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The night wanes, as dance steps intertwined. A ballroom filled with music serenades the air, as the heir to the Florenz family finds himself swept beneath the waves of torrent. A light catches as a young man caught his attention, as the other nobles gathered around dancing and swaying as the music goes on and on.
"Is that the head of the prestigious Melodis Family?" A noblewomen remarks .
"I've heard he was involved in a murder in the Golden Rose Theater…" another one responded.
"The one with Lady Bella? Didn't they figured who's the murderer, with that one detective." A nobleman spoke.
The young man pays no mind to the attention, as the rumors from the other nobles are just baseless rumors.
His eyes gaze towards the young gentleman, slowly introducing himself. "May I have this dance?" He outstretch his hand as a gesturing offer. The music shifts, a slow waltz playing in the background. The nobles gathered around, witnessing this dance that unfolded between 2 of the most well-known noble families. A long dance that captivated the audience… but underneath the waves stir. A subtle dip. "You seem quite the elegant dancer, what is your name?" The young heir did not know the other's name, and so he hesitated. "Artoria." he said. Another twirl. The dance on the surface looks like normal to the other nobles, but to Artoria and Desire, it felt like a dance of dreams, a dance between predator and prey.
"Since I already told you my name, how about yours?" Artoria asked. Another dip into a sudden twirl, followed up by several steps. Gazing his eyes towards Artoria, he gently whispers into his ear away from the prying ears of the other nobles, "Desire Melodis, my dearest shining light." A shock. A wave hit, like Artoria has been drowning in the waves, like a sailor out at sea being lured by a siren's song. The breath felt surreal, while still being captivated by the dance for so long. Remembering he was still a noble, Artoria regain his composure and thank Desire for the dance and head back to his private quarters, processing this fleeting yet eventful night ahead of him.
"I wonder what the sister has to say about this." A shrewd noblewoman remarked.
"You mean that shy young girl that is with him?" Another noblewoman asked.
"Desire Melodis, my dearest light." It stilled echoed inside his head like an unforgettable melody. The way his tone carried, as he flows elegantly through the dance. That is until.. someone knocks on the door.
"Master Florenz! A letter was delivered to you, although there's no sender." The maid, Felicia has arrived. She opened the door and handed him an envelope with such crafted elegance, a handiwork of someone of high noble status. A beautiful red wax seal keeps the contents shut away from prying eyes. "Thank you, Felicia. You may leave now." He says with a gentle smile. Felicia left and closed the doors behind her while Artoria grabs a letter opener from his desk. He carefully cuts the wax seal, making sure not to damage the contents within. A letter was written in neat and elegant handwriting.
My dearest light,
It was a wonderful dance we both shared together. The sounds swaying around, the way you danced, the way the light reflects in your eyes like a mirror. But I have come to offer you something you won't forget. But it comes at a heavy price. A price of betrayal of the ones you closely love. I know it might be hard to understand since we only just met, but I will be awaiting my decision before then. As I have learned, things take much needed time. I hope you understand what I expect of you, Artoria.
D.M
He closes the letter and sticks it back into the envelope and seals it back up before putting the letter behind a locked drawer that not even his own sister can access without the key. "What do I even do? Betray those closest to me? Sully the name of House Florenz.. just what does Desire want from me? To join the Melodis family? To betray my sister?" He thought to himself, as the content of the letter leave an unsettling feeling.. a fleeting feeling that is as bottomless as the darkest of nights.