34. THIRTY-THREE

THIRTY-THREE

V alerie and Beacon's wedding day had arrived at last.

The ceremony had been beautiful, but she hated how her eyes kept darting to every corner of the room meanwhile Valerie's father was officiating their wedding. Her anxiety left her with little attention to give to Selene and Julian Levina, Beacon and Ron's parents.

The Levina parents had approached her, Selene complimented her hair and gown while Julian made corny jokes which Davina found herself forced to chuckle to so as not to seem impolite.

Davina's uneasiness had grown worse as the day of their wedding approached, swearing Leilani into secrecy about Raven's ultimatum, not wanting to cause a commotion for the couple. They deserved to have a perfect wedding day.

Leilani was no longer cold with her because of the argument they had about Sadoc but Davina was still on edge about him. She prayed that he obeyed her command or she wouldn't know how to stop herself from finishing him off in her next rageful spiral.

Nonetheless, Davina couldn't seem to put a halt on the millions of questions that overpowered her mind about the Dark Mistress's plans. Was Raven going to attack the islands during the wedding? Was she going to have a secret meeting with her Predators? How would Raven find out if she tried to sneak out? Could there possibly be a traitor among them?

No, none of her friends would be capable of that.

She wished she could find a way to figure out what Raven was planning.

Although she was able to conjure her healing ability to mend her wounded leg, Davina would never be able to enjoy a waltz around the hall if she were too worried that the Mistress would hurt someone she cared about. She had already been planning to stick to the windows and corners of the ballroom, guarding the partygoers and the newlywed couple.

All she could do was hope that the Leaders, Soldiers, and Apprentices who were on guard duty were capable enough to withstand Raven's power if she were to attack. Davina prayed to Magnar, hoping that he would protect the warriors who were standing watch in their designated towers by the Bridges.

The wind ruffled her skirts as she floated above Mistral Island, her wings stretched wide behind her, shining bright in the night sky.

Her frantic mind caused her eyes to scan the island hundreds of times, Raven and her Predators were nowhere in sight. She gulped as she floated down toward the hall where the reception would be held, hiding her wings as her slippers touched the soil.

A pair of servants dressed in brown and yellow uniforms pulled the large doors wide open. She was immediately captivated by the grand foyer with lemony drapes covering the entrances to the party. Several servants pulled the curtains, allowing Davina to be introduced to the grand ballroom. Sparkling crystals drooped from the ceiling, shining into the eyes of anyone who looked up. Carvings ran deep into the crevices of the white ceiling, Mistral's development since the beginning of creation had been embedded above, similar to the Mistran flag in Castellum's amphitheater.

Davina pulled on her lilac gloves.

She rushed toward the caramel and buttermilk-silken tables. There was a piece of Valerie and Beacon in each cloth, each flower, and each ornament. It was beautiful to witness, being able to watch the way their love remained strong and steady after so many battles they had to fight as Island Protectors.

At least they were able to have their happily ever after.

Beacon and Val danced in the general space of the hall, Valerie's long pearl dress and black hair flowed with each twirl she took. Beacon pulled her in as Val laughed against his lips, Davina smiled upon the scene.

Valerie radiated more than usual tonight.

Davina glimpsed Leilani and Cara, then sauntered over to them. They stood near the center of the dance floor, observing the newlyweds with a smile.

"I wonder which dressmaker made her gown. The woman did such wonderful work with Val's. Having the contact could be of use in the next couple of months," Leilani chirped.

"Did Sadoc propose at last?" Cara asked with delight.

"No, I was asking for Davina."

Davina cringed before saying, "The next wedding in which we will be attending will surely not be mine."

"Why do you say that, D?" Leilani asked.

"I thought everything was going so well with you and Isaiah," Cara said.

Davina regretted having commented at all.

"He seems like such a great man. He's been by your side since the very beginning, rescuing you on all those secret missions that you accidentally forgot to tell us about." Leilani widened her eyes as she crossed her arms.

"Yeah, I can't believe you didn't tell us. What if something happened to you?" Cara crossed her arms as well.

Davina looked between them as she racked her brain for an answer until their eyes fixated on something behind her. Or someone.

"Oh, would you look at that. Caleb seems to have gotten chocolate ice cream all over his suit. I need to go clean up his mess," Leilani stuttered before scurrying away briskly.

"Uh—I'll go with you!" Cara followed Leilani.

"I think you look even more wondrous than the bride," Isaiah whispered into her ear.

Davina looked down at her dress, a mixture of mauve and lilac. It was similar to the one she wore at Sadoc's birthday celebration many moons ago but with a few more layers of tulle added to it. A clear layer of tulle had gold lace in the form of fire sewn into it. The cloth wrapped around her waist to her right shoulder, covering her scar, and leaving her left shoulder bare.

After a week of stressful search for a perfect dress, she found it atop her bed inside of a royal blue box with a golden ribbon. But there had been no note nor tag attached to the box.

Davina shivered, quickly replacing her frown with a smile. "The bride is my friend, do not offend her in such a way."

"She won't know I said it unless you tell her," Isaiah chuckled.

"I don't know. I might," Davina joked.

