After Lena stormed out, the ballroom slowly regained its polished, artificial calm.
But the atmosphere had changed.
People no longer stared at Ariana like she was an outsider.
They stared at her the way people stare at a flame in the dark—
surprised, unsettled, a little in awe.
She had stood her ground.
She had spoken with courage.
And Damian had backed her without hesitation.
But Ariana didn't feel triumphant.
She felt… overwhelmed.
She needed air.
Damian noticed immediately.
"Do you want to step outside?" he asked quietly.
Ariana nodded.
He placed a hand on her back and guided her through a side door that led to a quieter terrace overlooking the city.
Cool night air brushed her face.
She closed her eyes and breathed deeply.
Damian watched her in silence, hands behind his back.
"You handled yourself well," he said finally.
Ariana chuckled nervously.
"I thought my legs would give out."
He stepped closer.
"They didn't."
She looked up at him.
The city lights reflected in his eyes.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
****
The Music Begins Inside
A soft melody drifted from the ballroom—
a slow, elegant waltz.
Ariana peeked back inside.
Couples were stepping onto the dance floor.
Her stomach twisted.
She didn't know how to dance.
Damian followed her gaze.
"Do you want to go back in?" he asked.
Ariana shook her head shyly.
"I… I don't know how to dance like that."
He turned to her fully.
"I can teach you."
Her heart fluttered.
"Now?"
"Yes. Now."
He stepped closer and extended his hand.
Ariana stared at it nervously.
"I'll step on your feet," she whispered.
Damian's lips curved slightly—almost a smile.
"Then I'll survive."
She placed her hand hesitantly in his.
He guided her gently into the proper stance—one hand on her waist, the other holding her hand lightly, carefully, like she was something delicate.
Ariana avoided his eyes.
Damian lowered his voice.
"Look at me."
She did.
Slowly… they began to move.
At first, Ariana was stiff, uncertain, terrified of making a fool of herself.
But Damian's hand on her waist was warm, steady, and grounding.
"You're doing well," he murmured.
"I'm not," she whispered.
"You are."
They moved across the terrace floor under the soft glow of golden lights.
His movements were controlled and smooth; hers were shy but growing more confident.
Her dress flowed around them like a cloud of champagne silk.
The city stretched beneath them.
The music wrapped around them.
Ariana's breath softened as she realized she wasn't thinking anymore—
just following his lead.
Damian looked down at her quietly.
"You're a quick learner," he said.
She blushed.
"I'm trying not to embarrass you."
"You never embarrass me."
Ariana's heart skipped painfully.
The music faded.
Their steps slowed.
But neither of them released their hold.
For a moment, the world felt smaller—
just the two of them, suspended in a moment neither could explain yet.
Ariana finally stepped back gently, needing room to breathe.
Damian let her go—slowly, reluctantly.
"You're shaking," he observed.
"I'm… just not used to being close to someone like that."
He studied her for a moment.
Then he said quietly:
"I won't do anything you're uncomfortable with."
Ariana nodded.
"Thank you. Really."
Damian softened, just slightly.
"Ariana… tonight wasn't easy. I know that. But you were stronger than you realize."
She looked down at her hands.
"You made me brave."
His breath hitched—just for a moment.
She hadn't meant to say something so direct.
But she didn't take it back.
Damian stepped closer again, slowly.
Not touching her.
Just close enough for her to feel his presence.
"Ariana…" he said softly.
But before he could continue
A loud voice echoed from inside the ballroom:
"Mr. Steele! We need a moment of your time!"
The spell broke instantly.
Damian straightened.
"We should go back," he said.
Ariana nodded, not trusting her voice.
Together, they walked back into the ballroom
but something between them had shifted.
Something fragile.
Something unspoken.
Something real.