Chapter 28

I stood in front of the mirror, my breath catching in my throat. The reflection staring back at me felt unreal, like something out of a dream.

The gown was unlike anything I had ever worn. Black, smooth, and made from a fabric that flowed like water. It was sleeveless, leaving my shoulders bare, and dipped just enough at the neckline to be elegant yet daring. The blue crystals scattered across the skirt caught the light like tiny stars, shimmering as I turned.

“This isn’t just any dress,” I whispered to myself, smoothing the fabric. “This is…” I didn’t even have the words.

Vanessa appeared behind me, a satisfied grin on her face. “You look like a princess. Scratch that, a queen.”

Her compliment sent warmth through me. My reflection confirmed it: for the first time, I felt breathtaking. My dark hair had been styled into soft, bouncy waves by Vanessa and fell effortlessly over my shoulders. My doe-brown eyes, lit with excitement, seemed brighter against the elegance of the gown.

“Vanessa, this dress… it’s too much,” I murmured, looking at her.

Vanessa rolled her eyes. “Nonsense. It’s perfect, and you look stunning. Now, stop second-guessing everything. It’s a gift, remember?”

I turned to face her, taking in how gorgeous she looked herself. Her gold dress fit like it was made for her, hugging her figure without being too tight. The shimmering fabric made her hazel eyes practically glow. Her short, dark hair had been straightened to sleek perfection.

“Vanessa,” I said with a grin, “you look amazing. Like you should be ruling over a kingdom somewhere.”

Vanessa giggled, doing a little twirl. “Well, if you’re the queen, I’ll be your fierce, headstrong princess.”

We both squealed, grabbing each other’s hands like giddy little girls. For a moment, it didn’t matter where we were going or who we’d see tonight. This moment was ours.

A knock sounded at the door. “You two ready?” Nicholas’s voice called through.

I smiled as Vanessa opened the door, revealing Nicholas in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. His hair was swept back, and he looked undeniably handsome—so much so that I forgot to breathe for a second.

His eyes landed on me, and I swore they softened. “Elizabeth…” He walked toward me, taking my hand with such tenderness that my cheeks turned crimson. Then, to my surprise, he brought it to his lips and kissed it. “You look… breathtaking.”

I looked down, unable to stop the blush that crept across my cheeks. “Thank you, Nicholas. You don’t look too bad yourself.”

Vanessa snorted behind him. “Alright, Romeo. Let’s get going before you turn into a puddle of compliments.”

Nicholas laughed, releasing my hand but not before stealing another glance at me. As we walked to his car, I could feel his eyes lingering on me. Even Vanessa couldn’t help but tease.

“Could you be any more obvious?” she said, smirking. “I swear, you have a master’s degree in being adorable.”

Nicholas shrugged as he opened the car door for us. “What can I say? I know beauty when I see it.”

The entire drive to city hall, I felt my heart flutter in my chest. Nicholas stole glances at me in the rearview mirror, and Vanessa giggled beside me, clearly enjoying the show. For once, I didn’t mind the attention.

When we arrived, city hall was transformed into something out of a fairy tale. The grand ballroom was aglow with hundreds of lights, sparkling like fireflies against the vaulted ceiling. Tall windows reflected the golden glow, and the chandeliers overhead shimmered with the movement of the crowd. The tables were adorned with silver and gold, and the scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air.

“Wow,” I breathed, stepping inside.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Chloe’s voice chirped behind us.

I turned to see Chloe rushing toward us, practically glowing in her baby blue gown. The dress hugged her figure before flowing into a cascade of silk, making her look like a porcelain doll. Her blonde hair was pulled into a loose updo, and her blue eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Elizabeth! You look amazing!” Chloe squealed, grabbing my hands and twirling me. “Doesn’t she look like a queen, Vanessa?”

Vanessa smirked. “You’d think she’d just won a pageant.”

Chloe ignored her, spinning in her own gown. “This is going to be the most magical night ever. Can you believe the Elvadors are here? Have you seen them yet?”

“No,” I replied, shaking my head. “Not yet.”

