any magic."

As I processed what Maximilian had said, the final notes of the Winter Waltz echoed through the hall. My haughty partner led me through the last turn, then spun me and bowed, signaling the end of the dance. I curtsied once again.

Without the dragon's warm hands, I felt vulnerable and lost. The remnants of his magic still lingered in my body, making me long to be in his arms again. My breathing was rapid, but I reminded myself it was just the aftereffect of the strange farewell ritual.

"I think I need some air," I whispered to Max as I stepped away from the center of the hall.

Without waiting for a reply, I quickly made my way toward the exit.

Thankfully, the ballroom had several small balconies. I hurried to the nearest one, stepping outside without caring about the cold or the snowflakes swirling in the air, and took a deep breath.

The freezing air burned my lungs, but it helped clear my head and shake off the enchantment.

Considering my reaction to the dragon, his choice was quite reasonable. In my place, any girl who was in love with him would have already thrown herself into his arms.

I didn't have any tender feelings for Maximilian, yet I barely managed to shake off the enchantment that had completely overwhelmed me, stirring improper desires. It was terrifying to think about the kind of scandal this dance could have caused if I had felt more for him than a mild fondness.

"You'll freeze," the dragon growled, draping a soft fur over my shoulders.

The light touch of his hot hands on my bare skin sent a wave of heat through my entire body, and I exhaled sharply.

"You didn't warn me it would be like this," I croaked, trying to push away the lingering effects of his magic.

"I'm sorry, Aurora, but you would've refused. And now, feeling your body's reaction, you understand why I couldn't invite anyone else. I needed you. I couldn't take the risk. You're the only one who'd never agree to become my Amatrix and fight the call of the dragon's magic. Anyone else would've given in," he growled, turning me around to meet his still dark eyes. "Or have you changed your mind, Ava? Do you want to bear my mark?"

He leaned in, his hot breath brushing against my face as his intense gaze fell on my lips.

Though I had no experience with men, I wasn't completely clueless, and it was easy to guess what he intended to do.

"No one's ever kissed me, Max," I whispered softly instead of pushing him away.

He blinked quickly, his eyes returning to their usual gray.

Max looked surprised, pulling back slightly to study my face. His warm hands still held me close to his lean body, and the remnants of his magic stirred improper desires, sending waves of heat through me.

"A first kiss during your first ball. Sounds romantic enough," he said in his usual voice. "Your mind's almost clear now, and your eyes are back to normal. But my dragon still wants to mark you. I have to ask again. Aurora, do you agree to be my chosen and accept it?"

His voice was firm, and his eyes burned with cold intensity, while a storm raged inside me.

Every part of me ached to feel his magic again, to feel the closeness of this young man. I didn't think resisting my own body would be so hard, and I felt a tear slide down my cheek.

But I still managed to say what every fiber of my being fought against.

"No. I won't accept it. No," I whispered, shaking my head vigorously.

Max wiped away the tear with his finger and pulled me tightly to his chest.

"Thank you, my Frosty. I knew you could do it," he whispered, sighing with relief.

He stepped back and lifted my chin with his finger, gazing into my eyes.

"So, how about that first kiss, Aurora? I'll draw out the rest of my magic, and you'll feel better," he said, then squinted and gave me a sly smile. "You can tell your grandkids how your first kiss was with a handsome dragon during your first ball at the Academy. It's up to you."