Music recommendation: Walking In The Air by Somnia Arcadia on Spotify.
"Will you honor me with a dance, my lady?" Leo spoke, unwavering, as though issuing a challenge.
"I would be delighted," Lyra replied in a daze, spellbound by his magnetic presence.
His hand clasped firmly around hers as he led them to the dance floor, giving her no room to flee if she regained her stubborn composure.
As they moved through the maze of people, Lyra took in his appearance. He wasn't dressed in his usual obsidian leathers or war-torn regalia, but in a tailored ensemble of soft ivory silk. His formal coat—fitted across the shoulders and cinched at the waist—was embroidered with faint silver filigree. The high collar and open lapel revealed a pristine gray under-tunic, hinting at elegance while barely restraining his taut physique.
His long hair was pulled back into a low, loose tie, allowing the sharp lines of his jaw and the quiet blaze of his crimson eyes to dominate his features. Despite the absence of his usual shadowed garb, there was no mistaking the power coiled beneath the silk and light—only now, it felt... restrained. Reverent. As if he were walking through memory, not menace.
The crowd began to part as they approached the center of the floor. Surprisingly, no one else was dancing. Lyra glanced around, wondering if they were to become yet another spectacle, but her focus snapped back to Leo as his hands glided with effortless grace. His right arm wrapped firmly around her waist, pressing her closer to his chest. His left hand clasped hers, giving a gentle squeeze for attention.
Leo leaned toward her ear and whispered, "Hold on to me tight."
His breath tickled her senses, and she stifled a squeal at his shameless proximity. He smirked as he pulled back.
Unfurling his dark wings, he looked up with intent. Lyra followed his gaze—and gasped. Above them, celestials danced to the melody, gliding on invisible currents of air. It was magical. She didn't have time to react before Leo's powerful wings struck down once—and they were airborne.
Lyra gripped his shoulder on instinct, her heart leaping at the sudden jolt, but soon realized she was floating, weightless in his arms.
He chuckled at her puzzled expression.
"There are stones embedded in the pillars that allow my kind to float mid-air. They're mainly used for events like this—and for minor tasks," he explained, nodding toward the glowing amethyst stones as large as her head embedded in the coliseum's pillars.
"It's a shame it can't be shared with the rest of the world," Lyra said, glancing at the devices. For such an innovative city, why the secrecy?
"Indeed. But Eden protects the realm and maintains peace. Outside these walls, the stones are nothing more than rocks. Their magic fades. So there's little point," Leo replied, his eyes never leaving hers.
While she pondered his words, he took the opportunity to drink in her appearance. Her hair was swept into an elegant bun, with curls framing her delicate features. She wore jewelry—no doubt Abi's touch—and her transformation from commoner to fine lady was breathtaking. The red tint on her lips gave her rosy complexion a vibrant touch that only accentuated her demure charm.
Leo led her into the rhythm of the song. His left hand guided her with every graceful sway; his right kept her steady and secure. She had never danced before, but the magic in the air made it feel seamless. She let herself be led in the ensemble.
Lyra smiled, savoring the music, the motion, and the moment. She felt free. The burdens of tomorrow, the constant fear, the dark memories—all gone. She was dancing on air beneath a moonlit sky.
"You look ravishing tonight."
Her smile faltered. Had he just—complimented her? The emotionally distant Leo… flirting?
"W-well, thank you. You look… different?" she stammered.
Fool! Different? Not handsome, charming, dashing?
Her face betrayed her embarrassment, and Leo noticed every detail. He lifted her hand to his shoulder, sliding the other down to her waist, igniting sparks across her skin.
He chuckled.
"That is stating the obvious, Lyra. But I'll take it as a compliment—especially from the stunning goddess before me."
As the music reached its crescendo, Leo lifted her. Her dress flared around her like a blooming flower. With no wings on her back, she still could have passed as a celestial. Lyra reached for the stars above them, as though she could pluck one to keep. So this is what it must feel like to fly, she thought, watching the angels dancing around them.
Then gravity took hold—and she fell into the embrace of her savior. Her waist landed against his chest, hands resting on his shoulders. Their eyes locked in a silent trance. One of his hands slid up her back, the other cupped her bottom to steady her as he gently lowered her to the ground.
Her shoes touched the marble floor, anchoring her back to the present, though she remained pressed against him. In his arms, the world disappeared. There was only them.
She traced his sharp jaw, her palm resting against his cheek. His hands gripped her waist, daring her. She rose on tiptoe, inching closer to his lips, closing her eyes. Fearless.
Leo's stare never wavered. He tilted his head slightly, meeting her halfway. Her scent clouded his thoughts. He wanted more than a kiss.
But a cough shattered the moment.
"Pardon the intrusion, dear brother. I was hoping to cut in for a dance with Lyra," came Gabriel's voice, smooth and opportunistic, with a disarming smile.
The mood fell like ice water. Lyra opened her eyes. Leo straightened, his warmth vanishing behind a cold, familiar mask.
"Not at all, Archangel Gabriel," Lyra said with a tight smile. She offered her hand, and Gabriel took it. As she stepped away, she paused—Leo hadn't let go.
"Come now, brother. It's just a dance. I promise no harm will come to her tonight," Gabriel said smoothly—coaxing a lion to give up his lamb.
Lyra squeezed Leo's hand gently, assuring him she would be fine. Slowly, reluctantly, he let go.
"You move gracefully, Lady Lyra. Has someone trained you? Or is it instinct?" Gabriel asked as he led her into the next dance with practiced ease.
Lyra offered a soft smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Instinct, I suppose. Tonight's the first time I've ever danced like this."