Before Chloe could respond, the music quieted, and all heads turned toward the stage. The mayor, Chloe’s father, Edmond, stood beside his wife, Caroline, at the front of the room.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” Edmond said with a wide smile, “thank you for joining us tonight. It is with great pride and honor that we welcome back one of our town’s oldest and most prestigious families. Please join me in welcoming the Elvador family.”

The room erupted into applause, but the moment they appeared, the applause faded into awe.

The Elvadors stepped into view, and it felt as though time stopped.

They were… otherworldly.

Edmond introduced them one by one.Damon stood at the forefront, his jet-black hair perfectly styled, his sharp silver eyes glowing faintly under the lights. He wore a black suit that fit him with tailored precision, exuding authority and something darker I couldn’t quite place.

Beside him stood Elijah, tall and regal, his golden hair gleaming like sunlight. His golden eyes scanned the crowd with a composed expression, as though he were surveying his kingdom. Adam, with his black hair and warm brown eyes, had an approachable charm but still carried himself like someone powerful. Bella, the sister, was a vision—her long blonde hair cascaded in soft waves, and her silver eyes mirrored Damon’s. She was ethereal, like a goddess of old.

And then there was Alexander, their uncle, standing slightly behind them, his gaze sharp and assessing.

“Are they even real?” Chloe whispered beside me, practically swooning.

“They’re something,” Vanessa muttered. “That’s for sure.”

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from them, particularly Damon. His silver gaze swept across the crowd until it landed on me. My breath hitched as he held it—unwavering and intense. A chill crept down my spine, but it wasn’t fear. It was something else entirely.

His lips twitched into the faintest smirk before the music resumed and the moment shattered. I exhaled a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.

Chloe clutched my arm. “Did you see him? Damon Elvador. He’s—he’s—”

“Intense,” I murmured, still feeling his gaze on me.

The night carried on like a dream. The music was beautiful, the ballroom a blur of dancing figures, flowing dresses, and laughter. Nicholas found me soon after and held out his hand with a charming smile.

“May I have this dance?”

“I can’t dance,” I protested, already smiling.

“That’s okay,” he replied, pulling me to the floor. “I’ll lead.”

He did. And for the first time in a long time, I laughed freely, letting him spin me in circles until I was breathless.

I danced with Vanessa, who made it a point to step on my toes jokingly. I danced with Chloe, who twirled like a child. Even the mayor took a turn, complimenting the work we had done to prepare the ball.

It was perfect. Almost too perfect.

And then I turned—and I was in his arms.

Damon Elvador.

I gasped softly as I looked up into those silver eyes. Up close, they were more intense than I could have imagined—almost glowing, as though lit from within. Heat radiated from his body, and his hand on my waist was warm, firm.

“You dance beautifully,” he said smoothly, his voice deep and rich, laced with something ancient.

“I—I don’t,” I stammered, trying to catch my breath.

He smirked. “You do tonight.”

We swayed slowly to the music, the rest of the world fading away. His gaze never left mine, pinning me in place.

“Welcome to the new world,” he said softly. “It suits you.”

I blinked. “Do I know you?”

He raised his eyebrow as if a little amused or maybe taken back?His silver eyes glimmered with something unreadable before his expression went neutral. “Not yet.”

I glanced down nervously. “Thank you—for the dress. Mrs. Bennet really appreciated it.”

“The Bennets have always had good taste,” he replied, his voice like silk.

My heart pounded as his words hung in the air. There was something about him that made me feel warm and nervous at the same time.

“I—I should go,” I whispered.

He tightened his hold ever so slightly. “Stay.”

It wasn’t a command, but I couldn’t refuse. We danced, and for a moment, it felt like the entire room ceased to exist. He was the only thing I could see, hear, or feel.

“You look beautiful,” he said.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to look away from his mesmerizing gaze. “Thank you.”

The music ended, and before I could speak, Nicholas appeared beside us.

“Mind if I cut in?” Nicholas asked with a lopsided grin.

Damon’s gaze flicked to him, his smirk returning. “See you around, Miss Lizabeth.”

He released me, his eyes lingering for just a second before he turned and walked away. I frowned.

“How does he know my name?” I whispered to myself.

But Nicholas was already pulling me into another dance, his favorite song playing.