Chapter 94 - The Night of Many Threads (6)

The applause that followed the Empress’s words echoed with an awkward delay, hesitant yet respectful. Luca stood rooted in place, her voice still ringing in his ears. Beside him, Vincent, Seraphina, and the other honorees wore proud, composed expressions. Yet Luca’s own face betrayed his confusion — and maybe just a flicker of embarrassment.

Empress Celestia, her crimson eyes calm and dignified, looked upon them all from her throne-like seat at the head of the hall. "We hope you all will continue to defend humanity against the darkness," she declared.

This time, the applause was louder, clearer — thunderous. It swelled like a crashing tide as the recipients descended from the grand dais.

The announcer’s voice returned, bright and polished: "Now, please, enjoy the rest of the celebration. The Imperial Ball begins!"

Soft strains of orchestral music began to rise, elegant and rhythmic. All around the grand ballroom, couples of every age — nobles, scholars, knights, and mages — moved gracefully onto the floor. Their gowns shimmered, and their cloaks swayed in perfect harmony with the beat. Laughter mingled with the violin’s melody.

Luca, meanwhile, had slipped down from the stage and spotted Aurelia near one of the ornate marble columns. Her usual wildness seemed dulled under the soft chandelier light — a quiet grace replaced her fiery presence. Her long red dress clung elegantly to her, her red hair done up in loose waves that framed her face.

He approached her and finally let out the long breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

Aurelia tilted her head at him, amusement tugging at the corner of her lips. "Don’t you want to dance?"

Luca blinked. "Me?"

She arched a brow.

"No, no, I don’t even know how to dance." He raised his hands defensively.

Aurelia grinned — not her usual cocky smirk, but something gentler. Teasing. "That’s fine," she said as she suddenly took his hand and pulled him toward the floor, "then let me guide you."

"Aurelia—wait—I really don’t—"

But before he could finish, her hand was in his, and his other awkwardly found its place at her waist. His heart skipped at the contact. She was so close he could smell the faint trace of roses in her perfume, the heat of her skin.

"You’ll step on me," she whispered, amused.

"I might step on me," he whispered back.

Her laughter was a soft note in the music. "Just look at me, Luca."

And he did.

At first, his steps were hesitant. His boots fumbled against the marble floor as he struggled to match the tempo, his movements stiff, mechanical. But Aurelia guided him, her movements fluid and confident, each subtle tug of her hand leading him through the rhythm.

The world faded — the ball, the crowd, the war, even the medals. All that remained was the press of her palm in his, the warmth of her breath as she leaned slightly closer, and the melody that wove between them like a thread of starlight.

Their eyes met — and held.

He had never seen her like this. The fierce warrior, the impulsive noble, now someone soft, playful, blushing. Her usual bravado had melted into something sweeter.

The crowd had slowly circled back, giving them space, but they didn’t notice. The hall, the dancers, the nobility — everything blurred around them. There was only Luca and Aurelia on that stage of white stone and golden light.

They didn’t realize they’d taken the center of the ballroom, that the music had slowed just for them, that all eyes were now quietly watching.

As the final note of the melody played — gentle, lingering — the ballroom erupted into applause once more.

The two of them froze.

They looked around — the sea of noble eyes, polite smiles, muffled laughter.

Aurelia’s face turned crimson, her mouth parted in shock. She gasped, muttered something unintelligible — then turned on her heel and fled, red as a tomato, her dress fluttering like flame in her wake.

Luca stood there for a second, mouth half-open. Then, awkwardly, he bowed to the crowd — unsure if that’s what was expected — and turned to jog after her, trying not to trip over his own feet.

The applause followed him out, light and amused.

Behind them, the ball resumed — but for the two who’d shared the moment, the world had already changed.

Luca and Aurelia arrived outside on the balcony.

The balcony stood in contrast to the grandeur of the ballroom behind them—a silent retreat from the swirl of music, laughter, and obligations. Out here, the night was gentle. A cool breeze played with Aurelia’s hair as she leaned on the marble railing, the moonlight painting silver over her crimson dress. Beside her, Luca exhaled, eyes lifted toward the vast, star-scattered sky.

