Page 72 of The Fractured Veil

And lastly, Nox. He wore an all-black suit as well, but instead of a tie, he had chosen a deep green bow tie that matched my dress perfectly. His dark curls were styled just enough to look polished but still natural, and those piercing green eyes of his seemed even brighter against the dark color of his suit. A shy smile played on his lips, and he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He looked breathtaking. Seeing them all like this—standing together—made something inside me flutter.

As their eyes landed on me, I felt both powerful and self-conscious at the same time, their gazes roaming over me, making me acutely aware of every detail of my appearance. Zarek let out a low whistle, his eyes glinting with open admiration, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Thalia, you look... stunning," he said, his voice softening as his gaze swept over me again, lingering for a moment on the curve of my neck.

Nox took a step forward, his gaze locked on mine, a shy smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You look beautiful," he said. He fidgeted slightly, his hands clasped in front of him, as if he wanted to reach out but wasn't quite sure how.

Damon’s lips curved into a hint of a smile—a rare and unexpected sight—but he didn’t speak a word. A flicker of something unreadable crossed his features as his eyes met mine. I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking.

I smiled—a genuine smile that reached my eyes, the crinkling the corners kind of smile. "Thanks," I said, my voice a little breathless as I tried to regain my composure, my cheeks flushing slightly under their combined attention. "You all clean up pretty well yourselves," I added, my gaze sweeping over each of them, appreciating their handsome appearances—from Zarek's playful charm to Nox's quiet intensity and Damon's brooding elegance.

Nox extended his arm to me. "Shall we?"

I took his arm, a thrill shooting through me. El stepped up to my other side, looping her arm through mine. "Alright, boys, let's go make an entrance worthy of legends."

We met James outside the grand doors of Evermore Hall, and I couldn't help but smile at how dashing he looked. His grey suit fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders, and his blonde hair was styled back, revealing his kind eyes. They found mine, and he gave me a small, reassuring smile before El moved to link her arm with his.

"You girls look absolutely breathtaking," James said, his voice warm and sincere.

Elara gave him a bright, playful smile as she looped her arm through his. "You ready to be my arm candy for the night, handsome?"

James grinned, nodding. "It'd be my absolute pleasure, Elara."

Zarek stepped in beside me, a familiar cedar-and-ocean scent swirling around him, as Damon moved on the other side of Zarek. The distant thrum of music and chatter grew louder with every step we took toward the hall. El and James walked a little ahead, their laughter echoing back toward us—a light, carefree sound that eased some of my nerves—while I moved alongside the brothers.

Zarek gave me a sideways glance, his lips tugging into a teasing smile. "Nervous, Firefly?"

I let out a breathy laugh, trying to appear more confident than I felt. "A little. But I think it's the good kind of nervous, ya know?"

Nox squeezed my arm gently as we approached a set of side doors to Eldrin Hall. The massive entrance hall was filled with the warm glow of crystal chandeliers. The room seemed to shimmer and sparkle—from the elaborate, gold-framed paintings adorning the walls to the polished marble floor that stretched beneath us like a shimmering lake. A grand, sweeping staircase led up to a second level, where more guests were mingling, leaning on the carved railing or laughing softly among themselves.

Rich, deep tapestries—woven with threads of gold and silver—hung between gilded columns, depicting scenes of ancient battles and mythical heroes. The scent of expensive perfume mingled with the aroma of freshly polished wood and exotic flowers, lingered in the air, creating an intoxicating blend. People dressed in elegant gowns of silk and satin, and sharp tuxedos, moved gracefully through the hall, their laughter and conversation blending with the faint strains of classical music that floated through the air.

Elara and James turned back to us, their eyes wide with shared excitement, reflecting the glittering lights of the chandeliers. "It looks absolutely magical," El said, her gaze sweeping across the room. I nodded in agreement, completely awestruck by it all.

James chuckled, giving me a warm, encouraging smile. "Well, let's make it a night to remember, shall we? One for the storybooks."

"Absolutely," I replied, a sense of anticipation bubbling inside me.

The music transitioned to a louder, more upbeat tempo, and the dance floor began to fill with couples moving gracefully in sync with the rhythm. Nox and Zarek remained close to my sides—their presence like a protective shield that made me feel safe, yet completely free to enjoy myself. Damon had slipped away into the crowd, and I couldn't help but wonder where he went, and what he was thinking. But I decided to let it go—tonight was about celebrating, about having fun and letting loose, even if just for a little while.

We made our way to the bar—a long, polished mahogany surface lined with gleaming crystal glasses—Nox and Zarek each keeping a hand on me, almost as if they were afraid I'd be swept away by the crowd. When we reached the bar, Nox leaned in, his breath brushing against my ear, sending a wave of heat through me. "What are you having?"

I laughed softly, my eyes meeting his, a spark of playful challenge passing between us. "Surprise me, Nox. I trust your judgment."

Zarek smirked beside me, his amber eyes twinkling with amusement. "Careful, Thalia. You know he's going to take that as a challenge."

I shrugged, feeling light and daring, the atmosphere of the ball emboldening me. Nox's eyes sparkled as he signaled the bartender, ordering a round of iridescent shots for us. It all felt surreal—like I was stepping into a dream, a world I never imagined I could belong to. And yet, here I was.

"Shots already? Trying to get a head start on the festivities, are we?" James teased, grabbing one of the shimmering shots and raising it in a mock toast.

Elara linked her arm with mine, "Let's make a toast. To a night we'll never forget, to new beginnings, and to the magic that brought us all together."

We all raised our glasses, clinking them together with a cheerful chime before downing the shots in unison. The alcohol burned pleasantly on the way down, a warm sensation that spread through my limbs. The music pulsed through me, the beat synchronizing with the steady thrum of my heart. I felt incredible—like every worry, every fear, every doubt had momentarily vanished, leaving behind only a sense of pure, unadulterated joy.

After a couple more drinks, the music and laughter swirling around us like an intoxicating elixir, Zarek nudged me playfully. "So, Firefly? Are you going to grace us with your presence on the dance floor? Or are you going to make us wait all night?"

I laughed, shaking my head at his teasing. "Alright, alright. Let's dance. Lead the way, Zarek."

Nox took my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine, sending a jolt of electricity through me. "We won't let you out of our sight," he said, his voice carrying a hint of seriousness beneath the playful tone. His emerald-green eyes held a possessive glint that made my heart flutter. Their protectiveness felt like a warm cocoon around me, a comforting embrace that shut out the rest of the world, and I realized it wasn't stifling—it was empowering.

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