Heavens above.
The fae magic is designed to keep guests here, trapped in eternal celebration. At the room's heart, they're playing the Hunt Game. It's practice for the real Wild Hunt. The prey wear bells that sing their location. When someone is caught, they're dragged to a crystal cage where they must sing and dance… or strip. Whatever the crowd demands.
"Care to play?"
A black-feathered winged fae offers me his hand. I shake my head and he doesn't insist.
That's a relief.
Some of the guests are more persistent, trying to drag me into their games. I decline with a polite smile and slip away.
I try the eastern passage but my attempt is thwarted once again. I'm back in the ballroom with the other revelers.Frustration builds in my chest, but I keep my expression neutral. I can't afford to look distressed and draw attention.
I'm searching for yet another way out when the music changes. The crowd responds immediately and everyone begins pairing off.
Dear gods and Un, please help me.
I'm standing in the middle of the dance floor without a partner.
"May I?"
The voice comes from behind, cultured and smooth. I turn to find a masked fae extending his hand. Raven-black hair frames his face. His silver mask covers everything but his mouth and jaw.
Refusing would draw attention. I take his hand. A strange sensation goes through me the moment we touch. His eyes widen slightly behind the mask. He felt it too.
Dread washes over me as he pulls me closer.
I know this man.
He's the Shadow Fae. Landon. One of Eirik's Masters of the Hunt.
Oh gods… I'm about to dance with one of the fae king's most dangerous warriors.
My blood runs cold. I was in his house. I walked his halls and threw his stupid painting out the window. Now I'm in his arms. If he pieces together who I am, I won't make it out of this ballroom.
But Landon doesn't seem to know. My enchanted mask works too perfectly.
Landon's hand steadies at my waist while his other hand holds mine firmly. He begins leading me through the dance's opening steps. I have no choice but to follow. The music swells and we move with it.
My first steps are guarded. Every movement feels like a risk. But then the music pulses and takes over. Landon's movements are so practiced that my body begins to trust his lead. A thrill runs through me and I stop fighting it.
I'm just dancing.
He guides me through spins and dips like we've rehearsed for years. This is actually fun. Swaying just for the pure joy of it. It's been so long since I danced like this. I let myself move, feeling the music in my bones.
Landon keeps his eyes locked on mine the entire time. He's magnificent at this. I let myself sink into the rhythm just for a moment.
But I overdo it. I forget that my body has limits.
My bad leg wobbles during a particularly demanding turn and I stumble slightly. Landon adjusts immediately. He seamlessly changes our pattern to something less strenuous. When the music calls for another spin that would strain me, he substitutes it with a gentle sway that looks intentional.
The transition is so smooth that anyone watching would think it was meant to flow this way. But I know better. He felt me falter and compensated instantly without embarrassing me.
"You're a natural," he murmurs as he dips me.
"Thank you." My voice comes out breathless.
When I straighten, I catch sight of the other dancers around us. They're all stunning, with flawless skin and elegant movements. Every single one of them looks like they stepped out of a dream.
