Hallor Chronicles

CHAPTER II. - BLOODLINE SECRETS

Skylar's movements are so gentle and precise, never missing a beat. If you could place each time on top of each other, they would all probably align perfectly. Even after repeating it multiple times for me, she doesn't look tired at all, but still I told her to drink some water while I set up my phone to record the dance. I won't have many chances to practice it with her, so I will try to copy what I can from a video. Placing things I could find or the girls gave me, I neatly stack them around to create a tripod or some sort of support. Solya kept holding the glasses and decorative bowls while I adjusted the angle.

Me: Skylar is an amazing dancer. She could pursue that as her career after graduation.

Solya: Doubt that.

Me: But she is so good. I can tell she must have practiced a lot. Why would she do that if she doesn't want to be a dancer?

Solya remained quiet. I figured she probably doesn't want to talk about it, mostly because it's Skylar's thing to reveal. She barely mentioned her family when I used to live with them and usually changed the conversation to something else. All I know is that she has two sisters, and I heard her talk to them over the phone. Of course, I don't speak Russian so I didn't understand their conversation, but Skylar looked happy when talking to them. When her mom asked for the phone, Skylar became quiet and stopped smiling. I know that her dad is still alive, but she never talked to him over the phone.

Returning to my seat, I watch Skylar go slowly through the dance motions again. She is wearing a white bedsheet that we tangled and pinned around her in order to imitate the dress I will have to wear and perform exactly with the restrictions created by the fake toga. Skylar's pale skin is almost similar to the shade of the bedsheet. The only thing that is captivating, are her blue orbs when she meets your gaze after turning and locking eyes with you. Combined with the flowing raven hair, dancing in the air as she twirls, is so hypnotizing. If I didn't know magical people are real, I would describe it as watching a goddess dancing under the full moon. Meanwhile when I imagine myself doing the same, I will probably look like a newborn chicken.

I saved the video and went to help the girls with cleaning the living room, since we had to move around furniture to make space for the temporary dancefloor. I picked the pieces where I knew I can follow Skylar as she is resting and then ask her about the dancing.

Me: Thank you for showing me on such a short notice.

Skylar: Anything for friends. I like to dance anyway.

Me: I was curious about that. Do you plan on becoming a professional dancer?

Skylar: No.

Her response was short and the mood shifted. She sunked into the sitting pillow and her gaze dropped on the ground, the shimmer of happiness in her eyes disappearing with my question. Probably a sensitive topic, so I let it go and instead asked about how are things with Nathan. Skylar looked up at me finally and gave me a soft smile but I knew she is trying to mask her feelings that my question brought up. She quickly suggested another double date with me and Draco, which I agreed to.

To not spend so much time at Aveus, I planned on returning to my half soon. I thanked the girls again for letting me stay and practice with me, even though you can't even call it that, because all I did is flap my arms, spin around or step on everyone's feet, including mine. I am on my way out of the Ossilor common room when Skylar yells at me to wait. She quickly runs to catch up and asks me to stay for a little talk. We find a secluded place in the living room and I decide to summon the soundproof shield, just as a way of practice, because it seems like this is going to be a serious conversation.