Vael's POV
Tonight was the night.
The farewell masquerade party was already in full swing by the time I finished my final checks on the bridge. The main ballroom on Deck 3 had been transformed, soft golden lights, floating crystal chandeliers, live music from a small orchestra, and the gentle hum of hundreds of voices and laughter.
I adjusted my black mask in the reflection of a polished metal panel before heading toward the ballroom. My heart was beating harder than usual. Not because of the party itself, but because of who I was bringing with me tonight.
Lirien.
I had left him in my quarters earlier to get ready. When I opened the door now, he was standing in front of the mirror, looking nervous but incredibly beautiful. The black and silver mask covered the upper half of his face perfectly, making his violet eyes stand out even more. He wore a simple but elegant black suit I had gotten for him. His silver-white hair was styled neatly, a few strands falling softly over the mask.
He turned when he heard me and gave me a shy smile.
"Do I look okay?" he asked.
I walked over and took both his hands, looking at him carefully.
"You look stunning," I said honestly. "No one will recognize you. And even if they did… I wouldn't let anything happen to you."
Lirien squeezed my hands. I could feel how nervous he was.
"I've never been to a party like this before," he admitted. "What if I do something wrong?"
"You won't," I reassured him. "Just stay close to me. Dance with me if you want. Eat. Enjoy yourself. This is your night too."
I leaned down and kissed him softly, careful not to disturb his mask. When I pulled back, I rested my forehead against his for a moment.
"Are you ready?" I asked.
He took a deep breath and nodded. "Ready."
We left my quarters together, taking the private elevator down to Deck 3. The moment the ballroom doors opened, the atmosphere hit us,warm lights, soft music, the scent of fine food and expensive drinks, and people in beautiful masks moving across the dance floor.
I kept my hand lightly on Lirien's lower back as we entered. No one gave us a second glance. Everyone was too focused on the celebration.
We hadn't been inside for more than five minutes when Jax and Theo found us. Both were wearing masks,Jax's was dark red, Theo's was deep navy. They looked happy to see us.
"You made it," Jax said with a grin, keeping his voice low.
Lirien relaxed a little when he saw them. Especially Theo. The two of them started talking quietly while Jax moved closer to me.
"Big night," Jax murmured. "You doing it tonight?"
I nodded, my eyes never leaving Lirien. "Yes. Tonight."
Jax patted my shoulder. "Good. He deserves it. And so do you."
The four of us stayed together for a while, talking and watching the dancers. I made sure Lirien had a drink and some food. Slowly, he started to loosen up. When a slow song began playing, I turned to him and offered my hand.
"Would you like to dance with me?" I asked.
Lirien looked surprised but happy. He placed his hand in mine. "Yes."
I led him onto the dance floor. The lights were dim, and most people were lost in their own worlds. I pulled him close, one hand on his waist, the other holding his hand. We moved slowly to the music.
Lirien looked up at me through his mask. His eyes were shining.
"I never thought I would get to do something like this," he whispered. "Dancing with someone… feeling safe… feeling wanted."
I held him a little tighter.
"You deserve this and more," I said quietly. "I'm really glad you're here with me tonight."
We danced through two more songs. At one point, I leaned down and spoke softly against his ear.
"No matter what happens after we reach Earth… I want you to know that these past weeks with you have meant everything to me."
Lirien's breath caught. He looked at me with so much emotion in his eyes that it made my chest feel tight.
Being here with him ,surrounded by music, lights, and people, but only really seeing him, made one thing very clear in my mind.
Tonight, I was going to ask him to be mine.
Officially.