I was shaken after the competition. I hadn't lasted long. Only another two opponents before I was taken down, already ready to head back to my dorm.

My walk soon turned into shuffling.

"Cassie."

My gaze landed on Marty, who gave me a genuine smile and polite wave.

"Oh shoot!" I facepalmed my forehead. "I'm so sorry. I'm an idiot."

"Hey, don't say that," he chuckled, crossing over the bridge to get to me, stopping by the willow tree I stood at. "I didn't wait for long."

I was fumbling at my phone, gesturing nervously, "I'm sorry I didn't check my texts and argh!" I glanced to the side, unable to meet his gaze as I allowed myself to be swallowed by my own frustration.

"Bad day?"

"Sorta."

"Balls tonight. You going?"

"No," I shrugged, flopping down on the bench. A willow stem stroked my knee, I gently brushed it aside. "I have enough on my plate."

Marty sat down next to me, handing me an envelope. It was sealed with a sparkly blue sticker and I chuckled, "Willow's work, I imagine?"

"Yeah," he said and I couldn't help but grin with him. I carefully opened the envelope and saw that the hard was handmade, decorated with dry flowers carefully sealed on top of the cardboard. I gently thumbed the bumps from the petals.

"This is beautiful," I genuinely exclaimed. I flipped open the card and sensed Marty turn his head the other way. I inherently felt grateful for that small gesture.

Dear Cassandra

Thank you for saving my life. I'm not really good at writing cards but lavenders are my favourite flowers and I wanted to share them with you.

It might sound strange, but lavenders kinda remind me of you.

Willow

"She's amazing," my grin widened as I looked at Marty. "She sounds mature beyond her age."

"I think so too," Marty met my gaze, not looking down. "I don't know what she wrote but, sometimes, I feel like she should be the older one instead, not me."

I giggled, carefully slipping the card back inside. My brows rose in intrigue when Marty pulled out something of his own.

"My turn," he said, raising a small glass vessel containing purple liquid. "This is a strong healing potion. Regardless of how bad your injury is, it'll heal everything. It's really rare and it took some effort to get this tiny one but," he placed it into my palm, "you should have this. I hope you never have to use it but if you do, rest assured you have it."

"Marty, I can't accept this. You should keep it or... keep it for Willow!"

"No," he closed my open palms, his warm hand covered mine. "I'm really grateful for everything you've done."

He held my hand and my gaze for a second too long and abruptly, he realised, and quickly let go. I broke eye contact and thought nothing of it.

"Are you going to the ball?" I asked. Ever since Kristen told me she was going to ask Marty, I had been waiting for Kristen to tell me her good news, but I never got it.

"Oh, um, I don't think so."

I was surprised but I quickly recovered without Marty sensing anything wrong, "Oh, right, you're probably busy with all your other commitments."

Marty's glance landed on me again, but I didn't move mine; I kept my focus on the willow tree.

"Yeah..." he let his voice trail off and then let out a playful breath, "I'm really glad you're safe."

I smiled but there was a question nagging me, "I've never heard of any investigation taking place on Willow's incident? If you need me to provide any information, I can!"

"Oh, no," he quickly said, covering the sudden change in tone with a cough, "I meant, Willow's incident was nothing."

Nothing?

"Marty..." I wasn't convinced, "Willow was abducted. The twins... do you know any of them?"

"I've not seen them," he admitted, brows creased. He suddenly stood, "Cassie, could you keep Willow's thing a secret? For me?"

I stood, a look of confusion, "I don't understand."

"You know I want the best for Willow, right?" He said and I noticed subtle exhaustion weighing him down. "They are investigating but just secretively."

I was doubtful of his words but, after some thought, I nodded anyway. Willow was safe and Marty was a guy to be trusted... right?

"Thank you, Cassie," he seemed extremely relieved and embraced me in a hug.

I was taken aback but hugged him back awkwardly, patting him on the shoulder. "I-It's alright, Marty, um... glad to help."

