Brugmansia

Chapter 10🌹

         The grand doors creaked open, revealing the ballroom bathed in golden light. Chandeliers dripped with crystals, reflecting the warm glow over the sea of elegantly dressed guests. Music floated through the air, a soft waltz played by musicians at the far end of the room. My heart hammered in my chest as I took it all in—this was all new to me.

Xenos led the way, his presence commanding attention from those already gathered. Eyes turned toward us, whispers swept through the crowd. Alohi stood confidently beside me, her scandalous green gown drawing envious gazes. I felt small beside her, even in my mother's dress, though the delicate embroidery and the flow of the fabric made me feel closer to her in some way.

As we descended the steps into the ballroom, I couldn't shake the growing tension in the air. Xenos had warned me about tonight—about people I didn't know yet, but who seemed to already know something about me. My eyes swept the room, scanning for the twins, Citrus and Cyra.

"Stay close," Xenos had said, and I intended to.

We stepped into the crowd, mingling among diplomats, nobles, and other powerful figures. Conversations buzzed around us, but I found it hard to focus on anything other than the nagging sense that I was being watched. Alohi kept her usual smirk as she greeted a few acquaintances, though I could tell she was keeping a protective eye on me.

Suddenly, from the corner of the room, I spotted them. The twins. Citrus and Cyra, standing near the center of a small group, both with fiery red hair that made them impossible to miss. There was something unsettling about them—something too smooth, too confident in the way they moved and spoke. Their eyes locked onto me like they already knew I was watching.

I felt a shiver run down my spine.

Alohi caught my glance and leaned in to whisper, "Remember what Xenos said—be careful."

I nodded, trying to push aside the unease. Xenos, who had momentarily slipped away to speak to someone important, reappeared at my side. His expression was unreadable, but he gave me a slight nod, as if to say, I'm here.

The night had just begun, but I already knew that this ball was more than just an evening of dancing and fancy gowns. Something was brewing beneath the surface, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for what was coming next.

The ball carried on, a swirl of colors and chatter as we moved deeper into the crowd. Xenos, who had been stone-faced for most of the night, suddenly cracked a rare smile when he caught Alohi's eye.

"Maybe Alohi can finally fix Cynfael. She's always been good at straightening out messes," he said, his voice laced with dry humor. It was the first time I had seen him look even remotely relaxed, let alone make a joke. His laughter, though brief, startled me.

I raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Xenos... laughing? Who are you, and what did you do with the real Xenos?"

His face immediately stiffened, the warmth gone as quickly as it had come. "Don't get used to it," he said, voice cold again, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes—maybe amusement?

Before I could poke at him further, curiosity tugged at me. "Who's Cynfael, anyway?"

Alohi gave a dramatic sigh, placing a hand on her hip. "The crown prince. And, yes, if you must know, I have a tiny little crush on him."

I blinked, shocked. "You? You like softies? He looks like one of those charming, delicate types."

Alohi rolled her eyes but didn't deny it. "He's more than that. But anyway, as the chosen one, shouldn't you be meeting him?" she teased, nudging me with her elbow.