Chapter 704 The Party (3)
Erik and Mira navigated through the mass of people and saw Kael, Aiden, Lila, and Noah engaged in conversation. The party noise made it difficult to make out the group's conversation, although they were drawing near.
Upon noticing Erik's and Mira's arrival, the group's faces lit up. "Hey guys!" Their voices were filled with genuine warmth as soon as the two reached them.
"Hey!" Mira's smile bloomed like those vibrant spring flowers in full bloom, spreading warmth and joy all around.
"Are you enjoying the party?" Kael asked. He was looking at Mira and Erik with an amused smile. "Noah here spent a lot of time planning it."
Erik glanced at Noah, but his masked face made it impossible to know what he was thinking. However, he knew there was an expectant expression on his thaid-like face.
Since he knew how much Noah worked to make this party, he didn't plan on disappointing him. "I am, thank you. And thank you, Noah, for going to such lengths for this."
Noah nodded, his eyes meeting Erik's. "Anything for you, Master."
At that moment, Erik's mind connected with Noah's through a telepathic link, thanks to his brain crystal power. Noah's acceptance of the communication triggered a tingling sensation, signaling the power's readiness.
Erik's frequent glances towards the leader of the Border Wolves served as the motivation for his actions. The man was becoming increasingly intoxicated, and given how people behaved in such situations, Erik was confident that he would cause trouble.
Erik's guild had experienced an extraordinary level of growth in the preceding months, though that was not the root cause of the problem. The truth was that his guild was slowly but surely supplanting the Border Wolves in terms of their dominance. Be it in quest or renown.
"Monitor David Miller, the Border Wolves' guild master," Erik said, his voice boomed inside the clone's mind.
"Why?" Noah asked. If Erik gave such an order, there had to be a reason, but he was curious.
"I've noticed him staring at Mira and me quite a bit. It's unsettling."
"Understood," Noah said through the telepathic link. "I'll keep tabs on him."
"Good. I'll keep the link open so that you can share any news with me."
"All right, Master."
Following that, the two individuals entered a period of silence with no further communication. With a polite excuse, Noah made his way out of the group, his eyes darting around the room as he went to locate David Miller.
"Where's Noah off to?" Lila asked, her eyes following Noah's retreating figure.
"He has some guild matters to attend to," Erik said.
"Ah, the life of the guild manager never stops, does it?" Aiden chuckled at his own remark.
Erik smiled, though his mask hid it well. "It seems so."
Mira, sensing something was wrong, steered the conversation toward lighter topics. "So, who's up for some dancing?"
The woman's eyes were filled with a sparkling excitement that was impossible to miss. Her gaze shifted towards Erik, and in that moment, her eyes transformed into an irresistible, puppy-like expression.
"Mira? NO!"
"I want to dance," Mira said. Her eyes were sparkling with an eagerness akin to a kitten gazing at a dangling string.
Erik hesitated, his posture stiffening. "I'd rather not," he said.
Mira pouted, her eyes widening in a silent plea. "Oh, come on, Erik. It's a party. We are supposed to have fun!"
With concealed eyes, Erik directed his gaze towards her, his hesitation becoming clear. "I don't know, Mira. Dancing isn't my thing."
"But it's mine," she said. "And I want to do it with you."
Erik let out a sigh, a sound that was more like a resigned chuckle than anything else. "Alright, you win. Let's dance."
Mira's face lit up with joy, her eyes sparkling like the brightest stars in the night sky. With a firm grip, she reached out and took hold of Erik's hand, guiding him towards the crowded dance floor.
Couples and groups had already filled the area, engrossed in the music's rhythm, creating a bustling atmosphere.
With their faces flushed and beaming with happiness, the men, dressed in tailored suits, and the women, attired in elegant dresses, danced and spun in perfect harmony.
When Erik and Mira made their way onto the dance floor, they chose a spot amongst the other dancers.