When Marty straightened, when I offered him a wee smile, my eyes shifted and landed on a pair of emerald green ones. I raised both brows, a look of shock. Marty noticed and turned to look at Jaxton.

"Hey mate," Marty's previous... awkwardness (maybe?) disappeared. He replaced it with his usual, easy confidence. "What's up?"

Jaxton gave a polite smile. He nodded in my direction, "I'm looking for Cass."

Marty gave me a look and it was nothing impolite, in fact, he looked at me with some sort of... knowing look; a peculiar one in my eyes, really. "I'll leave you two to it."

I held back my retort and nodded, "see you around, Marty."

"See you, Cassie, and thank you," Marty gave me that typical easy smile of his, a soft look before he waved me goodbye and left, brushing past Jaxton. The two had a brief exchange, consisting of small smiles and nods, as they walked past each other.

"So?" Jaxton tilted his head as he looked at me.

"So what?"

Jaxton gestured at Marty's leaving figure, giving me an amused look; a mischievous twinkle in his green eyes.

I sighed, "he's not my boyfriend."

"Who said anything about 'boyfriends'?" Jaxton feinted confusion and I realised to my disgust that I fell into his trap. I was unfazed, however, and continued walking back to my dorm.

"Whoa! Wait up!"

"No."

"Just admit that you care, at least a tiny bit?"

"About what?" I furrowed, feeling my annoyance rising.

"About- never mind," he let out an exasperated breath and changed the subject. "I want to know about Vel, right now."

"Why don't you ask her yourself?"

"We've been through this."

"I'm not in the mood."

"I won't bother you if it was about you or your sister, but this is about my sister."

I halted my steps, turning to watch him with a cautious look. "I made a promise to Vel to keep this between us until we figure things out. We are figuring things out."

Jaxton's smile faded, "sounds like she's in trouble."

"She-"

"Cassie!" Vel ran towards me in the happiest smile I'd ever seen. "Kerry asked me to the dance!"

"Who?!" Jaxton exclaimed.

"Oh, hey," Vel said and dumped Jaxton to the side as she turned her attention to me. "You know that guy I punched?"

"Punched?!" Jaxton tried his best to cut into our conversation, but we were just two happy, giggly girls talking about the dance instead.

"Oh my gosh! Do you have your dress ready?"

"Yes! I'm going to wear a white dress. It looks plain in the front but I love the deep V at the back. I have lovely dangling earrings for it!"

"Sounds soo nice, Vel! I'm so happy for you!"

"Come with me to the dance!"

I smiled lazily, "I like dancing and all but I get anxious with so many people."

Vel replied with an understanding grin, "I get it. I won't force you but I really wish you'd come!"

"I-"

"Why not?" Jaxton asked and we spared some of our attention to him.

"I thought I just said. I don't like being in a stuffy room with so many people. It makes me anxious. Besides, I don't even have a dance partner."

Jaxton opened his mouth but Vel interrupted with an anxious tug on my sleeve.

"There's something I need to talk to you about, Cassie," Vel looked tense. We were suddenly aware of the increase in the number of people in our area. People were trying to get to their next class. "You have a break now, right?"

"Yes, let's go and talk over a cup of tea," I patted her hand, knowing what she was worried about. I looked back at Jaxton, "You're dismissed."

Jaxton rolled his eyes, but there was a lively grin on his face, "as you wish, your Grace. I have class anyway." He gave a lazy bow and salute before he turned around and strode off.

"Did you tell him?"

"No, but I know what you're worried about."

Vel pursed her lips, "I really want to go to the ball but I'm scared they'll be there."

"They haven't visited you these days?"

Vel shook her head, brows furrowed, "it's weird. Maybe they see that I'm with you all the time. Us alternating between our rooms have been working, I think."

I was about to suggest to let Kerry take a lookout, but I didn't know Kerry that well, so whether he was a guy to be trusted remains an uncertainty.

I sighed, "does that mean I have to come to the ball?"

Vel's eyes brightened and then dimmed, "No, I won't go."

