13. Cassie

13

CASSIE

Slipping out of the chapel, a sense of relief washed over me as I shed the formal attire for Aiden's gift. The gowns were breathtaking—silken fabric that hugged our forms in all the right places and yet somehow were the most comfortable thing I'd ever put on my body.

Roma's and Shay's faces lit up when they saw their dresses.

"It's so pretty. And light!" Roma murmured.

"But I like my metal one better," Shay added softly, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Together, we transformed into fairy princesses rather than a real queen and her friends. The night welcomed us onto the castle grounds, where twinkling lights and the murmur of conversation replaced the solemn vows of the day.

The DJ's equipment cast colorful shadows across the dance floor.

Aiden caught up to us, his expression relaxed. "It was smart to decade no live band. Best not to risk a competition. That could have turned this evening into a battleground rather than a celebration."

"Smart move," I conceded, though a part of me was curious about what an elven music duel would entail.

Probably best not to know.

The air had shifted since we were inside; the cool, threatening clouds had dispersed, revealing a canopy of stars. "Did you do something about the weather?" I asked Aiden, half-joking, as I glanced up at the clear sky.

He chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement. "No, that was Bran's doing," he said, gesturing towards the goblin king. "I would have tried my hand at it, but he beat me to the punch."

"Really?" My brows rose in surprise as I looked from Bran to Aiden.

"Of course," Aiden replied, his gaze softening as he met mine. "I know how important today is for your sister—and for you."

My heart fluttered against my ribs. There was something in the way Aiden looked at me, something that made me want to explore his depths. And despite everything that had happened in my first marriage, I found myself feeling wanted, feeling bold.

Aiden at the very least was up front about his differences from the human norm.

Well paid and briefed servers glided between the tables, their movements as seamless and brisk. All would get a bonus if they evaded any fighting or injury. If violence broke out, they'd been instructed to drop everything and run for shelter.

They bore platters that seemed to capture the interest of the guests: the earthy aroma of mushroom risotto mingling with the tang of soy from sushi platters.

Bran, at the wedding table, tucked into a charcuterie board with a satisfied nod. The rich shades of cured meats and the assortment of cheeses were a hit amongst the goblins and shifters.

I passed by the wedding table.

"Looks good, huh?" I nudged Roma, who sat beside Bran, glowing with the day's joy.

"Perfect," she murmured, attention on Bran, face alight with warmth that transcended appetite.

As laughter and conversation bloomed around us, a lone figure caught my notice. A guest, standing at the edge of the festivities, clad in a semi-translucent jumpsuit that played tricks with the light. It clung to her form like a second skin, shimmering with each subtle movement she made.

"Who's that?" I leaned toward Roma, nodding subtly toward the enigmatic guest.

She followed my gaze, her brows knitting together slightly. "Not sure. A friend of Martellus, I think?"

I considered this possibility, still worried. Riveting strangers at this event might spell trouble, which we were all trying to avoid.

I was just about to reach for a delicate piece of nigiri when I felt Aiden's presence beside me. His scent, subtle and woodsy, teased my senses before he even spoke.

"Hey, Cassie," he said, anticipation in his grin. "When do we get to dance?"

I glanced at the sushi platter, then back at him. His excitement flattered me and made me worry. "Food first. The dancing is after the meal."

He made a show of frowning. "Dancing should always come first, don't you think?"

I allowed myself a small smile, imagining his arms around me, but shook my head. "Eating is essential for most of us."

"Fine," he sighed dramatically, "but you owe me a dance." He winked.

For a moment, I let myself look forward to his arms around me.

As Aiden sauntered off, I turned my attention back to the reception. Scanning the crowd, I noted the stark contrast between the revelers and the representatives from the alchemist council and brown suited MIIB agents stationed around the perimeter.

The alchemist guests had all dressed in conservative garb that contrasted with the lively atmosphere. Dark, tailored suits and high-necked dresses with not a single crease or wrinkle out of place. They stood in sharp contrast to the rest of the party's vivid colors and laughter.

