**PART 25!!!!!! Sorry such a long wait, but hope you like!!!!
Ayden led me through the halls. I felt no need to watch where we were going. I heard the ball before I saw it.
"You ready?" Ayden asks me just before we turn a corner.
"I never have been and I never will be. Let's get it over with," I coldly replied.
"Right," Ayden replied, obviously feeling awkward.
"Shea, get over it. Try and actually enjoy the night. You look amazing. Act like you feel the same," Lexie scolded me from behind. I had forgotten that they were still with us. I gave no reply.
Ayden walked me forward around the corner. In front of me lay another hallway. This one was short though, ending in oak double doors. They were pulled open, inviting all to enter. I could hear the sound of people and music leaking from within. I wanted nothing more than to turn in run away. I knew that Ayden would never let me get away.
We traveled through the doorway, entering a room that didn't belong. There was white and silver everywhere. Each table glistened in the light of a candle held in a crystal jar. The room was lit by crystal chandeliers casting a shimmer across the entire room. The floor was white and grey marble. The room was lined by ice sculptures. The windows were covered by white shimmering curtains that fell to the floor. Doors to the side led out to a balcony. The darkness was dispersed by strings of lights lining the railing.
"What do you think?" Ayden whispered in my ear. I couldn't come up with the words to reply. I could only look up at him, childlike wonder apparent in my eyes. He smiled at the sight.
"Damn Ayden, you clean up nice."I turned toward the voice which interrupted my reverie.
"Hey Batman, you sure as hell do too. And who is this?" Ayden replied, gesturing to the girl hanging on Blade's arm. She was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. Her entire being seemed to be radiating graceful danger. It was an aura similar to that of Mrs. Abendroth. Her blond hair gracefully framed her face, her deep blue eyes masking an intelligence rarely found. Her dress matched the color of her eyes, following the gentle curves of her body as it fell to the floor.
"This is Blake. She was kind enough to agree to accompany me tonight."
"Weren't you Blade's training partner last year?"
A dazzling smile spread across her face. "Yes I was. I have never forgotten those days." She turned her gaze upon me. "And you must be Shea Night." She held out her hand.
"Yeah, I am. Nice to meet you."
"You as well. I've heard about the potential that you hold. I am curious about how you will use it."
"Fully I hope." I inwardly grimaced when I felt the need to add a ma'am at the end. The way she carried herself seemed to demand respect.
"I would like to train with you one day." She studied me, as if analyzing everything about me. She seemed to be piecing me together by merely looking at me. I felt the need to hide.
"It would be a pleasure," I politely replied, eager to get out from under her scrutinizing gaze.
"I'll be in contact. Now, if you'll excuse us."
Ayden nodded his head and the two walked away. The power radiating from the duo seemed to mask everyone else. When teamed up, I had no doubt that no one could stop them. Deep down, I knew that part of me wanted to have what she had, wanted to possess the presence that she brought.
A few minutes passed when Mrs. Abendroth's voice overcame the murmur of the crowd. "Could the elite of each year please meet me on the balcony. Thank you."
