Chapter Song:

Constellations (piano version) by Jade LeMac

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I walked into the hallway; the stunning sparkling silver dress stayed folded neatly on top of my dresser. I had the deep green dress on, the fabric kept getting caught on my silver heels that I paired with it, I still had my cloak with me just in case, I have never been to an event like this before, not even back in my world.

I walked into the kitchen to see a busy Ellis rushing about, dropping several things into various pots.

She froze with what she was doing as she looked at me.

"Sweetheart." She whispered. "You look living." She laughed rushing over to me. She pulled at the fabric in places to my dismay and adjusted pieces of my hair.

"I-Is this okay to wear?" Suddenly wishing I had just forgotten about this altogether.

"It is perfect." She beamed taking my hand in hers. "Go have fun." She gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.

I don't know what came across me, but I suddenly flung my arms around Ellis. My eyes widened in shock at my actions and Ellis' entire body froze. I went to pull away thinking of things to say to get me out of this awkward situation when she wrapped her arms around me pulling me tighter against her body.

"I-I'm s-sorry." I whispered. She pulled away bringing a hand up to my cheek.

"There is no reason to apologize, sweetheart." Her eyes filled with so much joy it cracked my heart open slightly. "Now shoo! I have things to do places to be."

I smiled at her before heading out.

"Damn." I jumped and shot a glare at Milo who whistled teasingly. He was dressed in a black tux, with a dark blue tie. "I'll walk with you." He spoke extending his arm. I hesitantly looped my arm with his glancing up with questioning eyes. He sighed before saying, "Evelyn asked, she wanted to make sure you made it there."

I just nodded surprised she would do something like that.

We eventually reached one of the doors leading to the large outdoor space. I think I stopped breathing at the sight. Snowflakes shimmered down from phantom clouds but disappeared before they had the chance to collect on the white marble floors. Chandeliers filled with crystals and flames hung from the clouds, but didn't block out the expanse of stars decorating the night sky.

There were people everywhere, all dressed in the fanciest dresses and tuxes. There had to be thousands of people here. I could see tables that appeared to be carved from an un-melting ice lining the space, an assortment of flowers and candles decorating them all. I didn't even realize Milo was speaking to me as I took in all of this. This was otherworldly. I truly felt like I was in a dream. This simply couldn't be real.

I spotted Evelyn talking with several people, Axel had an arm wrapped around her. She was in a white sleeveless ballgown, that had long white gloves, with intricate silver detailing going up it. She had a tiara atop her loose dark blonde curls that also appeared to be made of ice. These people were so perfect, it was unfair.

"You going to pick your jaw up off of the floor?" Milo teased. "I'm going to go get a drink, feel free to do whatever." He spoke saluting me mockingly before disappearing into the sea of people. I just stood there unsure of what to do with myself. Even though this was outdoors, in the middle of winter, it felt as though we were standing inside. It was comfortable yet mind-blowingly fancy at the same time.

Music greeted my ears, from the several musicians standing in the middle of several white flowers and ice sculptures. I could see several couples dancing together and kids running around to the beat of the instruments. I smiled at the sight before looking for a place to sit. I found an empty table and sat down, surprised that the ice table, wasn't cold at all. In fact, it felt just like any other table.

"Eleia." I got pulled out of my thoughts when Oren appeared across from me. "You look beautiful." He was dressed similarly to Milo, but he had no tie, and a few buttons undone. He looked more disheveled as his hair was tousled around like he didn't know what to do with it. But he looked attractive, too attractive.

"Where is Avery?" I asked with a teasing smile.

"Right to that, huh?" He returned the smile before sitting across from me. "You alright?" I just nodded and looked around at all the people here.

"Is it always like this?" I asked still taking everything in.

"Usually, but Evelyn likes to change the decorations around every year and add her own little surprises for everyone."

"What do you mean?" I asked raising a brow.

"The activities, she doesn't tell anyone what they are until it's time. Nothing crazy though, just meant to be fun."

I watched as more people made their ways to the dance floor, their bright and sparkling dresses flowing around as their partners spun them around. Oren noticed my staring and stuck his hand out. I looked at it questioningly.

"Come on." He spoke.