"Vel, hiding in your room isn't exactly safe either. I actually think that if you go, you'll be safer there, with everyone."

Vel considered this, "You're right, but you don't have to go. It's cruel to force yourself to go into an uncomfortable situation."

"I did say I felt uncomfortable, but maybe I should get out of my comfort zone," I shrugged, "I've never been to a ball before. I know it's my avoidance mechanism but maybe... maybe I could try and step out... for a bit."

"I want you to know there's nothing wrong with not enjoying these type of events," Vel quickly comforted and I chuckled at her expression.

"I know, Vel, you're so sweet," I patted her shoulder. "Come on, earl grey and cakes."

Vel's grin made my smile grow wider.



***



It seemed that everyone was talking about the ball these days, but I was always interested in something else. The ball, as much as I wanted to convince myself that I was bravely stepping out of my comfort zone, stressed me more than I wanted. And, not exaggeratingly, I felt like the ball was a more stressful situation than my tests.

Soon, the night of the ball arrived. I pulled out my mauve coloured tulle dress, carefully slipping it on. I went to my wardrobe and opened the door to take a look at my appearance, pulling up the zipper with some effort on my own. I adjusted the dress slightly, shifting the off-shoulder sleeve to snuggle comfortably around my arms.

I let out a breath, playing with my hair. I had no idea how to do my hair except put it in a messy low bun. I did exactly that and put on my rhinestone and flower headband.

"Good enough."

A knock sounded on the door and I went to answer.

"You look beautiful, Vel."

Vel wore a white, asymmetrical chiffon dress. Her earrings glittered and shivered whenever she moved.

"I was about to come and help you do your hair and all," Vel took a good look at me. "But look at you. You independent girl!"

I brushed it off, leaving the door open for her to come in. The thing I "forgot" to tell Vel was that when you've depended on yourself — and only had yourself to depend on — for many occasions, you had to make due and have a few tricks down your sleeves.

I went to put on my earrings.

"My brother's missing out on the view," Vel crossed her arms. "I wonder why he hasn't asked you."

"He's a busy guy," I said, an assumption based on some truth. "Even if he was going to ask me to go, I doubt he would after hearing me complain about my social anxiety."

Vel tilted her head, watching me with an intricate expression. I was putting on my necklace by then, staring at my wardrobe mirror. I felt the need to fill in the silence.

"Does Jaxton like these occasions?"

"You mean balls?"

"Yeah, has he ever been to one?"

"Hardly," Vel chuckled, her purple glance to the side. "He went to one during intermediate and complained about it being boring."

I raised a brow and laughed with her. "What about his ball partner?"

"He went with his mates but it wasn't as fun as he wanted to be. Besides," Vel added after some thought, "I think he hates dancing."

"He does?" I was surprised at this new discovery. "I like dancing. Makes me feel like I'm flying." I picked out my matching heels and gave a twirl. "All done! What do you think?"

"Marvellous!"

Vel and I walked to the auditorium. This one was renovated more like a hall, and it is usually used for meetings and events.

Vel and I passed by a beautiful fountain, rose gardens with roses blooming in vibrant colours. Near the entrance, there were rhododendron bushes blooming in magenta.

"Wow, nature really helped out on the Enchanted Forest theme."

I went to pick up a corsage. My fingers hovered above the flower choices: lilies, roses, camellias, but one white corsage caught my eye. I slipped the gardenia flowers onto my wrist.

"Let's go."

Vel was sure excited but I already felt a subtle tightness in my chest.

Just breathe, Cassie. You're in a nice dress and beautiful high heels. The night is young. You're surrounded by flowers- wait, flowers?

I walked inside and felt my mouth widen. The doors in the hall were open, leading to different balconies. The other areas were open too, leading to the galleries and display cabinets of school artefacts. The place was dimly lit with fairy lights, and flowers dangled from the ceilings. The disco lights shone in shapes of stars.

"Wow," I gasped. "This place is..."

"Magical?" Vel added.