"I'm glad I was able to find you. I don't think I could've waited too long to steal you for a dance," he purred, reaching for her gloved fingers.

"I don't know—"

"Oh, come on, you've been so busy. We haven't even made it to that dinner we've been postponing for weeks."

Davina inhaled as she forced another smile. "Yes, my love, I have been quite occupied. But about that dance… well the thing is, I don't know how to."Davina cringed, allowing her true discomfort to resurface through her mask.

Isaiah wrapped his hand around her fingers. Davina exhaled through her nose. "Just one dance."

A clink between crystal and silverware echoed throughout the ballroom.

Valerie was holding a glass cup and a silver spoon, Beacon by her side with his own glass half full.

"Friends and family. First and foremost, I wanted to thank you all for joining me and my husband on our special day. We are ecstatic to have you all here with us. Words will never describe how much we appreciate your support, especially in the times that we have been living for the past few months. Let's enjoy this night to the fullest. Delighting in our families, our friends, and our significant others. Tonight's celebration will begin with the Exchange of Partner dance," Valerie announced, her smile just as vibrant as her abilities.

Valerie found Davina's gaze. "Even you have to dance, D."

The ballroom roared with claps and cheers of joy. Davina turned to Beacon and got the sudden urge to smack the grin off his face.

"Perhaps I should apologize to the bride, it seems she has helped me win a dance with you." Isaiah grinned.

Davina nervously chuckled. Isaiah held his hand out for her, ready to lead her to the center of the hall.

"Fine, just one dance," she sighed jokingly, trying to play off her annoyance with his insistence. Not just with the dance but with everything else. How much longer would she be able to fake what she felt for him?

The deal had been for them to start an alliance but there had been so many topics that had been left unspoken. She knew they'd have to eventually marry because she owed him that much, although it felt like her essence was being sucked out just by the thought of spending the rest of her life with him.

He was a good man; he didn't deserve all these horrid thoughts she fed within her mind.

A peaceful melody of several violins and pianos traveled throughout the ballroom.

Davina observed the circle of couples around the dance floor, her eyes searching for the boy in dark blue. To this moment she wasn't able to find Ron among the other guests within the hall. During the ceremony, she was able to get a small glimpse of him standing next to his brother Bane.

She caught Leilani, Caleb, and Cara bowing and curtsying for their dance partners. Caleb hated dancing so at least she wasn't suffering alone.

Davina curtsied while Isaiah bowed.

"Why the serious face?" Isaiah asked.

"Just focused on the dance." She grimaced.

"Don't worry too much about getting it right. Let yourself flow with the music," he advised.

Davina nodded.

After the few steps were completed, Beacon called from his seat. "Exchange of partners!"

"See you soon, my beloved."

Davina huffed in annoyance at Isaiah's pet name for her and rolled her eyes as Amir swept in and began to waltz with her.

"Why so sour?" Amir asked with innocent curiosity. Yet, the strings of her patience were burning in flames.

"Why can't a girl be upset without having anyone asking questions? Don't people ever think about how that can make us even more mad?"

Amir went wide-eyed. "What did I just step into?"

"Honestly, I don't even know myself," she sighed.

"Whatever it is… don't let it get to you. You're already taking care of so much, don't fret for the little things. Even the big things, actually, they'll just suck away your youth."

Davina sent him a smile of gratitude for his encouraging words. "Thank you."

"Anytime," he chirped.

"I didn't know you were so wise," Davina teased.

"We may be of the same age but being a Chief Leader is not easy."

"I bet it's not," she said.

"But being the Captain of the Island Protectors and Castellum's army isn't a bed of roses either." Finally, someone understood. Amir gave her a small smile before adding, "But I know you can do it. Just stop doubting yourself. You're an Almenara by blood but you are Davina by heart. You are beloved, you are of violet and fire."

She remained silent. Maybe it was time to finally rebuke the ghosts of her ancestors, the haunting specters that followed her since birth and weighed her down whenever she stood too high for their liking.

"Thank you," she whispered. That was all she could say, but his words meant everything to her.

Davina huffed as she realized the number of gentlemen that were left to dance with. She wouldn't be able to leave the dance floor until Isaiah was her partner once again.

Her eyes landed on a girl in a wonderful blue dress who was giggling loudly. Her long blonde hair ran in their usual waves. It was Ashira and she was laughing quite obnoxiously at something Ron whispered in her ear. Davina clenched her jaw.

"Exchange of partners!"

Amir bowed. "I'll talk to you soon, Captain." Then he moved on to the next girl.

Davina danced with a young man from Auris. But it seemed that he was just as confused as she.

Thankfully, Beacon called for an exchange soon after. She watched the young man step away from her and shyly approach the next young lady in a peach gown.

Then Ron, in all of his beauty, stood right in front of her with a pleased smirk. Davina immediately looked for Isaiah who, fortunately, had his back facing them.

"Not happy to see me?" he asked her with a smug face.

"No."

"We both know that's not true, love."

"Don't call me that."

"Why not?"

"Because—" All her arguments disappeared as his hand wrapped around her waist. "You should be focused on the maiden you brought to this ball."

