NOVEL NEXT CHAPTER 130 - The Dance 1.
The masquerade hall was alive with energy as it was supposed to be. Guests twirled and swayed in perfect rhythm to the music that floated through the air. The chandeliers above cast a warm, golden glow over the sea of black-masked figures, making it almost impossible to tell who was who. Almost.
Alex stood near the edge of the dance floor, his arms crossed as he surveyed the scene. His sharp eyes caught the subtle cues—the slight tilt of a head, the way someone held a glass, the rhythm of their movements. Even in identical masks and suits, some things couldn't be hidden.
This was Alex's plan for the night—a masquerade dance. It was a stage for all those who had talent but were too shy to act on it.
With this event—something no one in this world had ever seen—Alex gave everyone an opportunity.
"Alright, let's stir the pot," Alex muttered, his grin widening.
"James," he called, and his shadow shifted, James emerging from within. The guy had joined him the moment he had entered the ballroom.
"Master," bowed James, and Alex with his eyes still fixed on the crowd chuckled. "Let's turn the music up, shall we?"
James disappeared at those words, appearing next to the musicians the next second, passing them a note that had the tune of one of the few songs Alex could recall from the celebrations he had been in.
Alex could see the look of wonder on the faces of the band consisting of the most famous bards—it was as if they couldn't believe such a masterpiece could exist, which had Alex's grin widening.
But things weren't over as James melted into the shadows again, appearing at the other end of the ballroom, entering the room that had people controlling the lighting, and the next second...
Blink
The lights were out.
The crowd tensed at this sudden occurrence, even the imperial knights on alert, wondering if it was an assassination attempt. They quickly drew their swords, but before they could move...
Dim lights glowed, making the atmosphere seem mysterious. Then suddenly, the unmistakable ticking of a clock echoed through the room, signaling the start of something unforgettable, making everyone turn to the source of the sound, the band of bards.
People frowned as even the most avid listeners of music in the crowd couldn't recall ever hearing something like this.
Curious, everyone focused on the tune. The tension was palpable as the ticking continued but then came a thrilling pause, making people unknowingly tense before the beat dropped—and when it did, the room erupted.
Madonna's "Hung Up" pulsed through the air, its infectious energy pulling everyone to the dance floor.
Eyes went wide, and some cups held in their hands dropped as people felt an unknown energy pulse through their bodies, their feet automatically tapping the ground. The lights blinking with the beat didn't help ease their nerves.
"Hah!"
It was then, with a shout, a man jumped on the central stage, which was completely empty, his body moving along the tune.
"Haha, yeah," Alex, standing on the dais, clapped his hands, grinning from ear to ear. "That's right, break the stage!" He cheered, and as if it were the start, many others followed.
The stage was soon filled with people, the ones on the floor dancing as well, some in pairs, some alone. Even the imperial knights, on high alert a second ago, were now swaying lightly.
"Hm~!" Alex stretched. "I believe I should move as well," his eyes locked on a few people, the grin never leaving his face.
The atmosphere was perfect, so different from all the tension he had been through all day long, Alex now wanted to enjoy every single moment he had.
[Don't step on people's toes when you dance, okay?] A teasing reminder from Sophie echoed in his head, making him shake his head.
With practiced ease, Alex stepped forward, weaving through the crowd. Moving toward his first target—Zahara.
Zahara stood near a towering floral arrangement, her posture relaxed. Standing alone with her feet tapping the ground, she was observing the surroundings.
Just like the other council members, she was standing at a distance from each other—especially from Gurrak, as his golden skin was distinguishable even after the disguise.
Alex chuckled to himself, offering Gurrak his silent prayers, as the guy was unable to get a breather even in this situation, being surrounded by people who wanted to make connections with the Goblin Empire.
Alex approached Zahara silently, his hand extending as he offered an elegant bow.
"Care for a dance?" he said, his voice low and teasing.
Zahara's eyes narrowed behind her mask, and for a split second, she hesitated. But then she caught the faint scent of cedar and mint—a scent she'd know anywhere. Her lips curled into a smirk.
"You're lucky I'm in the mood," she quipped, placing her hand in his, making Alex chuckle. "I'm honored."
Alex pulled her to the stage, people making space for them automatically as every eye in the crowd turned to them.
Zahara's grip on his shoulder tightened slightly. "You know I'm watching you, right?" she whispered, her tone both playful and threatening.
Alex's grin widened. "I'd be disappointed if you weren't."
With those words, they moved; their steps were smooth and synchronized, drawing the eyes of nearby dancers who slowly joined them, trying to match the pace.
They kept dancing, the smiles on their lips a clear indication of their elation, but soon, Alex twirled Zahara one last time, stepping down from the stage along with her mixing in the crowd before he stepped back with a playful bow.
"Your turn to watch from the sidelines," he teased before disappearing into the crowd, leaving Zahara shaking her head with a light smile.
Shifting through the crowd, Alex moved toward his next target, not in the least tired. He felt like he could run the moon right now.
Alex slowly closed into her—his mother, Vanessa Drakathor.
She was standing with Alenia, her body tensed as she had her gaze locked on a pair on the other side of the hall, one man and a girl. It was the Demon Lord and Eris.
Yes, Alex was initially surprised as well, but Anos wasn't the type to cause unnecessary trouble—probably the reason Vanessa was just keeping an eye on him—Alex didn't bother with the guy.
All he was doing was swaying with the beats anyway.
Alex's focus returned to Vanessa, standing with icy energy around her, sipping on a drink with a cold look in her eyes that automatically pushed people away, too scared to even stand close to her. Hence, his movement, of course, turned some eyes, but he didn't care.
Experience tales at empire
He approached her with a casual confidence, his voice soft but unmistakable.
"May I have this dance, My Lady?"
Vanessa's fingers paused mid-air, the glass hovering just below her lips. Her piercing gaze fixed on him, and as if she could see through him, she sighed.
"You're incorrigible," she said, passing her glass to Alenia, who took it with a light giggle, a rare display of comradery that Alex didn't miss, making it surer of the fact that things between Vanessa and Alenia had really settled perfectly.
Vanessa took his hand. "Let's not make a scene, shall we?" She said, her expression still cold as ever, even her tone bland, but Alex, looking into her eyes, could tell that she was really looking forward to it.
"As the lady wishes," Alex nodded, placing a kiss on the back of her palm, making her look at him with a blank stare.
Before she could say anything, Alex pulled her to the stage, swaying with the beasts.
Their dance was elegant, almost regal, drawing attention from onlookers who whispered among themselves. Vanessa leaned in slightly as they moved.
"Do you always cause trouble at your own events?" She murmured, feeling many eyes on her, some realizing who she was even with her mask on.
Those words made Alex grin, creating some distance between them before closing in again. "Only when it's fun," Alex replied, his eyes glinting mischievously.
He was really enjoying his time, but it was just the start; there were still many left for him to dance with, and he was not letting any of them go without making them come up the stage. He deserved at least that much as the birthday boy.