My eyes caught Kerry immediately. "Vel, your dance partner."

"Oh," there was a faint blush on Vel's cheeks. Kerry spotted Vel and approached us with a handsome dark suit of his own. He offered Vel's corsage, coral coloured peonies.

"Evening," Kerry greeted politely, and his glance on me was brief, he saved the rest for Vel. I knowingly smiled.

"You look wonderful," he said to Vel, not forgetting to compliment me either, "and you too, Cassandra."

I was surprised he remembered my name. We hadn't had many conversations during our training lesson. "Thank you. You look dashing yourself."

I grinned and gave Vel a nudge. I wasn't going to be a third wheel.

"But what about you?" Vel quickly said.

"I'll be alright, Vel. I need a drink anyways. You'll find me around the food table." I joked, gesturing at Kerry with a raise of my brows. "Take care of her."

"I will," Kerry nodded and offered his arm. Vel willingly took it, a guilty look in her eyes for leaving me. I gave an encouraging nod and watched them disappear in the crowd.

As I promised myself, I moved slowly to the food table. I listened to the slow, elegant music play in the background. Rather nostalgic really, and occasionally checked my phone for any messages from my parents.

Did they receive my messages? Should I send another one? No, I don't want to annoy them.

I put my phone in my clutch and sipped on a mocktail.

"Hey..."

My gaze shifted away from the view on the balcony and stared at the person with wide-eyes. "Spark?"

He rubbed his head with a sheepish smile. "Fancy seeing you here."

"Oh, yes, I changed my mind," I replied, it was the only thing I could offer at this moment. I convinced Vel that I was here to 'step out of my comfort zone', a part of the reason was that, but it was really more to do with protecting Vel.

"I like the decorations," I stated, a bit lamely.

"Yeah, yeah," he looked equally uncomfortable.

The lights changed into blush pink and the music stopped. A lady with a beautiful satin green dress walked on stage and welcomed everyone with greetings. We applauded, and some cheered along before she began to announce the first dance.

"To get the fun started, I'd like you to ask the person next to you to our first Welcome Waltz."

I love to waltz. I thought silently, but I didn't say anything and simply took easy, slow sips on my drink.

"Would you like to dance, Cassie? Take it as an apology from me for last time."

I raised a brow. Couples were already shuffling to the dance floor so I had to think quick. Then, I nodded.

I placed down my drink on a tray and left with Spark to go to the dance floor. The lights changed into purple.

Spark held onto my waist and I, on his shoulder and arm and we began to move. Spark was a good dancer, and I wasn't bad either. We moved smoothly around the room, swimming around the others, whether they were dancing well or stumbling, it didn't affect us.

"You dance well."

I smiled sadly, and I only did that because I believed the lights were too dim for anybody to notice. "My parents taught me. They often dance with each other and, as a kid, I always wanted to join."

"Sounds lovely."

As he said so, my eyes caught sight of a girl with dark hair and someone with piercing blue eyes.

"What..." I couldn't help but mutter.

"What is it?"

"Oh, nothing," I shook my head, letting Spark twirl me to the other side of the room.

The music soon slowed and ended with a dramatic peak of violins, cellos and trumpets. The dancers stopped and clapped, and the shuffling began again.

"That was fun," I admitted. The ball wasn't so bad after all.

"Yeah, it was," Spark grabbed a drink from the food stand and I grabbed some nibbles.

"Cassie? Is that you?"

I turned to see Alsa also grabbing some nibbles — it happened to be the exact same ones I got.

"Alsa? I'm glad to see you all well." I was honest when I said that.

"I'm glad to see you too. You were the most challenging opponent I've ever faced-" Alsa's glance landed on Spark and her emotions slipped away from her face for a brief second, "Hey there! Did you come with Spark?"

I shook my head, suddenly aware of the tension that entered the room. Another boy entered my vision, but he was behind Alsa, grabbing a finger sandwich. When he ducked back out, I was surprised and gasped his name, "James?"