Ron shrugged as his other hand found its way into Davina's gloved fingers. His hand fit perfectly into her own.

"I see you decided to wear the dress I got you," he said, his eyes traveling toward the gold flames that covered her scarred shoulder.

Her eyes widened. "What?"

She understood then the dark blue box and golden ribbon, every part of this dress being a message of his to her. Davina hated how much she enjoyed the way she looked in the gown. She felt feminine and pretty in the tulle dress.

He nodded with a deep smile, it was so profound that even his dimples were visible, before stepping back, bowing, and then pushing the incoming male to the next girl that stood beside Davina. It felt like her heart was melting inside of her chest.

"Remember that night that we snuck out of Sadoc's party? Up on the roof?" Ron asked, wrapping his hand around her waist once again, pulling her closer into the heat of his embrace. "That night, I couldn't help but realize that you were the reason that the moonlight had been so enchanting. Just like tonight."

That was when she realized how the moon's light showered them both. His long eyelashes fluttered as his gaze scanned her expression. She looked away immediately.

"I don't understand why your expression seems distraught when I'm only giving you what you asked for all those months ago. Or did you think I wouldn't notice that the little fire couple you made that night wasn't an indirect to me?" Ron chuckled.

Of course, she remembered everything. She held close to her heart every glance, every smile, every chuckle, and every word. She recalled the way she could dance with him because she never longed to dance with any other man that wasn't him.

"None of that matters anymore. We're strangers now."

"Strangers don't look at each other the way we do," he whispered.

She could feel his cool breath freshen her cheeks. Davina sighed, trying her very best to avoid eye contact with him.

Every muscle in her body began to tremble, she felt as though she would shatter into a million little pieces right there in front of him. "We're strangers because you wanted it this way. You were the one who decided to harvest a deep hatred for me."

Valerie called for the partners to switch. Ron stepped back, bowed, and shoved the young man away. Davina turned to the young Mistran girl who was beside her, waiting for her next dance partner, with a look of confusion.

Davina turned to the partners on her right only to find Isaiah with a look of fury as he danced with the girl before him. Davina gulped.

"I'm so sorry for that. Holding onto that hate was not worth losing you to another man," Ron confessed. Davina dared a glance into his eyes.

Davina raised her right hand, and Ron raised his left. Only their palms touched as they circled each other.

"I've come to believe that you've merged the line between hate and infatuation that you don't know what you feel anymore."

"I know what I feel, and it has become more potent than the power of hatred and a simple infatuation for you."

What was he trying to tell her? She shook her head.

"You're going to be mine again."

"I doubt it."

"You can doubt all you want. I have hope for the both of us," he claimed, a grin wide on his face.

Her heart dropped. Salt singed her eyes as she looked at his smile. A smile so sincere she never could compare it to anyone else's.

Davina yearned deeply for Ron to be correct, that she would be his again. She fought hard to make him hate her, that way it would be easier for her to say goodbye to him. For some time, she was successful. Here was the man of her dreams, confessing his truth, willing to fight for her no matter what it would take to get her back. She smiled at him.

"There is one thing I can come into agreement with your fiancé…you are the most beautiful of all."

Davina let out a shaky breath before glancing at Isaiah's trembling face, his eyes were wild as he watched them waltz.

Ron must've caused so much confusion among the other dancers because most of the couples ended up with different partners. Davina felt her cheeks heat at the thought of what he caused on the dance floor… for her.

At first, Davina believed that with time her feelings for Ron would slowly disappear. But as he stood before her, his left hand interlocked with her right, and his other hand was wrapped around her waist, she realized how terribly wrong she was.

"Meet me by Somerlane Lake tomorrow, five hours after noon," he whispered in her ear, before landing a soft kiss to her cheek.

He let her go, took two small steps back, and bowed with a soft gaze, their gazes locked on one another. The guests who had remained in their seats cheered for the finalized dance.

She felt a sharp grab of her arm. Isaiah's nostrils flared and his entire face reddened, suffocating any personal space she once had.

"Remember how we are to be married soon. My future wife cannot be seen dancing around with her ex-lovers," Isaiah muttered deeply.

"Hey, let her go," Ron said.

"Who the hell do you think you are? She's not your fiancée. She's mine."

Davina furrowed her brow at the latter. She was his. It didn't sit well with her to think of herself as one of Isaiah's possessions.

"Let her go or you are going to leave this party without your hands," Ron threatened.

Maroon colored her cheeks. The blush that ran to her cheeks was short-lived as Isaiah tried to pull her closer to him.

"Let me go," she said quietly, not wanting to attract any more attention. The other guests, along with Beacon and Valerie, had their eyes on the three of them.

"What?" His hand tightened around her arm. Her patience began to slip away as his fingers bit into her arm.

"I said let me go or I'm going to burn your whole arm to a crisp," Davina snarled.

She could hear Isaiah's palm sizzling against her hot skin. Davina fought to keep her lips from curling upward as she watched him shake his boiling hand, she hadn't even realized she was burning him.

Davina returned her gaze to Ron who was grinning. What a shameless, yet beautiful idiot that he was.

She nodded curtly at Ron, accepting his invitation to Somerlane Lake.