Chapter 0516

Nina

"Nina! Enzo!"

My brother's voice carried across the garden, breaking Enzo and I out of our reverie. We both lifted our heads and turned around to see Tyler standing in the doorway, waving excitedly with a grin on his face.

"What is it, Ty?" I called out, charmed by his enthusiasm.

"They're starting the group dance!" he called back. "You have to get in here. We're waiting for you!"

Exchanging wary glances, Enzo and I stood and headed back to the ballroom. Enzo's hand lingered on the small of my back, filling my body with an electric tingle and filling my mind with fantasies about what would happen in our bedroom later. But for now, it was time to dance.

"There you are!" my mother said as we returned. "It's time to dance. And cut cake!*

"Cake?" I said, glancing behind her, where a few servants were wheeling out a cart with a large, multi-tiered cake on it. "Geez, mom. Why didn't you tell me?"

My mother grinned. "I wanted it to be a surprise. It's vanilla, your favorite."

Her words made me smile, and Enzo, too.

We shared a look, both amused and resigned after a long evening. "It sounds delicious," I said, even though I was still full from snacking on hors d'oeuvres all evening. "Dance first, then cake."

of sounds: string instruments, clinking glasses, excited laughter and chatter. I felt like we were at our wedding all over again, which wasn't a bad feeling

me his hand, a wordless question lingering in his eyes. "Ready

my hand into his. The world around us seemed to fade away as the music

to dance, twirling effortlessly around the room. The weight of my gown tugged at me, but I felt light as air in Enzo's arms. He led

look like you're enjoying yourself," he

not to," I said, leaning into him as we spun

signaled a shift in the dance-a partner switch. Enzo's eyes met mine, as if asking for

of another. My first new partner was my father's half brother: Uncle Victor, robust and

Uncle," I replied, following his lead. "You're not too

around before handing me off to my

her grip firm yet gentle. "You're quite the dancer, Nina. They should probably just

creep across my face. "But don't think I didn't see you holding

was pulled away to the next partner. As I turned to see who

perceptible and entirely devoid of features. Yet, an oppressive weight emanated from it, a cold nothingness that

shadow entity-it was unmistakable. I knew that void for a face better than anything, better than

of it paralyzed me. Its entire existence was a blatant contradiction to everything the evening represented. My heart pounded wildly in

and the security of my father's home? The contrast between its clark, malevolent form and the vibrant, joyous atmosphere was stark and chilling. The entity seemed to absorb

my throat before I could stop it, shattering the scene like a knife through glass. My legs gave way beneath me, and I stumbled backward, my heels slipping on the smooth surface. I crashed

toward me, faces filled with confusion and concern, but I barely noticed. My gaze was locked on the space where the shadow entity stood, towering over me, my mind racing even

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