William led me to the center of the dance floor. A few people stepped aside, while others continued to sway to the music, oblivious to us. He extended his hand, and I hesitated before taking it. "You're beautiful," he murmured, placing his hand on my waist. I tried to hide my nervousness, my left hand trembling slightly as I rested it on his shoulder.As we began to move in sync with the soft music, I could feel the warmth of his body through the smooth fabric of his shirt. His scent—a mix of cologne and something ocean-like—wrapped around me, calming my nerves for a brief moment. "You smell nice," I blurted out before realizing what I had said.He lifted my chin with a gentle finger, forcing me to meet his gaze. His deep green eyes locked onto mine, and he smiled softly. I felt my face burn with embarrassment, my blush deepening under his intense stare."Do you know how attractive you are when you blush?" he whispered, pulling me closer until my chest was pressed against his. My breath hitched at the sudden intimacy, my heart pounding as we glided across the floor, our bodies moving fluidly together.His eyes never left mine, and I could feel the admiration on his gaze. Then, he leaned in, his lips brushing lightly against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "I don't have enough words to express my happiness, Kristen. I've dreamt of dancing with you for so long, and now, here you are in my arms," he whispered, his voice like velvet.My stomach fluttered at his words, but I forced a teasing smile. "You're flattering me, Prince," I replied, rolling my eyes, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through me. But even as I teased him, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being pulled into something far more complicated than I could handle.As the music shifted to a waltz, the rhythm swept through the room, and suddenly the dance floor emptied, leaving just William and me. It was as if the world outside had vanished, and it was only the two of us. His movements were graceful, effortlessly commanding the dance, and though it was hard to keep up at first, my feet soon found the rhythm. I let myself follow him, carried along by the music and his steady guidance.The waltz came to an end, and as William bowed his head, I curtsied in response. The sound of applause broke through the trance, making me aware of the audience for the first time. My heart raced, both from the dance and the realization that everyone had been watching."Thank you for the dance, Kristen," William said, his smile bright and genuine."The pleasure is mine, Prince William," I replied, using his title with a polite nod, though my heart was still fluttering from the intensity of the moment.A soft clearing of the throat behind us caught my attention. "Prince William," a man's voice interrupted. "May I have a word with you?"William turned to me with apologetic eyes. "Kristen, just stay here for a moment. I'll be back soon.""Okay, but don't take too long," I replied, feeling a slight twinge of uncertainty. He gave me a reassuring nod before walking off to speak with the man.I stepped away from the dance floor, trying to avoid the curious gazes following me. Making my way to the refreshment table, I could feel the stares burning into me again. It wasn't just the usual glances anymore—it felt more intense, as if someone was watching me closely.I glanced around, expecting to catch someone's eye, but every time I looked their way, they quickly turned away. This was different, though. It wasn't the same cold, judgmental stares I had felt earlier. This gaze felt oddly familiar, comforting even, rather than threatening.I shook off the strange sensation and reached for another drink, gulping it down quickly in an attempt to steady my nerves. But the feeling of being watched lingered, making me wonder who—or what—was behind those eyes.As I scanned the room, I noticed a shadowy figure standing near a pillar on the other side of the ballroom. The lights were too bright for me to make out his face clearly, but his presence stood out. I squinted, trying to adjust my vision. Just then, the music shifted to a faster pace, and the couples on the floor seamlessly switched partners, dancing in perfect sync.A sudden tap on my shoulder startled me. My heart leapt into my throat, and I spun around quickly. There, emerging from the shadows, stood a tall man smiling down at me. Something about him felt oddly familiar. His scent, a blend of something warm and comforting, enveloped me. It stirred a strange sense of recognition deep within me, even though I couldn't see his face clearly under his mask. But his smile—it was captivating, pulling me in before I could resist.My lips curled into an involuntary smile in response to his. His eyes, though masked, sparkled with amusement as if pleased by my reaction."Do I know you?" I asked, the words slipping out, laced with curiosity and confusion."You do," he replied softly, stepping closer. His proximity sent a jolt through me, a mixture of excitement and unease, like I was trapped in a dream that was suddenly becoming real.His voice lowered, and with a soft accent, he whispered, "Danse avec moi?"I didn't understand the words, but the gesture of his outstretched hand was unmistakable. Without hesitation, I placed my hand in his."Sure," I said, my voice almost a whisper.He led me to the dance floor, where the waltz had already started. We took our positions, and his touch was impossibly gentle—his