A silent agreement passed between Kael and Lila as their eyes met during their exchanged glance. With a barely noticeable nod, they made their way towards the dance floor, their movements synchronized, as if being guided by an invisible hand.
Aiden sighed. Despite being left alone, he didn't mind because he had noticed a young woman who caught his interest. Throughout his life, Aiden encountered no difficulties in attracting girls. Maybe he would get laid even tonight.
Taking Lila's hand in his own, Kael led her towards the center, making sure they were positioned near Erik and Mira. Lila placed her hand on Kael's shoulder, while he rested his on the small of her back.
While their two friends were getting into position, Mira rested one hand on Erik's shoulder, then he slid his hand around her waist.
Even through the fabric of her dress, he could feel the gentle heat radiating from her body, sending a shiver of excitement down his spine.
They were engulfed by the music, its pulsating beat synchronizing with the rhythm of the crowd. Her movements were a display of elegance as Mira synchronized her steps with the rhythm.
Mira's dress, a cascade of shimmering fabric, swayed with each step she took. The glow of the ballroom lights reflected off the material, creating a subtle iridescence. As Erik's hands rested on her waist, he could sense the warmth of her presence, a comforting contrast to the cool air of the room.
Erik, observing her actions, followed her lead, displaying a reserved yet surprisingly fluid movement. Mira's steps were precise yet effortless, her every move a testament to grace and poise. Together, they moved as one, perfectly in sync with the music and each other.
Around them, the dance floor was a kaleidoscope of color and movement. Other couples swirled and twirled in time to the music, their laughter and conversation blending into a harmonious backdrop. The rhythm of the music seemed to pulse through the very air, its beats echoing in their movements.
The clamor of the party, the clinking of glasses, the murmur of voices—all of it receded into the background. In this moment, in the whirl of dance and music, Erik and Mira were the only two people in the room, absorbed in the magic of their dance.
The captivating presence of Mira was felt by everyone as she danced. With her eyelids shutting softly, she completely gave in to the captivating beat of the music, her countenance radiating a sense of calmness and pure happiness.
The slightest motion they made had a profound effect on her hair, causing it to swirl around her in a captivating manner reminiscent of silken waves in an invisible ocean.
The gentle glow of the soft lighting in the ballroom beautifully illuminated her features, accentuating the contours of her face. With every movement she made, the delicate strands of her hair glimmered and reflected the light, giving her an enchanting and otherworldly presence.
In that moment, Erik, unable to resist, became captivated by her exquisite beauty. His deepest desire was to see her radiant expression of joy, unhindered by any obstacles, and to be able to look into her eyes directly, free from the hindrance of his mask.
…
…
…
The moment the song ended, the dancers erupted into an enthusiastic applause, creating a thunderous sound. With a gentle flutter, Mira's eyelids lifted, revealing her eyes, which locked onto Erik's masked face.
"Thank you for the dance," she said.
Erik nodded in acknowledgement, his own emotions intertwining into a complex blend of both joy and introspection. "It was a pleasure," he said. His voice was an unyielding facade to the rampant thoughts in his mind.
Out of nowhere, Noah sent a telepathic message that pierced through his mind, causing him to snap out of his thoughts and become alert.
<Master! > Noah said agitated.
<What's going on? > Erik was concerned. If Noah reached to him, it meant David Miller was indeed creating trouble.
<Miller is causing a scene on the balcony. He's likely intoxicated, > Noah said. His mental voice was laced with a sense of urgency.
<I'm on my way. >
As he separated himself from Mira, he couldn't help but let his hand remain connected to hers for an extended moment.
"I have to handle something," he said. With her gaze fixed on him, Mira raised her eyes and began searching his masked face, seeking any signs or indications. As she felt the seriousness in his voice, she nodded and removed her hand from his.
As he made his way through the crowd, Erik's steps were deliberate and filled with purpose, showcasing his confidence. The night had been going so well, and he couldn't afford a scandal, especially not tonight.
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