And there, among the shadows at the edge of the celebration, stood the MIIB agents, representing the Magical Interdimensional Investigative Bureau—silent sentinels in their nondescript brown suits. Hard to believe they were an interdimensional police force. They were practically part of the scenery, blending into the background except for the occasional glint of moonlight off their discreet earpieces.

I took a bite of risotto, enjoying the earthy flavor. Despite the joyous occasion, the presence of the MIIB was a silent reminder of the delicate balance in our world and how it stood with other worlds.

But tonight was not the time to feed anxiety about tomorrow's potential problems.

I caught Aiden watching me even across the crowd, his impatience clear. I smiled at him, swallowing down the last of my apprehension with a sip of wine. Dancing under the stars with him might be exactly what I needed.

As I dabbed the corners of my mouth with the napkin, I spotted Halo. I blinked twice, sure my eyes were deceiving me. Halo, who usually favored casual, often ripped clothing, was a vision in a white linen dress that hugged her curves. Heavy gold bangles clanked at her wrist, opposite of her usual minimalist style.

"Wow, would you look at Halo?" I nudged Cathy, pointing discreetly.

"Who knew she could clean up so well?" Cathy nudged Rey in turn.

"Me," he said mildly. "And that's an outfit she only wears once in a long while. Look, she's gathering the Alchemists to meet with us."

Halo led several people toward us through the thrum of conversation and clinking glasses. I recognized their leader, Evander Jones, his stature modest but presence unmistakable, strode next to her with an air of self-importance.

"Roma," Halo gestured to the lead alchemist, "this is Evander Jones."

He nodded curtly, the gold cufflinks at his wrists catching the light as he shook Roma's hand. A smile almost broke through his businesslike demeanor, but it didn't quite reach the cold blue of his eyes.

"Congratulations on your union," he said in a crisp tone.

"Thank you, Evander," Roma replied, the glow of her happiness warm enough for both of them.

Leslie Andrews followed, her silver brooch shimmering against the dark purple fabric of her dress. She offered a gracious nod, her jewelry subtly hinting at hidden depths – literally, if Aiden's mention just before the wedding to me about spell-laden gemstones was true.

"Charmed," Leslie said. She seemed sincere, but it was equally obvious she was measuring us. Oddly, it was Rey's sweet smile at her that made me more nervous than Bran's neutrality or Martellus' stony indifference.

"Definitely storing spells in those trinkets," Aiden murmured to me as they moved on. The playful gleam on his face was gone, replaced by an interest that felt predatory as he watched them walk away.

"Are they dangerous?" I whispered back.

"Only if necessary," he replied, taking my hand.

As the alchemists made their exit, the daemon Numir, head of the Council, approached with the fluid grace of someone who knew exactly how much power he wielded. His black suit seemed to drink in the night, and his understated elegance was a stark contrast to the vibrant reception.

"Numir, head of the Council," Halo introduced.

"An honor," Numir said, his handshake firm, his smile practiced.

Ishtar was next, a small woman whose soft blonde curls clustered around her shoulders. Her pastel pink dress promised an innocence she likely didn't possess. Her whole appearance screamed 'I'm harmless,' but I could feel Halo bristle beside me.

"Ishtar," Halo's voice was tight, controlled.

"Delighted," Ishtar responded in a sweet silky tone.

"Do you two have a history?" I asked Halo after the council members drifted away.

"Nothing to worry about now," Halo dismissed, though her eyes followed Ishtar's retreating form.

Luce, a powerful daemon known to us from a previous encounter, strode up. He cast a glare in Martellus's direction that was promptly returned. His presence was a dark note in the symphony of celebration.

"Martellus," Halo began, but the troll king merely grunted, unwilling to offer more.

"Congratulations to all," said Luce simply, then walked away before anyone could answer.

Aiden stayed close to me throughout, his body tense, ready for anything. It was both unsettling and reassuring. So much lay beneath the surface of this magical world, hidden under pleasantries and smiles.