left hand holding mine, while his right rested lightly on my waist. There was a graceful pull as he brought me closer. We began to move, our steps perfectly in sync with the slow, rhythmic twirls of the music.Just as I was settling into the dance, he suddenly vanished from in front of me. I gasped, startled, but before I could even react, he reappeared behind me, his arms outstretched as he twirled me around once more, his mysterious smile never fading. I felt intimidation, curiosity, and an undeniable thrill. I didn't know who this stranger was, but I found myself enjoying every second with him.He pulled me closer, pressing my back against his chest, and my heart raced wildly in response. I turned slightly to face him, a strange, intense sensation gripping my heart. His devious smirk sent a shiver down my spine as his arms slid around my waist. For a moment, I reveled in the closeness, I felt free, lost in the dance, away from the prying eyes that had followed me all night.Then, like a cold water thrown on my face, realization hit me."Stan..." I started, but before I could say his name fully, his cold finger pressed gently against my lips, silencing me. The touch made me gasp, and I froze. His icy finger against my warm skin sent a jolt through me. My mind raced, trying to piece together the impossible.I swallowed hard, stepping back slightly, my breath caught in my throat. Could it really be him? Was Stanley truly here? My thoughts swirled with questions I couldn't voice. He had always spoken to me in my mind, a distant presence, but now—he was right in front of me, as real as ever. A rush of happiness surged through me, lighting up my face.My eyes glowed, changing to a shade of red, the reflection of them shining in his gaze. His eyes mirrored mine, confirming everything I hoped for."Stanley..." I whispered again, my voice shaky with disbelief. But before I could speak more, a hand suddenly landed on my shoulder. I quickly stepped away from Stanley, turning sharply to hide him behind me, my heart pounding.I saw William watching me with suspicion. I glanced up at him from under my lashes, trying to mask the storm of emotions swirling inside me."Who were you dancing with?" William asked, his voice low but tense, his eyes darting behind me with a mixture of confusion and anger. His brows furrowed, clearly searching for the man I'd just been with.I followed his gaze, my heart in my throat, but when I turned around, there was no one there. I let out a shaky breath, relief flooding over me. Stanley had disappeared as suddenly as he'd appeared. But now I was faced with William's question, and I knew I couldn't lie. The whole room had seen me dancing with a stranger, and someone was bound to tell him. I had to think quickly."A gentleman asked me for a dance," I said, choosing my words carefully. "I'm not sure who he was." It was only half a lie, but my pulse quickened, hoping it was enough to convince him.William's eyes flicked back to mine, still scanning the room with a trace of suspicion. "Shall we leave?" I added quickly, trying to shift his focus. "I'm really tired." I forced a small, weary smile, hoping to steer him away from the topic.He looked at me, his face softening slightly, though I could still see the worry in his eyes. "Okay," he said, though his gaze continued to sweep the hall as he took my arm and led me away from the dance floor. His grip was firm, but his silence was heavy, and I could feel the tension in every step.We walked to my room without speaking, the air between us thick with unspoken questions. My heart raced, not just from the lingering thoughts of Stanley, but from the uneasy quiet that stretched between William and me. Did he know about Stanley? Was he pretending not to see?We reached my room, and he stopped outside the door, opening it for me. "Thanks," I mumbled, stepping inside and turning to close the door behind me. But William didn't move. He stood there, watching me, his expression unreadable.The silence felt suffocating, my heart thumping loudly in my chest as I met his gaze. What was he thinking? Did he suspect something, or was he just waiting for me to say more? The tension hung in the air, and I could feel my pulse quicken, waiting for what he might say next."Kristen, I know you're overwhelmed by all of this. I understand your feelings," William said softly, his attempt to soothe me only fueling my frustration."Stop saying that you understand!" I snapped, my voice rising with the anger I could no longer contain. "You make it sound so easy. I was kidnapped days ago, then you brought me to a ball full of Vampires who look like they could kill me at any moment. You left me alone, at their mercy, and now your father claims I'm some kind of 'key,' that I have powers I don't even understand. And yet, no one is telling me anything! I'm supposed to just wait around for some prophecy while living in constant fear of being killed."My chest heaved from the outburst, and the silence that followed only made me feel more exposed. William's face was unreadable, blank. The coldness in his eyes made my heart drop, but then something shifted—he looked worried. Guilt gnawed at me as I realized how harsh I had been."I just want to be alone. I'm sorry," I whispered, staring down at the door knob, feeling the vulnerability settle over me."It's okay. You should rest," he said quietly, then turned and walked away, not once looking back. I exhaled in relief, though a heaviness remained.