Lirien's POV
The music slowed down even more, becoming soft and intimate. Vael and I were still on the dance floor, surrounded by couples swaying gently under the golden lights.
My hand rested in his, and his other hand was warm against my lower back. The mask made everything feel a little unreal, like we were in a beautiful dream.
We had been dancing for a while now. Neither of us spoke much. We just moved together, bodies close, breathing in sync. I could feel the steady beat of his heart where my chest pressed against him.
Vael suddenly guided me away from the center of the dance floor toward a quieter corner near one of the large windows that looked out into space. The stars shimmered outside like scattered diamonds. He stopped dancing but didn't let go of me. Instead, he pulled me even closer, wrapping both arms around my waist.
I looked up at him. Through his black mask, his eyes were intense, glowing with something deep and serious.