"Well," he said, breaking the silence with a crooked smile, "that was awkward, wasn’t it?"

Aurelia, still flushed from the incident moments ago, didn’t reply. Her heart hadn’t stopped racing—not from the dance, but from something else. Something much harder to name.

After a beat, she turned her head slightly and asked, "What’s with you and the Mage Tower Master?"

Luca’s smile faded. His expression grew serious, illuminated by the soft gleam of moonlight. "She accepted me as her disciple," he said quietly. "I didn’t tell you because... I didn’t want to announce it until Master decides it herself. It’s not known to many."

Aurelia nodded slowly, digesting that. Silence returned, but it wasn’t heavy—it was laced with tension neither of them wanted to name.

Luca glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, brows twitching with frustration.

Should I ask her? No, I won’t be able to rest until I do.

His chest tightened.

Ugh, what is this feeling? I hate it.

He blurted out, "Who was that dark-haired guy from earlier? The one who grabbed your wrist?"

Aurelia blinked at him. Then, her lips curved into a sly, familiar smirk. "What, are you jealous?"

"Heh, why would I be?" Luca scoffed, turning his face away—yet his ears tinged pink.

Am I?

Aurelia’s soft laugh melted into the night. "Don’t worry, he’s my uncle."

Luca nearly stumbled. "U-Uncle?

That

guy?"

She laughed again, eyes sparkling. "Late child. My grandfather had him in his, well... very late years."

Before he could process that, she stepped closer, pinched his cheek, and teased, "You’re too cute when you’re jealous."

Their eyes locked, and neither of them looked away this time. The noise of the ball faded. Only the sound of crickets, the distant trickle of a fountain, and their breaths remained.

But then, Luca whispered, "K-Kyle mentioned... you have some problems with your family."

Aurelia froze. Her hand, which had lingered near his cheek, dropped.

Luca’s tone immediately softened. "You don’t have to tell me. Not if you don’t want to."

But then, unbeknownst to him, his lips moved again. "But I’d like it if you did."

Aurelia looked up at him, startled. He had said it so bluntly—so earnestly.

"I... I don’t know if I’m ready yet," she admitted, looking away. "But I promise... I’ll tell you first when I am."

He nodded. The moon drifted behind a cloud, casting everything in a soft haze.

"Can I ask you something?" Aurelia said suddenly.

"Hm?"

"Why did you stand up to my grandfather like that? I was surprised. For the first time, you looked so... dominant."

Luca didn’t respond immediately. He stared at the stars again, as thoughts churned behind his gaze.

Why did I do that? I could’ve just talked it out. That’s what I always do. There was no need to interfere like that, to get angry. But...

"I don’t know," he said at last. "At that moment, I just felt like I had to. When I saw your uncle grab your wrist, I couldn’t stop myself. Something shifted in me. And when you were about to beg your grandfather... I didn’t like it. I didn’t like it at all. "

"I don’t want you to lower your head to anyone. Not for me, not for anyone else."

Aurelia’s lips parted slightly. Her hand came to rest against her chest.

Why does he have to say things like that?

she thought.

He could’ve just said it was ego or pride or some dumb nobleman thing. But instead... Why is my heart beating like this?

As both of them stared into each other’s eyes they both thought at the same time,

What is this feeling? Am I... falling for her/him?

Their bodies moved without command, pulled closer by something unspoken. The space between them disappeared. Their lips met—soft, uncertain, warm. Then parted—only to meet again, deeper this time, their breaths mingling, heartbeats thundering in their ears.

The moon, now fully emerged from the clouds, shone bright and full above them.

No one knew how long they remained like that.

When they finally broke apart, reality came crashing back in.

"W-Well... s-see you-u at the Academy!" Aurelia stammered, cheeks aflame as she spun around and dashed back inside, the hem of her dress trailing like fire behind her.

Luca remained rooted in place, breathless, watching her receding back.

***

"May I come in your majesty?" Luca knocked as he stood outside the grand door.

The Night is not over yet.