"Impressive," he replied, tilting his head with a smile. "And yet you glide as if born to the sky. Are you sure there isn't a little celestial in your bloodline?"
She let out a light chuckle, trying to stay composed. "I'm quite sure I'd have noticed wings by now."
Gabriel laughed softly. "True. But not all blessings are visible. Sometimes, the divine is tucked beneath the skin, waiting for the right moment to shine."
"Perhaps," she said, her gaze flickering away.
" And what brought you to Eden? The war? Or something... else?"
"Does it matter?" she replied, her voice quiet but firm.
Gabriel grinned, undeterred. "Everything matters. That's how knowledge works—little pieces forming a whole. Forgive me, I'm insatiably curious. Comes with the title."
"You ask a lot of questions for someone who already knows so much," she said, her tone cautious.
He leaned in slightly, clearly amused. "Ah, but wisdom isn't about knowing everything—it's knowing what to ask."
Lyra frowned faintly. "For a keeper of knowledge, you seem keen on seeking my truths. Why not see for yourself? I am a lone survivor from my village, raised to the ground. Should you not gain more knowledge by seeing firsthand than by reading through old books or tales from travelers? No friend of mine asks me this many questions. Let alone a stranger."
Gabriel feigned a wounded look. " Lady Lyra, you wound me. We've shared a dance—surely that elevates me from stranger to... inquisitive acquaintance?"
"You've definitely earned the inquisitive part," she replied dryly.
He laughed. "I'll take it. But in truth, I'm not trying to pry. I merely want to understand the one who holds Leo's attention so completely."
Lyra caught her breath slightly, surprised. "That's… an exaggeration."
Gabriel shook his head. "No. It's rare, you know. To see him smile like that. Even rarer to see him dance."
"I didn't ask for his attention," she said, her voice quieter now.
"I believe you," he said gently. "But be careful, Lyra. Not everyone in Eden will understand that."
"Is this how you speak to all your acquaintances? By dissecting their truths?" Her tone was sharper now, though she kept her expression polite.
"When necessary," Gabriel replied, more somber. "Not everyone who arrives in Eden comes freely. And fewer still carry the presence you do. So yes, I ask. Not to interrogate—but to protect. This city is sacred. And those who enter are held to its balance." He twirled her around as the song seemed to fade, and her focus trained on him.
"So I'm being weighed," Lyra murmured.
"Not judged," he said firmly. "But seen. And seen clearly. Leo brought you here. That alone speaks volumes. But I would be remiss if I didn't try to understand the path you walk. Especially when you walk beside a man like him."
"Does his path concern you?" she asked cautiously.
"It concerns everyone," Gabriel answered, his grip tightened around her hand. "He was once a celestial, most revered—light incarnate. Now he walks the edge of shadow. That kind of return is never simple. Or safe."
Lyra looked down, her voice low. "I never asked to be part of his return."
"I think…" Gabriel paused, finally leaning closer, voice low but clear. "…you are a pivot point. And I do not yet know which way the scales will tip."
Just as her patience frayed and she opened her mouth to retort, a firm hand gripped her shoulder.
"That's enough," Leo's voice cut through the tension like a blade.
Gabriel didn't look surprised. His expression remained unreadable, but his fingers finally released Lyra's hand.
Leo stepped between them, eyes locked with his twin. "If you're going to interrogate someone, do it with less force next time."
"You misunderstand, brother," Gabriel said evenly. "I was simply getting to know the stunning siren. I believe that's who everyone is calling her now. Captivating."
Leo's eyes narrowed. "She's not your guest. She's mine."
Without waiting for a response, Leo slipped his arm around Lyra's waist and guided her away from the dance floor, shielding her from Gabriel's view.
As they walked, Lyra's hand trembled in his. He glanced down, expression softening.
"Did he hurt you?" Leo asked quietly.
"Not exactly," she replied, still shaken. "He just… stared like he was reading through my soul."
Leo's jaw clenched. "That's exactly what he was doing."
And from across the room, Gabriel watched them vanish into the crowd—eyes thoughtful, expression still, but his mind already miles ahead.
He was intrigued by her spunk to question his beliefs and wisdom. She would be surprised that the knowledge he holds would span three lifetimes for her, yet she schooled him on experience through her eyes. Well, those spellbinding eyes were the key to his nagging hunch.
"Captivating, indeed," he said.
Sensing his sister's presence, he didn't need to turn around. "Quite the spectacular performance, Sister. Like you said, I did enjoy it," He smiled to her.
"Thank you, Brother," Abi promptly said. Her eyes were trained on the direction where Leo had left, and her bubbly expression died. "What is your sudden interest in Miss Lyra, Brother?"
"Her beauty and voice simply entranced me. Leo brought home quite an interesting human," Gabriel replied lightheartedly. He turned to face Abi squarely, his hand gently caressing her rosy cheek, despite her frown, not satisfied by the vague answer.
"I will have to turn in for the night. I did enjoy the party, even though your intentions were good, sister," Gabriel paused as his tone dipped low. "The people would not be keen on the welcome party you orchestrated for an outcast."
Abi paled at his remark as she looked up to his golden ones. The air around him grew cold by his sharp gaze. She gulped in apprehension. With the stunt she pulled, no one would suspect her elaborate plan in celebrating Leo's return, but nothing escaped her brother's sharp eyes. With a stiff nod from Abi, Gabriel stepped aside, retrieving his hand.
"Do enjoy the rest of the evening, dear sister," he said, his tone regaining its virility. However, Abi remained silent.
Despite the festivities surrounding her, she felt suffocated, alone. Her fingers clenched into fists to steel herself. After all this time, she just wanted her family back to the way it used to be. Was it that too much to ask?