The nobles stepped back, murmuring amongst themselves as I was shepherded away from the throng by the quartet. I felt a surge of relief wash over me, grateful for the timely rescue.
From across the room, I caught sight of Aria, who raised her glass in a mock toast, her eyes dancing with amusement at my predicament. She was deep in conversation with a group of young nobles, no doubt regaling them with embarrassing stories from my childhood.
The music shifted, a waltz filling the room with its lilting melody. Seraphina turned to me, her silver hair catching the glow of the chandeliers as she extended her hand. "Shall we?" Her status as the princess of Mount Hua sect, the greatest sect in the East, lent her an air of serene authority.
I nodded, taking her hand as we moved onto the dance floor. Her movements were graceful, each step precise yet effortless. We glided across the floor, her gaze meeting mine with a rare sparkle of mischief.