"Lots of people seem to be on edge tonight," I muttered.

"Big events attract big attention," Aiden said, shrugging. "Focus on the celebration, Cassie."

Nodding, I turned back to where Shay and Roma were laughing together, their happiness radiant. Their joy cut through the tension, reminding me why we were all here. Seeing Shay so free from her usual haunted guardedness made me feel a success.

"Look at them," I nudged Aiden, tilting my head toward the brides. "That's what today is about."

"Exactly," Aiden agreed, his lips curving into a genuine smile. "Let's make sure they remember it for the joy, not the really great fight that might break out."

"Agreed," I said, ignoring the last part of the statement. With a deep breath, I let myself lean into the moment, the laughter, and the promise of a dance under the stars.

Then I spotted Shay's parents carving through the crowd like determined starving wolves, their expressions set in that familiar, fake smile wrapped determined way that spelled trouble. I knew that look; it always preceded a conversation about money, one that Shay would do anything to avoid.

"Excuse me," I said, slipping past a couple swaying to the music and moving quickly to intercept them.

"Ah, Cassie!" her mother exclaimed with false cheer as I planted myself firmly in their path. "What a... lovely event."

"Isn't it just?" I beamed, mustering every ounce of fake enthusiasm I could. "The flowers alone are spectacular. Have you seen the centerpieces? Peonies, I think. Or are they dahlias?"

Her father's eyes narrowed slightly, impatient to brush past my rambling. But I forged ahead, speaking loudly enough for my voice to carry. "And the cake! It's five tiers! Can you believe it? Five!"

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Shay and Martellus take the hint. They slipped away from the garden, disappearing into the safety of the castle.

"Anyway," I continued, pretending not to notice their escape. "I heard there's going to be a fireworks display later. Or was it a fire dance? Something with fire, definitely."

Her mother's thin-lipped smile didn't reach her eyes. "Yes, how... diverting. We were actually just looking for Shay?—"

"Shay?" I feigned surprise. "Oh, I think she mentioned something about changing her shoes. Blisters, you know. Dreadful things. She might be gone for a while."

"Of course," her mother replied, her tone laced with acid. "She's always been delicate."

"Must run in the family," I shot back with a tight smile. The less Shay had to deal with them tonight, the better.

I watched Shay's parents retreat, their shoulders rigid with silent frustration. It baffled me—why they always seemed to need money when their lifestyle suggested a surplus. Maybe it was greed or just the ugly habit of leaning on Shay, but it happened too often to be a coincidence.

"Well handled." Cathy sidled up next to me, scanning the area like she could sniff out trouble before it brewed.

"Shay's in the castle now," I said with a nod in her parents' direction. "They're up to the usual, I suspect."

"Ah," she said, her lips pressed into a thin line. "They never stop."

"Exactly." I sighed, looking around the reception. "Speaking of chaos, Rey is loose somewhere."

Cathy scanned the crowd. "With him around, there's no room for practical jokes tonight. Not unless he starts them."

"Thank god for small mercies," I muttered, grateful for Rey's presence. The last thing we needed was a shifter and elf prank war breaking out amidst the political tightrope we were all walking tonight.

"He'll keep it together," Cathy said, her voice low. "He promised."

"Good." I nodded, then let my gaze wander back to the guests, hoping the rest of the evening would unfold without incident.

The dance floor hummed with anticipation; an open space bathed in the soft glow of strung fairy lights. Guests parted like the tide to create a pathway for the newlyweds. It was time for the first dance, and as Roma and Bran stepped onto the makeshift stage, Shay and Martellus joined them, their presence commanding yet intimate.

Bran and Roma moved together, a harmonious contrast of solemn dignity and persuasive charm. Nearby, Shay and Martellus found their rhythm, her golden hair reflecting the light, his horns almost regal in this setting. They were all so different—goblin and human, sybil and troll—yet together they painted a picture of unity that transcended realms.

