The ballroom glittered like a sea of stars, each shimmer reflecting the wealth, power, and politics of the Zodiac Archipelago. Every inch of the grand venue was adorned in luxurious detail, from the crystalline chandeliers hanging above to the lush velvet drapes framing the windows. Conversations hummed throughout the room, but beneath the polished pleasantries lay an undercurrent of tension—a tension that Seventeen knew all too well.
She had spent the past hour flitting between groups of people, each interaction carefully calculated. She played Serena's role to perfection, laughing at the right moments, offering compliments with effortless grace, and asking just enough questions to seem genuinely interested in their answers. And yet, behind her eyes, her thoughts were never still.
["How predictable,"] she mused as another wealthy aristocrat attempted to impress her with tales of his family's influence in the archipelago. ["Everyone here is just playing their part in this endless game of pretense. At least I'm honest about my deception."]
She spotted Amelia and Sablina standing near the balcony, their expressions more relaxed than they had been earlier. Sablina caught her eye and gave a small nod of acknowledgment. Seventeen returned the gesture, her smile warm, but her mind was already thinking ahead. The duo was starting to trust her, which was exactly what she needed.
But tonight wasn't about them. Tonight, her focus was on Draco.
Seventeen's gaze shifted subtly, scanning the room until she found him. He was standing near the edge of the ballroom, speaking to his father, Jove de Lavissaye, the leader of Libra. Draco's usual cool demeanor was in place, his posture rigid and his expression unreadable, but there was something about his eyes. Something darker.
["What are you hiding, Draco?"] she wondered, watching him as he moved through the crowd, greeting various dignitaries. He was always so composed, so meticulous. But Seventeen knew that beneath that control lay a volatile storm, one she was intent on learning how to manipulate.
She made her way toward him, weaving through the crowd with ease. A few guests tried to engage her in conversation, but she politely excused herself, keeping her target in sight. Draco was speaking with Claus now, their conversation quiet but intense. Claus's usual easygoing smile was absent, replaced by something more serious. Whatever they were discussing, it wasn't idle chatter.
Seventeen slowed her pace as she approached, carefully timing her entrance. Just as Claus was turning to leave, she stepped forward, her smile bright.
"Draco," she greeted, her voice soft but warm, "I've been meaning to catch up with you all evening."
His gaze snapped to her, the sharpness in his eyes briefly flickering before he masked it behind a polite smile. "Serena. Enjoying the gala?"
["Careful, Seventeen,"] she reminded herself, keeping her expression open and friendly. "I am! It's all so much grander than I imagined."
She allowed herself a small, breathy laugh, leaning in slightly as if sharing a secret. "Though, to be honest, I feel a little out of place. I'm not used to such... extravagance."
Draco's eyes narrowed, just for a fraction of a second, but it was enough for her to notice. ["He's still suspicious,"] she thought, maintaining her facade effortlessly. ["Good. Let him chase shadows."]
"You don't seem out of place," he said smoothly, his voice neutral. "In fact, you fit in rather well."
["Of course, I do. Imagine if he knew why,"] Seventeen mused, though her outward response was a soft smile tinged with modesty. "That's kind of you to say. I suppose I've just been lucky to meet such wonderful people."
Draco didn't respond immediately, his gaze studying her with that same intensity that had plagued her since their first meeting. Seventeen knew he was trying to find a crack in her armor, some indication that Serena wasn't who she claimed to be. But she had spent too long perfecting this role. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction.
As the silence stretched between them, she shifted the conversation, steering it into safer waters. "I've been meaning to ask you about your district," she said, her tone light. "Libra is so fascinating to me—the balance, the justice. You must be proud of all your family has accomplished."
Draco's expression remained unreadable, but his response was measured. "Pride is a complicated thing in Whiteland. Justice isn't always what it appears to be."
Seventeen's interest piqued at his words. ["So there is more beneath the surface,"] she thought, her curiosity flaring. But she couldn't press too hard, not yet.
"I suppose that's true everywhere," she replied thoughtfully, her voice softening. "Even in the hospital, it's never as simple as helping people. There's always... more to consider."
She let the statement hang in the air, watching for Draco's reaction. He was quiet for a moment, his gaze flickering toward the crowd before returning to her. When he spoke again, his voice was low.
"And what is it that you consider, Serena? What is your real purpose here?"
The question was direct, his suspicion laid bare. But Seventeen had anticipated this. Draco was too smart to fall for simple charms. She had to give him just enough truth to keep him on edge, without revealing anything real.
"I suppose I'm still figuring that out," she said, her tone contemplative. "I came here because I wanted to help, to be part of something bigger. But now that I'm here... I'm realizing there's so much more at play."
She met his gaze, letting a touch of vulnerability seep into her expression. "It's overwhelming at times. But I want to understand."
Draco's eyes searched hers, as if trying to decipher the truth behind her words. Seventeen held his gaze, unwavering. After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke.
"Be careful what you wish for."
The weight of his words hung in the air between them, and for a moment, Seventeen felt the undercurrent of warning beneath his tone. He was testing her, pushing her to reveal more than she intended. But she wasn't about to give him the upper hand.
"I'll keep that in mind," she said, her smile soft but determined. "Thank you for the advice."
Before he could respond, the sound of music swelled in the room, signaling the beginning of the evening's formal dance. Draco's gaze flickered toward the ballroom floor, where couples were already beginning to gather.
Seventeen seized the opportunity, stepping forward and extending her hand to him, her smile bright. "Would you care to dance?"
For a moment, she thought he might refuse. His eyes darkened, his jaw tightening as he looked at her. But then, with a measured nod, he took her hand.
As they moved onto the dance floor, Seventeen felt the eyes of the room on them. The air buzzed with curiosity, whispers spreading like wildfire. She kept her expression serene, though inside, she was acutely aware of the significance of this moment. Dancing with Draco in front of the entire room was a statement, one that would not go unnoticed.
The music swelled, and they began to move, their steps fluid and in sync. Seventeen could feel the tension in Draco's posture, the way his hand rested on her waist, firm but guarded. She met his gaze, offering a soft smile as they twirled across the floor.
"You're surprisingly good at this," she teased lightly, her voice just loud enough for him to hear. "I didn't take you for a dancer."
Draco's lips twitched, though whether in amusement or something else, Seventeen couldn't be sure. "There are many things you don't know about me, Serena."
["More than you realize,"] she thought, but outwardly, she simply laughed.
"Well, I look forward to learning more," she said, her tone playful. "Assuming you're willing to share, of course."
Draco didn't respond immediately, his gaze locked on hers as they moved in perfect synchronization. The rest of the room faded away, the only thing that mattered was the subtle dance of words and power between them.
Finally, as the music began to wind down, Draco spoke, his voice low and edged with something darker. "I think you'll find that some secrets are better left buried."
The words sent a shiver down Seventeen's spine, but she didn't let it show. Instead, she smiled sweetly, her voice as light as ever. "We'll see."