The sen Selros estate wasn't just a mansion it was a power statement carved in stone and light.

Towers of moonlight-pale stone pierced the twilight sky of Elarion's noble district.

waterfalls cascading into crystal pools below. Light pulsed from glowing crystals embedded in polished pathways illuminating statues and fountains that were enchanted with water.

Azrael stepped out of the sleek black Holloway vehicle, the door closing with a soft thump. The weight of staggering wealth settled on his shoulders immediately.

'Just another cage,' he thought, smoothing down his deep violet tunic. The fabric felt soft but restrictive. 'At least the bars are pretty. Those Aether Stones Ilythia promised better be worth this spectacle.'

Ilythia emerged next, radiating cold command that dimmed the surrounding lights. Heads turned among the elegantly dressed guests. Even here, among the continent's most powerful families, she commanded respect that bordered on fear.

Selyne practically vibrated beside him, eyes wide as she took in the scene.

"Wow," she breathed, clutching Azrael's arm. "It's even grander than last year! Look at the floating lights!"

"Try not to stare like a commoner, Selyne," Ilythia said coolly. Though her tone was sharp, Azrael caught faint maternal pride as she adjusted a stray ribbon in Selyne's hair. "We have appearances to maintain."

They walked up the grand marble staircase, nodding politely to other guests. Azrael felt the stares, the whispers behind gloved hands. He knew what they were thinking. 'Azrael Ashveil? As in Human domain Ashveils, Here? With the Halloways? What is Ilythia plotting?'

He kept his face carefully neutral wearing his mask of bored indifference. =

Inside, the main ballroom was a cavern of blinding light and swirling sound. Music drifted from a magically amplified orchestra.

Hundreds of guests mingled, their elaborate gowns and suits a dizzying kaleidoscope of wealth and political maneuvering. Waiters moved with ghostly efficiency offering sparkling drinks and delicate hors d'oeuvres.

Their hosts stood near the entrance, greeting guests. Juliana sen Selros was stunning, radiating genuine warmth despite the formal setting. Tall and elegant with flowing silver hair, her violet-red eyes held warmth tempered with sharp intelligence.

She wore a gown the color of deep space, embroidered with constellations that shifted as she moved. Beside her, Lord Valerius looked distinguished but overshadowed by his wife's brilliance.

Ilythia approached them with perfect formal greetings. Juliana's smile widened seeing Selyne. "Selyne, dear! You look absolutely lovely. Growing up so fast."

"Lady Juliana! Happy birthday!" Selyne beamed, performing a slightly wobbly curtsy. "And I promise not to spill anything tonight!"

Juliana's gaze shifted to Azrael, her warm smile holding but eyes sharpening. "And this must be Azrael Ashveil. Aria mentioned your eventful mission near Wuhan village. Welcome." She paused. "I also understand you are Celestria Ashveil's younger brother? I knew her from her academy days. A formidable young woman. Are you enjoying Elarion?"

Azrael thought, feeling pinned by her gaze. 'And Aria mentioned me? Great.' "Lady Juliana," he said, offering a polite bow. "Thank you for the invitation. Elarion is certainly different."

Before silence could stretch, Silas appeared, clapping Azrael's shoulder too hard, making him stumble. "Azrael! Made it! Try not to break anything expensive tonight, alright? Or start any diplomatic incidents."

Aria glided up, offering Juliana a cool nod. "Mother. You look radiant." Her gaze flickered dismissively over Azrael before returning to her mother.

"Thank you, darling," Juliana said, eyes calculating as she looked between Azrael and her children. She sensed the undercurrents. "Now, do mingle. Enjoy yourselves. Try not to cause too much trouble, Silas."

Ilythia smoothly steered Selyne toward influential-looking vampires, leaving Azrael adrift in the sea of nobles. He immediately felt eyes on him sharp and curious. He needed a drink.

He made his way to the towering refreshment tables, snagging something fizzy from a passing waiter. He retreated to a less crowded corner, leaning against a marble pillar carved like a mythical beast.

'Okay, objective one: survive without getting challenged or assassinated. Objective two: secure those Aether Stones without selling my soul. Objective three: avoid international incidents. Simple. What could go wrong?'

"Keeping to the shadows, disciple? Not very heroic."

Azrael nearly choked.

Gulp.

He coughed, then turned slowly. Quill Var Emreis stood there, impeccable in black and gold, silver hair perfectly tied back. His golden slitted eyes scanned Azrael critically.

"Vice Headmaster," Azrael said, forcing neutrality. "Fancy meeting you here. I didn't realize you attended such frivolous events."

Quill's lips twitched. "Attendance is occasionally required. Besides," he added, glancing at Ilythia across the room, "some events are less frivolous than others." He cleared his throat. "I trust your transition into Class 1-A has been smooth?"