"Hey Cassandra," he was unfazed, chewing on his sandwich until, reaching some sort of enlightenment, his expression changed drastically. "Cassandra?! What a sight! I thought you hated people!"

"My God, James, was it necessary to shout it out loud?" I said but still chuckled, happy to see familiar faces. I suddenly didn't feel that alone anymore.

Alsa was laughing, looking at James affectionately. "I came with James."

I felt Spark stiffen beside me.

Wait a second. No way.

"You guys have fun, I'm gonna go chat with some mates," Spark said, his eyes already drifting in the distance. He nodded goodbye and left me with James and Alsa. James didn't forget to scoff at Spark's passing figure.

"Do you want to dance?" Alsa asked, seemly unfazed by the whole situation.

James' attention went to Alsa and grinned, "yeah, sure."

"Can we come and find you later, Cassie?" Alsa asked with a sweet smile. "Do you mind if we hang with you?"

"Not at all," I said, genuinely surprised that Alsa was serious about me minding their company, but at the same time, I respected her for that. "I'll be on the balcony enjoying my slice of cake."

"The cheesecake here is great," Alsa chuckled sheepishly. "I know, it's early and I already had one."

"If it weren't for me, she'd be shoving her face full," James added playfully and I laughed at his joke.

The dancefloor changed into people bouncing and dancing with random gestures, the music was loud and the air was making me hard to breathe. I headed to the bathroom, already planned out my route for the night.

Bathroom. Cake. Balcony. Or somewhere quieter.

When I came back out from the bathroom, my curiosity got the best of me. The hall had artworks and artefacts on display, and I eyed the tall door that was open at the end of the hallway with an urge to be a bit rebellious tonight.

I took a look around. There was no one in this dim hallway and the door's open... it must've been a spiritual invitation!

My heels tapped silently on the rug as I trotted through the door and gasped. Now, this was truly magical. The lights on the walls were lit, but the bigger lights were closed. The chandelier shimmered in the lights, and I thought I could almost hear them chime.

I walked through doors and doors, each room had a different wallpaper colour. I even awkwardly bumped into a couple making out by a corner. They looked at me wide-eyed and shocked. I was too, but I maintained my unfazed expression and simply apologised in a calm voice before I excused myself to another hallway.

I looked at the paintings on the wall. They were all the famous principals of the school, as well as notable professors that had contributed significantly to the school's development. I walked slowly along, looking at them carefully. I padded around artefacts, looking at peculiar or intriguing ancient objects.

I walked past an interesting statue and felt myself stiffen.

In memory of those who died in the Dark Times.

I let out a shaky breath, willing myself to breathe again and moved away from the room quickly.

I should get back, find a seat and just wait for James and Alsa.

I passed by long, arched windows. The light outside cast a rectangle onto the floor, forcing my shadow to appear and disappear when I reach a dark part of the hallway. I was about to step onto the next one until I saw another shadow appearing.

I lifted my head and looked to the side, my eyes widening in horror. I scanned from side to side to make sure we were alone and walked straight to the window.

"What are you doing?!" I hissed and Jaxton behind the glass simply waved. I tugged on the handle of the glass door. Locked.

Jaxton slanted a grin, mouthing 'no fear' before pulling out his hands from his pocket. He pointed at the keyhole and I heard an almost inaudible click. He tried the handle and pulled the door wide open for me to storm out.

"How did you even — well, whatever, I could do that too — but why!"

"I just saved you from suffocating in there."

"I'm perfectly fine, thank you very much," I crossed my arms.

"Says the one who said they love dancing but hate people," Jaxton tipped his head to the stars with a grin. "Not gonna ask me why I'm here?"

"Why are you here?"

"I don't know," he shrugged. "Maybe I was on one of those risky "find-my-brother" missions and happened to pass by. Or, maybe, I just wanted to see you."

I let out a playful breath, "I hope you've made progress in finding your brother." My tone was genuine and he accepted it with a nod, leaning on the stone railing of the balcony. I also went to the edge of the balcony and stared at the garden below.

