Golden Melody (Editing)

Chapter 23

Chapter 23 - Birthday Party

Snow had settled lightly over the rooftops of Wayne Mansion. Outside, winter ruled in silence. But inside, warmth bloomed beneath golden chandeliers.

Tonight was Miexha's seventeenth birthday.

And for the first time in her life, it truly felt like one.

She stood at the top of the grand staircase, hands curled around the polished railing, her wide eyes watching everything below. The scent of roasted lamb and sweet tarts floated through the hall. Crystal ornaments shimmered in every corner.

The first to enter were President Ashel Dom and First Lady Jane. They stepped inside in elegant wool coats, their presence calm and regal. But Miexha's face lit up only when their daughter burst through the doorway.

Asha Dom.

With a mischievous grin and windswept hair, she threw her coat to a nearby butler and stretched her arms wide.

"Happy birthday, Exy!" she sang.

Miexha laughed, hurrying down a few steps to hug her.

"Where's your twin?" she asked shyly.

Asha rolled her eyes dramatically.

"In Amerina, annoying Ofreigha," she said with a wink. "We finally got rid of him."

Miexha sighed in relief.

The second guests arrived like a gentle tide.

Soria entered with her wavy green hair cascading over her shoulders, her presence graceful and serene. Beside her walked her daughter, Seleina.

Seleina's blue wavy hair shimmered beneath the chandelier light as they stepped forward hand in hand.

"Pretty," Miexha whispered in quiet awe.

Sarah, standing nearby, smiled softly.

"She's your cousin," she said. "Her name is Seleina."

Miexha blinked in surprise. "She's... my cousin?"

Seleina stepped closer and offered a small treasure box wrapped in ribbon. Miexha took it; the weight nearly pulled her hands down. She almost dropped it. 

Seleina laughed lightly. "You're weaker than I thought," she teased. "Aren't we both half-human?"

Miexha flushed slightly.

Then Zaren Wov entered, tall and solemn, the quiet burden of war lingering in his eyes.

Beside him, Anita glowed in a silver dress, elegant with every step. Behind them came two children.

The four-year-old Zadriana immediately sprinted toward the dessert table with a delighted squeal.

The boy with golden hair. Blue-eyed. Calm to the point of mystery. Zatariel. The moment he stepped into the hall, his gaze found Miexha.

Across the room. Their eyes locked.

Zatariel slowed his steps.

Miexha felt her heart try to escape her chest. She had waited all day to see him. Now that he's finally here, her legs forgot how to function.

"Hi," she whispered.

As if pulled by an invisible thread, they moved toward each other.

Their hands brushed. Then their fingers intertwined. They held hands.

Sarah cleared her throat. Loudly.

Both teenagers jumped.

Miexha quickly turned away, her cheeks burning pink. Zatariel remained calm, though his hand slipped free when his father rested a hand on his shoulder.