The ballroom sparkled with resplendent light, casting shimmering reflections as the elegant melody filled the air. Graceful steps and twirls intertwined, painting a dreamlike scene on the polished floor. Among the dancers, Marcellus and Alia drew many glances, but another captivating pair—Elias and Lianna—also stole the spotlight.
Lianna's dress swirled like blooming petals with each step, her radiant smile so warm it could melt the winter's chill. Dancing alongside her, Elias wore a perfectly tailored white suit, exuding the poise of a prince stepped out of a painting, his every move brimming with grace and charm.
Lianna's delight at dancing with her heart's desire was unmistakable, her happiness lighting up her face.
As the music transitioned into a new passage, the dancers began to exchange partners. Elias moved deliberately toward Lianna and Marcellus, offering a courteous bow and extending his hand to indicate his intention to swap. His eyes were gentle yet firm, leaving no room for refusal. Marcellus lifted his gaze to meet Elias's, the corners of his lips curling slightly into a faintly mocking smirk. Dressed in a deep black suit, Marcellus was the stark contrast to Elias: the latter, a figure of light—bright and comforting; the former, shadowy and enigmatic—steady with an undercurrent of sharpness.
Though vastly different in aura, both men commanded attention. Elias's refined handsomeness shone like a polished gem, while Marcellus's chiseled features and intense gaze evoked the allure of a finely honed blade—daring and irresistible. Their combined intensity, as both directed their fiery gazes toward Alia, was nearly suffocating, enveloping her in its heat.
The surrounding crowd seemed to sense this invisible tension, their movements slowing as curious whispers rippled through the hall. Some marveled at Elias's princely elegance, while others speculated on Marcellus's enigmatic allure.
Marcellus's penetrating gaze landed on Alia, his expression a silent inquiry. A shiver ran down Alia's spine, and, almost against her will, she nodded. Despite her lingering reluctance, curiosity about what news Elias might bring overcame her hesitation.
Seeing her nod, Marcellus's lips curved ever so subtly in satisfaction, a flicker of understanding glinting in his eyes. With composed grace, he took Alia's hand—his touch gentle yet restrained—and, in a gentlemanly gesture, passed it to Elias. His demeanor remained calm and polite, even wearing a faint smile. Yet, when his gaze flicked to Elias, that smile carried an unmistakable edge, a silent challenge.
Elias met Marcellus's glare with calm indifference, focusing solely on Alia. As he took her hand, his fingers brushed lightly against her palm, carrying a touch of warmth. Meanwhile, Marcellus led a somewhat reluctant Lianna away, murmuring something that brought a soft laugh to her lips, clearly lifting her spirits.
The music soared, and the dance resumed. Elias's hand rested firmly against the small of Alia's back, his grip commanding and steady. His touch was more deliberate than usual, as though seeking reassurance of her presence. Each movement carried a subtle intimacy—fingertips brushing with unspoken intention, or a closer pull with each turn of the waltz.
"How has the training been going?" Elias asked softly, his voice gentle but probing.
Alia instinctively avoided his gaze, a flicker of nervousness crossing her face. "It's… going well."
"And have you missed me these past few days?" Elias's tone dropped, taking on a teasing edge.
Caught off guard, Alia stumbled over her words, hurriedly deflecting, "You seem to be getting along well with Lianna."
Elias's lips curled into an amused smile, a spark of mischief lighting his eyes. "Are you jealous?"
"I'm not!" Alia blurted, her face flushing a deep red.
Elias chuckled softly, leaning closer to murmur in a lowered voice, "Really? Not even a little?"
In that fleeting moment of eye contact, the dance seemed to slow, the world around them fading into a hazy backdrop. Before Alia could muster a retort, the music shifted tempo, forcing them to part ways, leaving their charged exchange unresolved.
As they released hands, Elias's fingers lingered in a fleeting caress, almost imperceptible yet enough to stir her already flustered heart. Turning away, he moved with a relaxed confidence, his departing figure radiating quiet satisfaction.
The opulent ballroom buzzed with life, its guests immersed in music, dancing, and fine wine. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in dazzling light, reflecting off golden-rimmed goblets and intricate decor, creating an enchanting tableau.
A crisp clink of glasses drew attention to the center of the hall, where Marcellus and Alia's father stood side by side—one austere and enigmatic, the other commanding and authoritative. Exchanging a glance of tacit understanding, Marcellus stepped forward, his deep voice cutting through the ambient chatter. "Thank you all for joining us tonight. It is our privilege to share this beautiful evening with you."
After a brief pause, Edgar continued in a steady, impassioned tone, "Tonight, Marcellus and I are proud to announce the launch of a new urban redevelopment project on the city's outskirts. This endeavor will bring new buildings and infrastructure, breathing fresh vitality into the city!"
Applause erupted across the ballroom, the announcement sparking waves of excitement. Guests eagerly whispered about the lucrative opportunities this development might bring, their voices brimming with anticipation.
Standing amidst the crowd, Alia frowned slightly, puzzled by the announcement. She glanced at Elias beside her, hoping to glean insight from his expression. Instead, she found him smiling faintly, his eyes filled with an inscrutable gleam.
"Why is everyone so thrilled?" she asked softly.
Leaning closer, Elias explained in a voice just above a whisper, "I know you might have already forgotten. The last redevelopment project brought immense wealth to nearly everyone in the city. It transformed the area into the most prosperous metropolis outside the capital. Not to mention, Many families unearthed numerous treasures—artifacts, gold, jewels—during the construction."
He paused, lowering his voice further, his tone laced with implication. "And among those discoveries were items far more valuable than money. Rare, lost relics of history."
Alia's breath hitched, her mind racing. One thought dominated all others, eclipsing everything else.
"Could it be? Was the Holy Grail discovered back then?"