Chapter 16 Chapter 16: The dance

Chapter 16 Chapter 16: The dance
∆§∆ LUNARA’S POV ∆§∆

I was already tired before the day even began, not from lack of sleep but from the weight of everything that had been happening since the video spread across the academy.

People stared longer than usual, whispered when they thought I could not hear them, and laughed when they thought it would not matter.

I ignored most of it the way I always did, keeping my head high and my steps steady, because reacting would only make things worse and I was not going to give them that satisfaction.

By the time I reached class, the atmosphere felt different again, conversations dropped when I walked past and the students' eyes followed me in a way that felt cold on my skin, but I kept moving anyway and took my seat without looking at anyone.

Students kept talking in low voices.

"That is her."

"I heard she went after Tyson again, last night."

"She has no shame."

I stared straight ahead and let the voices fade into the background and went to the back to sit.

The instructor walked in a few minutes later, her heels dragging loudly against the floor, posture straight and controlled.

She introduced herself as Professor Ashley, carrying herself like someone who expected respect and always received it.

"Today we begin partner work," she said, scanning the room. "This class is about control, rhythm, and awareness of your partner. You will learn to move with someone, not against them."

There was a slight shift in the room as chairs adjusted and people sat up straighter, because partner work meant forced interaction whether you liked it or not, something I was already used to back at the palace, so this would not be any different.

"Pairs will be assigned," she continued.

My stomach tightened slightly, not because I feared being partnered but because I already knew how this would go for me.

I was the troublesome human. The outsider. The one people would either avoid or tolerate, which meant I would likely be left standing alone.

Professor Ashley began calling names while they appeared on the holographic display for everyone to see.

I waited.

With each name, my stomach tightened more, and I found it strange because I was not used to emotions like this. I did not understand why I should feel anxious or unsettled over something so simple.

Then the next name she called made my ears perk up.

"Roman."

My eyes lifted before I could stop them.

"And Lunara."

For a moment, the room went quiet in a way that felt suffocating, starting with small reactions, gasps, then murmurs that grew louder with disapproval.

I looked at Roman and our eyes locked.

His expression did not change much, but his eyes held something sharp, something focused, something that felt too intense and slightly unnerving, but I refused to look away first.

I, Lunara Throneborn, refuse to back down first.

After a moment, he looked away.

The whispers grew louder.

"Why her?"

"Of course it had to be her."

"Watch this turn awkward."

"What can a poor low-class human know about partner work?"

Aurora was seated at the front, close to Roman, and I did not need to look long to feel her anger, her stare sharp enough to feel like daggers on my skin.

Professor Ashley clapped once, completely ignoring the murmurs.

"Partners, stand and move into position. Gentlemen, take the hands of your partners, gently bow, and kiss them at the back of their hands. Ladies, give a gentle curtsy and place one hand on your partner’s shoulders while gentlemen place one hand around the waist of the ladies. Watch me as I demonstrate."

She demonstrated with one student, then stopped and clapped again.

I stood and walked toward Roman.

We bowed to each other as instructed, and when he took my hand, his grip was firm but controlled as he brought it up and pressed a soft kiss against my palm, sending a strange tingle from my hand straight down to my stomach.

His lips lingered for a second longer than necessary. Professor Ashley cleared her throat.

He let go.

Soft instrumental music filled the room.

"Begin," she said.

Roman stepped forward first, placing his hand where it was required, steady and precise.

I followed his lead, adjusting my stance.

The position felt close, controlled, and for a second I could feel the tension in his grip, not rough, not forceful, but present.

"Follow the rhythm," Professor Ashley instructed. "Do not rush. Do not resist. Move as one."

The music flowed.

At first, the steps were simple. Forward, back, turn, adjust.

I focused on timing, on balance, on keeping my movements smooth.

Roman moved with me without hesitation, matching every step like he already knew what I would do next.

Slowly, it became more complex.

I shifted my weight, turning as he guided me, his hand adjusting slightly at my waist, steady and controlled, and we moved in sync without speaking, without correcting each other, unlike the others who kept stopping, laughing, or missing steps, even Aurora struggled with Tyson.

It surprised me how natural it felt.

I caught him watching me at one point.

His hand shifted slightly, moving just a little higher, then back down again, never crossing the line but still enough to make me aware of it.

That small touch made heat rise in my chest, but I refused to let it distract me.

I was not going to fail.

The music slowed and we transitioned into another sequence, our distance closing slightly as required, and I could feel the attention in the room shift back to us again.

I ignored it and focused on the hungry challenging eyes of Roman, who was focused on me as if no one else in the room mattered

When the music ended, Professor Ashley nodded, clearly impressed.

"Good. Continue practicing."

A few students were still staring.

Roman stepped back slightly, releasing his hold.

"You are not bad," he said.

"Not bad," I repeated.

Before I could respond further, the bell rang.

Students began to move, gathering their things, their voices louder now that the class had ended.

I returned to my seat, picked up my bag, and slung it over my shoulder.

Aurora stood up across the room.

Her eyes found me immediately.

This time, there was no pretense, no mask, just clear irritation sitting in her expression.

I did not look away. I held her gaze and dared her.

After a moment, she broke eye contact first and turned sharply, walking out.

I left the classroom with everyone else, my steps steady, my expression calm, but something told me this was not over.

Because I knew my crazy twin sister who always wants the upper hand.