'Smooth as sandpaper coated in broken glass,' Azrael thought. "Uneventful," he lied. "Quiet, mostly."

Quill nodded, though his eyes suggested he knew better. He glanced at Ilythia again. "Professor Halloway is demanding but brilliant. You would do well to learn everything you can." He paused, voice dropping. "And Senior Celestria sends her regards. She hopes you are adjusting well."

'Adjusting well? She probably hopes I haven't burned down the mansion yet,' Azrael thought. "Tell her I'm surviving," he said flatly. "Making the best of it." He decided to test the waters. "Resources are a bit tight, of course. Quality Aether Stones seem hard to come by..."

Quill gave a stiff nod, missing the hint entirely. "Excellent. Resilience is key. Celestria will be pleased." He seemed about to say more but was interrupted by another guest. He excused himself with visible reluctance.

'Dodged that bullet,' Azrael thought, sipping his drink. 'He's definitely playing wingman for himself through me. Pathetic and oblivious.'

He scanned the room again. Selyne looked trapped by old vampire women. Ilythia held court. Aria and Silas chatted. And then he saw her. Aelira.

She stood near a fountain, surrounded by elves, looking like an ice sculpture of disdain. Her sharp blue eyes swept the room, dismissing everyone. Until they landed on him. Her expression tightened. Her lips curled into a sneer.

'Right,' Azrael thought, a cold glint in his eyes. 'Payback time.' Time for a little lesson.

He watched patiently. He saw a nervous human waiter approaching her group with red wine. Perfect. As the waiter got closer, Azrael focused. He sent a single, invisible Aether thread across the floor.

'Easy now…' He subtly attached the thread to the waiter's heel.

The waiter reached Aelira, bowing, offering the tray. Aelira reached for a glass. 'Now.' Azrael gave the thread the tiniest tug.

The waiter's foot caught. He stumbled. The tray tilted. Splash. Red wine cascaded onto Aelira's white gown.

Gasps arose. The waiter froze in terror. Aelira looked down at the massive red stain, her body rigid. She didn't scream. She dismissed the terrified waiter. This wasn't an accident. Her sharp gaze scanned the room, hunting.

Her eyes locked onto Azrael. He looked innocent, sipping his drink. He met her furious gaze. Gave the smallest smirk. Tapped his fingers twice as if saying. 'This is just the beginning.'

He saw understanding, then pure rage in her eyes. She couldn't accuse him. No proof. Causing a scene was beneath her. Trapped by pride.

She turned sharply, snapped an order, and swept away, radiating fury. Azrael let out a slow, satisfied breath. 'And this will get more and more you better be ready, both of you' He took another sip.

Just then, the music swelled. The birthday dance began. Juliana and Valerius led, gliding elegantly.

Other couples joined. Silas bowed dramatically to Aria; she sighed but accepted. Selyne looked around nervously, then expectantly at Azrael. He studied a nearby plant. He did not dance.

Before Selyne could drag him, a noblewoman approached Quill, who stood near Ilythia and Azrael. She asked him to dance. Quill stiffly declined. "I promised myself my first dance would be with a certain someone." He sounded loyal.

Azrael smirked. "Oh? Vice Headmaster, who is this mysterious 'certain someone'?" he teased. Quill shot him a cold look. "It was merely a polite refusal to avoid hurting the lady's feelings," he stated flatly. Ilythia looked faintly amused.

Then, another girl, blushing slightly, approached Azrael. "Lord Azrael? Would you... care to dance?" He blinked. His Charm worked? He glanced at Selyne, who glared at the girl. Interesting. "My pleasure," he smiled politely.

He accepted her hand. He was stiff, awkward. He hadn't danced properly before, last time he was guided by his party back at ghost village. He thought briefly of Selvara. He focused on not stepping on his partner's feet.

Suddenly, Selyne cut in, face smeared with pastry. She'd clearly hit the dessert table.

"My turn!" she declared, pushing the other girl aside and grabbing Azrael's hand.

"Hey!" the girl protested. Selyne ignored her, pulling Azrael into a clumsy spin.

"What are you doing?" Azrael hissed. "And wipe your face." He used his coat sleeve to clean chocolate from her cheek. She blushed furiously, stumbling.

"Don't do that! Why were you dancing with her?" "She asked," he said simply. "She asked for it."

"Asked?" Selyne scoffed, though she didn't pull away. "You looked like you were enjoying it! Laughing!" Jealousy edged her voice, though she tried to sound annoyed. "You never laugh like that with me! You just call me stupid!"

He almost smiled. 'So, she cares.' "Maybe if you stopped being stupid," he teased gently. She punched his shoulder lightly. "You're the worst!" But she smiled.

From the edge, Ilythia watched, eyes narrowed. Quill stood beside her, looking equally disapproving. Neither looked pleased.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.