"Can you believe how well they fit together?" whispered Cathy beside me.

"Every wedding should feel like this," I replied, unable to tear my eyes away from the couples. "Like magic made visible."

"Roma's radiant," Cathy said, glancing at me, "and Bran... he's got the whole noble warrior king vibe down pat."

"Shay's practically glowing," I added, watching as Shay leaned into Martellus, her sweet, rarely seen smile a quiet secret shared between them. "And for a big guy Martellus is surprisingly light on his feet."

"Who would've thought trolls could dance like that?" Cathy chuckled.

"Anyone who's fought them. Trolls are fast on their feet." Aiden stood next to us, unnoticed until that moment.

"Not going to think about that," I said, feeling a warmth spread through me, a reflection of their joy. "All this almost makes you believe in fairy tales, doesn't it?"

"Definitely," she agreed. "This wedding is right out of one."

The DJ transitioned to a slower melody, and Aiden held out his hand with a roguish grin. "Shall we?"

"Yes," I decided, placing my hand in his. The air was thick with the scent of all the floral arrangements as he led me onto the makeshift dance floor. His hands found my waist, and mine rested on his shoulders. We began to move to the music, our bodies swaying in time with the soothing beat.

Around us, couples floated by in their own little worlds. There was something intimate about sharing the space with others yet feeling entirely alone with him. The gentle press of Aiden's palms through the fabric of my gown anchored me, and the tension in my shoulders melted away.

"Everyone seems to have forgotten the world outside this dance floor," I observed.

"Good," Aiden murmured, his blue eyes holding mine. "Tonight should be for celebration, not combat."

Laughter bubbled up from the crowd, and I couldn't help but smile in response. It was infectious, this joy. For a moment, it didn't matter what came next or what had passed. There was only here and now, and the warmth of Aiden's touch.

My attention drifted momentarily to the edge of the dance area, where I caught sight of Halo, her expression sour, being lured into the dance by Edward. His hand was gently placed on her lower back, guiding rather than forcing. I raised an eyebrow, wondering at the mix of determination and gentleness in his approach.

"How did he manage that?" I whispered to Aiden, nodding slightly toward them.

"Daemons can be persuasive," Aiden said with a chuckle. "Given her stubbornness and dislike for them are legendary, I'm curious too."

"Or maybe she just couldn't resist his charm," I teased, glancing back at the unlikely pair. Edward whispered something in her ear, and to my surprise, a feral smile tugged at Halo's lips.

"Perhaps," Aiden conceded, spinning me gently. "But I wouldn't bet on it."

The music shifted, a melody weaving through the night air that spoke of enchantment and dreams. Aiden's hand tightened on mine, his other arm wrapping securely around my waist. We swayed in unison, our steps slow and measured to the rhythm.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his breath brushing my cheek and ear. The sensation made me shiver.

"More than okay," I replied, moving my head so my cheek rested lightly against his shoulder. I breathed in the subtle scent of him, earthy and grounding. The rest of the world, with its complexities and shadows, old anxieties and angers, seemed to dissolve into the background.

"Good." His breath was warm on my skin. "Because right now, this moment is all that matters."

I couldn't disagree. There was a purity in the simplicity of movement, the tenderness of the music, the softness of his grip. It was as if we were the only two people in existence, dancing on a cloud or in some secret place where time stood still.

Probably best not to mention it. I probably didn't want to find out what dancing in a cloud felt like in real life.

His fingers brushed along my back, sending a shiver through me that had nothing to do with the cool night air. My heart fluttered, but not from fear or anxiety—it was anticipation, a yearning for the unknown that lay ahead with him.

"Stay with me, Cassie," he whispered, almost as if he had read my thoughts.

"I hope to," I answered. It was the best I could offer, and from his smile, he was more than willing to accept it.

The song twined around us, binding us together in its gentle embrace. And just like that, I was lost—lost in the music, lost in the warmth of Aiden's presence, lost in a dance that felt like a promise of hope.