"I can't." I froze gripping onto my sight. I don't want any attention brought to me; I like it here in my little spot just watching.

"Too bad, let's go. Before I drag you over there myself." He spoke with a dark yet playful look. I hesitantly reached out and placed my hand in his. He pulled me closer to his body as he brought us among the people dancing. I gulped audibly as I felt his hand on my waist. His head dipped down towards my neck as he whispered, "Relax." His breath fanning my ear, causing the hairs on my arms to raise. I took a deep breath trying to look at the ground.

"Look at me, Eleia." He whispered, bringing a hand to tilt my chin up. I froze slightly at the contact but met his striking grey eyes.

I don't know how long we swayed to the music. How many times Oren spun my body around and looked at me like I was the only person here. It made me feel seen. Special even.

I smiled up at him and was pulled out my thoughts by Axel's voice. I jumped slightly, bumping into Oren, who just tightened his grip around my waist.

"Let the festivities begin!" He roared from the ice platform he stood on. I looked around confused when I saw the tall bush's part revealing the entrance to a... maze?

"This is an individual thing." Oren's breath brushed against my ear. "But I will see you on the other end, yeah?" He whispered; his face unnervingly close to mine. I just nodded at a loss for words. "Good luck." He smiled before walking in himself, disappearing as he walked through the arch. I feel like I am missing something. Did I somehow miss Axel's speech? I know I zone out sometimes, but I... the more I thought about it, the more confused I was making myself. I watched as everyone began making their way through. I sighed before doing the same.

I felt an uneasy feeling wash over me but that was soon replaced by pure astonishment as I watched glass-like doves fly high above the maze, they left a magical sound that reminded me of wind chimes, behind them as they disappeared above the tall hedges of the maze. I walked slowly through the maze unsure of what I was meant to be doing but decided on following the sound of the magnificent birds. I got to a fork in the maze, debating on whether to go on the left path or the right one. The left one had more lights shining down on it, but something about the darker path just felt right. Against my better judgement I walked down the dimly lit path, shadows filling the path. I glanced behind me as the rustling of leaves caught my attention. I watched with wide eyes as the hedges seemed to be connecting themselves together, blocking out the way back.

I took a deep breath and turned around, going the only way I could. I could hear the chiming sound of the doves just ahead in the distance. I quickened my pace slightly, feeling a slight sense of unease.

A leather gloved hand suddenly found itself wrapped around my waist. I was about to scream bloody murder when a hand was pressed gently against my mouth, cutting off any sound.

"Relax, Princess." His lips brushed against my ear. I tried to spin around but he just held me there, facing in front of us.

"W-What are you doing here?" I whispered.

"I didn't want to miss out on all the fun." He breathed. I could smell liquor on his breath.

"Are you drunk?" I tried again to squirm out of his grip, but it only tightened as he snaked his other arm across waist. I'm surprised I didn't get whiplash with how fast he spun me around. I had to crane my neck to look up at him. His pupils were blown as he looked so deeply into my eyes, I thought I might spontaneously combust from the intensity.

"You look magnificent." He breathed reaching up to brush a strand of hair behind my ear. I felt heat creep up my necks and to my cheeks at the contact. He dipped his head down and all the air left my lungs as his lips barely brushed against my cheek, before settling just above me ear. "You would have looked even more magnificent in the other dress." I froze and looked up at him with wide eyes.

"Y-You." I breathed, all words leaving my brain. "Y-You sent me that dress?" My voice so hesitant and quiet I am surprised he even heard me. But he said it was for someone special. I must be misunderstanding something. I have to be.

He just nodded and looked behind me as if he was conflicting with himself. He pulled away slowly, his silver eyes trained on mine again. Before I could stop myself, I leaned up on my tippy toes, my hands resting on his chest as I pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. My heart was flooding with warmth at the kindness he has shown me.

"T-Thank you." I whispered suddenly finding my feet very interesting. He looked down at me, his silver eyes had an almost molten look to them as he took my hands in his rough ones, pulling my body closer to his.

I looked up when a magical noise sounded around us. There were dozens of the glittery, crystal-like doves flying above us, each leaving their own unique chime-like sound behind as their delicate wings fluttered.

I looked back up at him, to see if he was seeing this too, just to see his eyes only trained on me.