In the grand hall of Zenith Academy, beneath a sprawling crystal chandelier and amidst swirling lights that mimicked the stars themselves, the Freshers' Ball was in full swing.
Students dressed in immaculate formal wear mingled, laughed, and danced to elegant music.
Everlyn stood up from her seat at the royal table, her flowing gown shimmering like moonlight on water. Her expression unreadable, she turned toward Alex.
"Come to the dance floor with me."
Alex's mouth twitched ever so slightly.
Not this again… What did I do in my past life to deserve this? Was I a mass-murdering goose thief or something?
He opened his mouth, hand slightly raised in protest. "Miss Everlyn, you did not pa—"
But before he could complete the sentence, Everlyn's golden eyes locked onto his with a glare that could melt glacierstone.
Alex immediately shut up. "Never mind. Just thought I'd give it a try."
Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through the tension.