"Something's on your mind?"

I didn't expect Jaxton to be the one asking that question but I was honest in my reply, "I messaged my parents and... they didn't reply me. It's been a week now."

Jaxton was quiet and we both heard the ballroom music in the distance.

"Are you going to do a follow-up text?"

Something about the way he said it made me laugh. "I don't know if I would be annoying if I did that."

"Have you considered calling them?"

"Call them?! Oh God, no," I breathed, my grip tightened on my clutch.

Jaxton had a knowing smile and didn't say anything more. The music in the ballroom changed into a slow one.

"Sometimes..." I said quietly, my gaze fixed on the fountain and the roses, "my thoughts run so fast in my head. Some things I think about... it might only be a small thing for you but they are big for me. They would just resurface and remind me that it's time to worry about them. Sometimes, I wish they could stop and leave me alone."

Jaxton stayed quiet. He probably didn't expect me to say all this to him, and if I were him, maybe I wouldn't know how to reply. Normally, I wouldn't put people in that spot, but that night, I don't know, I just wanted to talk. As much as I had people around me, I didn't have anyone to really... talk to. A real talk; not devoid of context or meaning.

"Like this text message to my parents, my recent competition versing Alsa, whether I made a correct choice in the first place to come here..." I bowed my head. "I could have had an easier life."

"Easy and content? Or easy and restless?"

I met his green eyes. He looked calm, his voice soothing and soft. He waited patiently for my reply and I stifled a chuckle. "Knowing me, I'll be restless."

"Knowing you, I think you'd want more," he adjusted briefly on the railing. "You told me while we were at the med centre. Those are your true thoughts."

"Right," I muttered. Now that I think about it, I didn't think about leaving home in the moment of heat. Perhaps the moment of heat pushed me out the door, but the thought had been circling around in my mind for a long time. I needed to see the world for myself.

"Second-guessing myself..." I added. "I'm good at that. Just wished my thoughts were not such a thunderstorm, sometimes."

There was a beat of silence before he said, "Can you teach me how to dance?"

My brows shot sky-high. I turned to look at him, and he was watching me happily, a smile as bright as the night tonight. I love that smile he has.

"I thought you hated dancing?"

"Who told you that?"

"Your sister."

He barked a short laugh, "You still haven't told me the secret between you and Vel."

"Let's dance," I changed the subject and pulled him from the railing. I placed one hand on my waist and held his other one. "Left foot back."

He did as I told and I followed his footsteps. We went by that in repeat until he stepped on my shoe. I hopped a few times, watching as he tried to suppress his laugh but couldn't.

"Oh, yeah, laugh. Mind you, this is my favourite pair of heels."

"And it's the very same pair of heels that got a stamp of approval from my favourite pair of boots," he twirled his foot in the air, showing off his worn dark boots. I shook my head, chuckling in disbelief.

"You're unbelievable, Jaxton."

"You are unbelievable, Cass," his eyes were smiling, his grin widening as he threw me into an unexpected dip that was definitely not elegant enough to come out of a movie screen. I let out a surprised yelp and hit him on the arm.

"Don't do that!"

"Alright, I promise," he said, looking serious before he said, "but I can do this."

He held my waist and lifted me into the air, twirling me. The dress flowed around my legs and I felt the breeze gliding through my hair, in a thrilling time of excitement and comfort. I was yelping out my surprise on my way up, but laughing when he put me down. He was doing exactly the same.

I felt comfortable... happy. I love listening to him laugh. There was something else I realised. I didn't only love his laughter and smile, I love him. This boy called Jaxton. I suddenly forgot about the secret he has. I suddenly forgot that this same boy had threatened to kill me on our second meeting. All I know is the boy right now. If I could pause life like a video, I would, at this moment, so I didn't have to think about life's responsibilities or the consequences that came to loving a boy with such a bright smile and a voice that could make me feel safe.

But a moment isn't enough. I have no pause button and all beautiful things come to an end... eventually.





***



A/N

They are cute. Period.

L