Chapter Seven
Ismooth down the front of my burgundy dress, checking my reflection one last time. The material hugs my curves in a way that makes me look elegant rather than scandalous—perfect for catching those judgmental fae eyes.
“Stop fussing,” Noa says, applying another coat of lipstick. “You look fine.”
Gyurin nods in agreement as she pins back a strand of her dark hair. “More than fine. We all clean up pretty well for a bunch of halfbloods.”
The three of us share knowing smiles in the mirror. We've spent the morning getting ready together, determined to make an impression at the opening ceremony.
The press appearance is being held at a stage built over the sidewalk right before the gates.
It's packed when we arrive, cameras flashing as reporters jostle for position.
We find our seats among the other halfbloods, forming a tight cluster near the front.
The air buzzes with nervous energy as we wait.
When the twin queens take the stage, a hush falls over the crowd. Queen Seoyu commands attention in her sapphire gown, her presence regal despite her small stature. Princess Seoha stands beside her, wild energy barely contained beneath her polished exterior.
“Today marks a historic moment,” Queen Seoyu begins, her voice carrying clearly through the hall. “With the opening of Halfblood Hall, we take the first step toward true integration…”
I listen with half an ear as she continues, more focused on scanning the crowd. Fae nobles line the walls, their expressions ranging from openly hostile to carefully blank. It doesn’t matter, though. We belong here as much as they do.
After the ceremony, we file into the reception hall. Crystal chandeliers cast rainbow light over the gathering as servants weave through with trays of champagne. I snag two glasses, passing one to Noa.
“To new beginnings,” she says, raising her glass.
“To showing them what we're made of,” I counter with a sharp grin. The other halfbloods crowd around, adding their glasses to the toast.
Movement at the edge of my vision catches my attention.
Dohwan lurks near the wall, his dark eyes tracking our group with obvious suspicion.
When our gazes meet, I deliberately raise my glass in his direction, my smile turning razor-sharp.
His scowl deepens. But I've already turned away, rejoining the conversation with my newfound family.
The bass thumps through the floor, vibrating up my legs as I move with the other halfbloods.
We’ve formed our own little pack on the dance floor, a swirling mass of defiant energy against the backdrop of haughty fae faces.
Noa bumps shoulders with me, grinning, her own eyes narrowed at the nobles lining the walls.
We’re not trying to blend in. We’re making a statement.
I spot Yeojun across the makeshift dance floor, a flicker of amusement in his eyes as he watches our little rebellion. I push my way through the gyrating bodies, champagne sloshing precariously in my hand. He opens his arms as I approach, a welcoming smile splitting his face.
“Having fun?” he shouts over the music, looping an arm around my shoulders.
I nod, leaning into him as the beat shifts to something slower, more sensual. The heat radiating off his body makes my skin tingle. “Just getting warmed up.”
He pulls me closer, his hand warm against the bare skin of my waist. The champagne bubbles in my stomach, a giddy feeling rising with it.
The scent of him, spicy and earthy, fills my senses.
I take a long sip of the bubbly liquid, my eyes locked on his.
The hunger pangs are back, a familiar warmth spreading through me.
His hand skims lower, his fingers tracing the curve of my hip.
My breath catches. The music swells, the lights pulsing in time with the growing heat between us.
I want him. Right here, right now. I’m not usually this impulsive, but something about tonight, about this place, about being surrounded by these people, makes me want to shed all pretense of propriety and just feel.
“Want to get out of here?” I murmur in his ear, my lips brushing against his skin.
His grin widens, a flash of fang adding an edge to his expression. “Thought you’d never ask.”
I slip my hand into his, our fingers intertwining. He finishes his champagne in one long gulp, then sets the glass down on a passing tray. I lead him off the dance floor, weaving through the oblivious crowd. The fae are too busy preening and posturing to notice two halfbloods slipping away.
Outside, the cool night air hits my skin, a welcome contrast to the stifling heat of the ballroom. Yeojun pulls me into the shadows, his hand finding my waist again. The city lights twinkle in the distance, a backdrop to the rising tension between us.
I wind my fingers into Yeojun's soft dark hair, pulling him down to meet my lips. He responds instantly, pressing forward with an eager growl that sends shivers down my spine. My back hits the cool stone of the reception hall's outer wall as his hands find my waist.
Heat radiates from his palms, his fire affinity making his touch scorching through the thin material of my dress. I lean into it, craving more of that delicious warmth. His magic calls to mine, making my skin tingle and my blood sing.
Yeojun's lips trail down my neck, and I can't help the giggle that escapes as his breath tickles the sensitive skin there.
His answering chuckle vibrates against my throat.
I tip my head back, giving him better access as his hands slide lower, leaving trails of fire in their wake.
My eyes flutter closed as I lose myself in the sensation.
A loud, deliberate throat clearing shatters the moment.
My eyes snap open as Yeojun jerks away from my neck. We both whip our heads around, freezing in place as we search for the source of the interruption.
Annoyance surges through me. Of all the fae, it had to be him. Dohwan stands there, staring at us with open dismay, an unlit cigarette dangling from his lips. I push Yeojun back gently, a low growl rumbling in my chest.
“What the hell do you want now?” I snarl, glaring at Dohwan.
He scoffs, plucking the cigarette from his mouth and gesturing to it with a disdainful flick of his wrist. “Just came out for a smoke. Not my fault you were … distracted.” He pauses, his dark eyes sweeping over me and Yeojun with a mixture of disgust and amusement.
“Just proves my point, though. No real fae would have allowed anyone to sneak up on them like that.”
A harsh laugh escapes my throat. “Oh, please. You're just a pompous ass who can't get his dick wet. What's wrong—did you come out here to watch because you have some weird obsession with me?”
Dohwan's face darkens, his jaw clenching visibly. “You're delusional. If I had it my way, we'd never cross paths again.”
I bare my fangs, taking a threatening step forward. The air crackles with tension as my power rises to the surface. “I think I can make that happen.”
Before I can move closer, Yeojun steps between us, his hands outstretched like he's trying to calm two wild animals. His head swivels back and forth, bewilderment clear on his face. “Whatever is going on here, this isn't the place for it.”
“Nothing is going on,” Dohwan and I snap in unison.
Yeojun blinks rapidly, looking even more confused than before.
I blow out a frustrated breath, tossing my hair over my shoulder.
The night air feels electric against my skin, charged with leftover anger and something else I don't want to examine too closely.
“Fine. I'm not going to let his stuck-up royal highness ruin my night.” I grab Yeojun's arm, tugging him away from the scene. “Come on.”
As we pass Dohwan, I raise my middle finger in his direction. He scoffs and shakes his head, turning to walk in the opposite direction.
I'll accept the draw. For now. But that fight we're both itching for is definitely coming.