Chapter 9
Aurora
Oh. My. God.
Breathing heavily, I close the door to the ballroom behind me and let my eyelids fall shut. My knees are as weak as cotton, and my heart pounds hard against my chest.
What happened in there? Why did he want to dance with me? How is it possible that we harmonized so perfectly?
And above all else, what did Maxime feel? Could it be something similar to what I felt?
It must mean something. But what?
Thoughts whirl through my mind so quickly that I can't catch a single one. I don't know anything anymore.
"How could you?" I open my eyes and spot Enzo on the other side of the corridor. He crouches beside a pillar, bitterness written all over his face.
"Do you realize that you've just given me the death blow?" he asks in a strained voice.
Oh God, he's probably right about that. His chance to get into the academy probably died five minutes ago. We both know it, but this tightness around my throat keeps me from saying it out loud. Instead, I walk over to him, sinking to the floor at his side and putting my arm around his shoulders.
"I'm so sorry," I whisper, feeling like the worst person in the world. Should I have refused to dance with Maxime?
Enzo sighs wearily. "If Juli Brohn had stormed onto the dance floor, you'd be sitting here now, not knowing what to do next."
I rest my head on his shoulder, his cheek presses warmly against my temple. "We shouldn't jump to conclusions..."
"I saw you, Aurora, and the jury saw the same thing." His tone is filled with melancholy.
As if my emotions weren't already tumultuous enough, another one now enters the mix: hope.
Until Maxime extended his hand to me, I was certain I would leave here tomorrow and never return. But now things have changed. That and so much more. I feel like I have a real chance. Because Maxime and I were so perfect together, it was as if we were destined for each other.
At the same time, I mourn with Enzo for his lost dream.
For minutes, we sit together, lost in our thoughts. Sky and Liam leave the ballroom, engaged in a heated discussion, passing us without noticing. Shortly after, the muffled sound of music fills the hallway once more. Inevitably, I remember Maxime's touches and the passion in his gaze. If I am indeed accepted here, we could dance together again. Every day. All year round. What a thought! I'd love to indulge in it, but it feels wrong with the dejected Enzo in my arms.
"No matter what happens, you'll find your way. I know it," I say, pouring all the hope I have for him into my words. Enzo deserves to live his passion.
" We will find our ways," he corrects me, and that makes me smile. He will recover. A part of him might forever hate me for what happened in the ballroom, but another part will genuinely wish me the best with the opportunity I might have gained. The same part will motivate him to continue fighting for himself.
I nod against his shoulder, then stand and offer him my hand to pull himself up. A brief smile flickers across his face before we make our way to the changing rooms.