The Crimson Dawn

Chapter 15

Barrett, Raphael, Gedeon, Derick, and Aydin waited in the grand main entrance, their polished shoes clicking softly against the pristine floor. Each of them was impeccably dressed, their tailored suits lending an air of sophistication as they conversed quietly. Raphael adjusted his coat while Gedeon and Derick bantered.

As they waited, Ari appeared first, descending the stairs in a deep green dress that, while simple, suited her small frame perfectly. The dress hugged her figure modestly, and her braided hair added a touch of grace. The guys cheered her on with playful compliments of how adorable and lovely she looked, causing her to blush furiously.

The room grew still when Stella appeared at the top of the stairs. A collective intake of breath swept through the group. Her black satin dress hugged her figure in all the right places, accentuating her curves and flowing elegantly down to the floor. A daring slit ran high up her toned leg, offering a glimpse of her confidence and allure. Her hair was styled to perfection, cascading down in loose, glossy waves that framed her face. She walked with an effortless poise that turned her into a vision of beauty.

Aydin, the first to notice her, felt his heart pound against his chest. Time seemed to freeze as she descended gracefully. The way the dress shimmered under the light, paired with her radiant smile, captivated him completely. The matching hues of their outfits didn’t escape his notice, and when Stella caught his eye, her sly smile and playful wink sent his heart racing.

The rest of the group stood in stunned silence until Barrett finally broke it with an exaggerated whistle. “Well, damn,” he said, grinning, “Guess none of us are getting any attention tonight!” The room erupted in laughter, and even Ari cracked a smile, though her earlier confidence had dimmed in Stella’s presence.

With that, the group headed outside to the waiting carriage. As they climbed in, Aydin went over a quick list of social expectations for the night. “Remember,” he said, addressing the group but pointedly looking at Barrett, “No brawls, no eating with your hands, and for gods’ sake, don’t insult anyone.”

Barrett rolled his eyes good-naturedly, and Gedeon chuckled. “Don’t worry, I’ve got him,” Gedeon said, patting Barrett on the back.

The carriage came to a gentle stop at the castle’s grand entrance. Raphael stepped out first, extending his hand to help Ari down, who accepted with a shy smile. Derick followed, straightening his suit as he exited. Gedeon stayed close to Barrett, both of them glancing around at the gathered crowd. Aydin, accustomed to such gatherings from his past life, stepped out with a calm ease, the grandeur of the moment washing over him with familiarity.

Turning back, Aydin noticed Stella still seated in the carriage, her hands fidgeting nervously. “Are you all right?” he asked softly, leaning in slightly.

She exhaled deeply, glancing at him with a hint of vulnerability. “I’m nervous,” she admitted.

Aydin smiled gently and extended his hand toward her. “You have nothing to worry about. I promise.”

Her lips curved into a soft smile as she slipped her hand into his. The moment she emerged, the murmurs began. Nobles and attendants stopped to stare, their whispers filled with admiration. “She’s stunning,” one voice said, and Aydin couldn’t help but beam with pride as he guided her forward.

They entered the castle together, the group united as “The Crimson Dawn,” ready to face whatever awaited them inside.

The group did their best to behave, though it was a challenge for some. Barrett and Gedeon exchanged quiet jokes, their laughter barely contained, while Ari clung to Raphael’s side, finding comfort in his calm demeanor. They all made polite small talk with various lords and ladies, their unease hidden behind forced smiles and nervous chuckles.

Stella, however, quickly became the center of attention. Noblemen flocked to her, their eyes alight with fascination. They asked her for dances, their words dripping with charm, but she politely declined each request, noting the icy glares from their wives. She maintained her composure, offering kind smiles while subtly stepping back. Still, their attention lingered, and Stella’s discomfort grew with every passing moment.

Meanwhile, Derick stood near the refreshments table, his sharp eyes observing his friends. He chuckled at their awkward attempts to maintain decorum but froze when he overheard two lords gossiping nearby.

“Zearax is in chaos,” one said in a hushed tone. “Queen Lily has turned to dark magic. She’s waging war on all the other continents.”

“Dark magic?” the other lord whispered back. “I heard she’s lost her mind entirely. The Zearax army is relentless, leaving no survivors.”

The words struck Derick like a bolt of lightning. Could it really be his Lily? His sweet, innocent sister? The memory of her laugh, her kindness, and the promise he’d made to protect her flashed through his mind. Guilt and worry knotted in his chest, and he reached for a goblet of wine, draining it in one long gulp.

Across the room, Aydin navigated the crowd with practiced ease. He engaged in discussions about politics and magic, his sharp mind thriving in such conversations. For a moment, it felt like his old life—the life he had before meeting the group. Yet, as his eyes scanned the room, he caught sight of Stella trapped in a circle of nobles. They surrounded her like vultures, their words cloying as they showered her with compliments.

Aydin’s jaw tightened as he noticed the way they touched her—hands lingering on the small of her back, pulling her closer whenever she tried to step away. He could see the frustration in her eyes, the restraint she was showing to honor his earlier request to behave.

He strode over, his presence commanding. Clearing his throat, he extended his hand to Stella. “May I have this dance, my lady?” he asked, his voice smooth yet firm.

Stella turned to him, her lips curving into a sly smile. “Of course, my lord,” she replied, slipping her hand into his.

The two moved to the center of the ballroom, the crowd parting as they began to dance. Their movements were fluid and precise, perfectly in sync as if they had rehearsed the steps for years. The music swelled, and their bodies moved in harmony, a graceful combination of spins, turns, and dips that captivated everyone around them.

As their faces drew close, Aydin leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. “You remembered the dances,” he murmured, a smile playing at his lips.

Stella glanced up at him, her eyes sparkling. “How could I forget?” she replied softly, her voice carrying a hint of mischief.

The dance continued, their chemistry undeniable. Aydin dipped Stella low, his hand firm on her back as their bodies pressed together. The world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them and the music.

Then, a loud crash shattered the spell. The sound of glass breaking filled the hall, followed by gasps and shouts from the crowd. Aydin immediately pulled Stella close, shielding her with his body as he scanned the room for the source of the commotion. The atmosphere shifted, tension rippling through the air.