24: Phoenix’s POV

It had been days since any of us had spoken to or seen Ada. The ball being thrown in my honor had arrived and I was as unenthusiastic as I usually was about these formal events. I donned the tux and plastered on the charming smile and pretended to care as long as I could because it was what was expected of me. There was never any dancing on my account, and I hardly ever stuck around for more than an hour. Darius always gave me grief when it was an event for me, stating that it was my royal duty to stay and be celebrated.

But what was there to celebrate when the victory involved finding the way to lose these the least amount of lives possible, which was never none?

Despite my feelings, I *was* here. And I did plan on one good thing coming out of this party— Ada. Both Darius and Nik had laid with her, and I had finally decided tonight would be the time. Few members of the opposite sex were immune to my natural charms and I was hoping she wasn’t one of them. Unfortunately, she hadn’t arrived yet and I had started the night off with the charm in full swing because I’d assumed she would arrive before me.

Thus, I had circling, giggling shewolves all around me. Few dared to approach, but those that did were dull. I managed to keep conversations short most of the time, but there were a few that seemed to drag on for an eternity. Playing into it, I winked and smirked at a few shewolves near to me— sending them running in the opposite direction in a fit of giggles.

It was almost cute and I found myself about to smile but was stopped by an approaching figure. I groaned internally, but forced a smile on the outside, “Eliza,” I greeted Lady Elizabeth Jane informally, “What can I do for you?”

She reached up, laughing, and rubbed her knuckles on the top of my head, “Why so formal, Fee?” She stepped back, vomit-green dress swishing, “Can’t save any of that charm for your dear cousin?”

“You seem to forget we used to make spitballs and eat mud together,” I looked through the crowd, willing someone — anyone— to come toward us, “We’ve both lost the ability to charm the other,” alas, she acted as a repellent, “Why do you wish I’d charm you when you’re betrothed to my older brother?”

Lady Elizabeth Jane elbowed me lightly, snorting, “You’re a much better flirt than Darius, Phoenix,” she rolled her eyes, “At least *usually* you are,” she pursed her lips but then fluttered her eyelashes and gripped my forearm, “Promise to save a dance for your future Luna Queen?”

I fought every grated nerve in my body that wanted to dry heave at the thought and instead gave a curt nod, “If I dance, then sure. But we both know I don’t,” I bowed my head, catching sight of Nik approaching, “Excuse me. My brother has important business to discuss.”

She stood still, mouth agape in a way that suggested she couldn’t fathom I had politely blown her oof. Nik stepped up to me, a rare grin upon his face, “Discussing your jealousy, Phoenix?”

“Jealousy?” I arched an eyebrow

“That Darius and I were both able to…” he juggled his hands up, deciding, “Secure our standing with Ada?” He finally offered up.

I stood straight, looking over Nik’s shoulder, “No. It is perfectly natural that my two older brothers would be able to lay with her before me,” I swallowed loudly, “It just means I’ll be able to make fun of both of you for the scene you made the other day for even longer when I still manage to stay uninvolved.”

There was a dangerous flicker in Nik’s eyes. He patted my shoulder, “Keep telling yourself that.”

“It’s not my fault she keeps the two of you awake at night,” I jabbed, chuckling, “It’s as if she’s bewitched you.”

Before Nik could respond, a hush fell over the crowded ball room. Even the string quartet my father had hired ceased to play. All turned their heads toward the grand staircase as the Master of Ceremonies announce Ada’s arrival. The stairs were behind me and I wasn’t sure why, but I was momentarily rooted to the place I was in. Nik looked at the staircase behind me and whistled out a breath.

Just as I started to turn to face Ada, Nik strode past me and whispered, “Then prepared to be bewitched, younger brother.”

My eyes widened as I saw her and I knew what he meant. I’d always believed her to be beautiful. But somehow during the weeks of study and healing, she had become breathtaking. Her gown billowed out from her in true princess fashion, sweeping over at least a five foot circle on the ground. Countless layers of textured fabrics made up the skirt— which was the most stunning shade of brown I had ever seen. She looked as if she was Mother Earth herself— as if she could rival the Moon Goddess in beauty.

Her hair was curled and piled in a soft updo on the top of her head, with two chin length curls out to frame her face. She walked with her back straight in slow deliberate steps. Her honey eyes were searching the crowd for something, and despite all of my bravado with Nik, every beat of my heart called to her in hopes that it was me she was looking for. Her makeup was simple, accentuating her naturally pretty features — the gloss on her lips making the plump flesh look particularly kissable.

As she reached the bottom step, the entire room remained still. It was as if she had taken every guests breath away and was holding it for herself. Everyone was frozen and staring at her and while I wasn’t surprised by it, she seemed uncomfortable with all the eyes on her. Blinking slowly, I willed my feet to move.

I reached her just as she reached the bottom of the staircase. With a small bow, I offered her my hand. She stared at it for a moment before taking it. Without hesitation, I led her onto the still dance floor. Eyes followed us through the room and it was still so quiet you could hear a pin drop despite the amount of bodies present.

When I focused, I could hear her heart racing in her chest. As I positioned myself in front of her in the center of the dance floor, I smiled at her warmly, “There’s nothing to be nervous about, Ada,” I grabbed her waist and pulled her close to me, “Screw everyone staring at us,” I lowered my voice, “Pretend it is only you and me.”

The music started back up and I led into a waltz, parading her about the floor. Dancing with her was sure to incur the wrath of Lady Elizabeth and the suspicion of my brothers, but it was worth it. As I looked down at her, I swore to dance a hundred waltzes if it kept the glowing smile on her face that was currently present.

She twirled through the dance as if it was second nature for her to be on that floor with me, gliding around the other pairs that joined in. I caught glimpses of my brothers and Lady Elizabeth Jane, and earned a rare approving nod from my father.

As the violin started the closing notes of the waltz, I leaned down and whispered, “Ada, can we spend the night together?”

When I pulled back, it was like stars shone in her eyes. A pink flush crept up her cheek. Ada looked down sheepishly and stated, “Yes, Phoenix. We can.”