Fractures of Eternity

At that moment, the music played, triggering people to dance around to its beat. For a moment, Loki clicked his tongue, taking the opportunity to yank me away from his parents.

“Come, let’s dance.” He huffed, dragging me onto the dance floor.

“Wait, I don’t know how!” I squeaked, feeling my heart in my eardrums.

“I don’t care.” He huffed, hauling me into him.

Leading one of his hands up to his shoulder, he wrapped one around my waist—the other he held tightly.

“It’s the same as when we’re in bed. Follow my lead.” He scoffed, taking no pity on me.

Though in his eyes, there was pain—one that I had caused, which I couldn’t allow to influence me.

No matter how much I… wish for it, we…

He gave me no choice but to follow him along clumsily, which only made me more annoyed.

“Ah… did my words hurt you, your highness?” I huffed, as the music was soft, and all eyes were on us.

Well, most…

“Hey, don’t make me drag you out of here and fuck you in one of the empty rooms.” Loki snapped, eyes shimmering lightly.

I hadn’t seen him this bothered by my words, yet if the coven were watching us, then this would be the perfect time for them to see how much the vampire cared for me.

“Hm… is threat a promise?” I hummed, gazing straight at him.

My words caught him off guard, making his cheeks turn light pink, and he continued to lead me through the dance. It didn’t take long for me to take the rhythm down, since it was a soft, slow-paced song.

“Vivi, you’re—” He stopped, biting his bottom lip, as a moment later, he dipped me down when the song ended.

Pulling me up, he brought me close to him, as my heart stopped when he pressed his lips against my ear.

“Don’t tempt me. I’ll damn this entire party and spend the night with you. I know you want it, too.” He whispered, freezing me slightly where I stood.

He was right; I wanted it more than anything, yet at the same time, it was impossible. By going against Asher, he would only create more friction between them.

“Okay, my darling.” I rolled my eyes at him.

He scoffed, continuing to dance another tune, while my gaze unwittingly scanned for my other target of the night. Emma and Zoe danced with one another close to us. It wasn’t long before Leo took the little witch out for a waltz of their own. It was almost as if he swept her off her feet, while another vampire asked Emma as Oz sipped on a cup from the sidelines. His eyes traveled between Loki and Emma, ensuring he still had lingering feelings to deal with.

With each rhythm that played, the night carried on, as my vampire refused to have any other dance partners. Eli took every opportunity he could to rub me when his summoner was close to me. After a while, though, I couldn’t take my eyes off my persistent lover, who kept me on my toes for most of the night. A few more rounds of music passed before we were interrupted.

“May I have a dance with her, baby brother?” Alistair asked, in between a song.

Instantly, he shifted his eyes between me and his older sibling as he bit his lip.

“Fine,” Loki sighed, gazing at me. “I have to speak to Remi, either way.”

Hesitantly, he passed me to Ali as I watched him walk away towards his new target. For once, Rem appeared much like a fish out of water while her son stormed towards her.

Though my eyes were quickly locked on Alistair, he was one of the most handsome men at the ball. His black hair and blue eyes complemented his white tux, which featured beautiful blue décor. He bowed to me as I responded in the same way.

“Don’t worry, little lamb, I’m sure he’ll come back soon enough. I just wanted you for one dance tonight.” He smirked.

I narrowed my eyes, smiling. “Well, I don’t know about that.”

A soft hum left his lips as the music began while he guided me through the slow waltz. Besides me, Zoe danced with Leo while Emma had joined Oz, who was by Loki. My prince appeared to go off on the luma, who seemed to have an apologetic expression, yet her husband was chuckling.

Following my gaze, Alistair soon cackled, noticing where his younger brother had gone.

“Well, now I know why he would dare leave you in the arms of another man. Gods, you’re beautiful today, Vi.” He breathed, twirling me soon after before bringing me back to him.

“So are you, Ali.” I smiled, gazing to the side to see Lucas sitting in a chair.

His red eyes were following us.

Pity… You two can be together if you defy a simple mortal.

“Have you found anyone nice tonight?” I asked, getting close to the eldest prince.

He sighed. “I think you already know that isn’t possible.”

The song was a pleasant beat to follow, as I was getting better with each one, at least.

“Hm… Well, why not dance with him?” I pointed to Lucas with my gaze, as he followed it.

The moment his eyes fell on the blonde, his cheeks turned pink, while the poor soul by the table appeared bored out of his mind, too.

“You really want to get me into trouble, don’t you?” Alistair huffed, pulling me closer to the slow part of the song.

If he were another man, I would’ve minded, but from him, I didn’t care to have this proximity.

“No, I want you to be free. After all, you’re supposed to find a spouse tonight. Why not choose the one you want?” I smirked.

He narrowed his eyes, going for the kill.

“Hm… Have you?” He spun the question on me.

My face probably said it all, though thanks to the mask, I could hide it somewhat.

“W-what?” I mumbled, heart racing. “That’s different! We…We…” I trailed off, feeling my heart ache.

He gazed over to where Loki continued, giving Rem a piece of his mind.

“I kind of heard your talk with his part of the family.” Ali winced to show how badly it had gone.

“Oi, that’s rude.” I scowled.

Though it wasn’t his fault, we had been loud enough for anyone who wanted to know to hear us.

“So… Why did you lie?” He didn’t back down, as this one was also dangerous for me.

Why are they trying so hard to get to know me? Argh, why can’t you all mind your own business?!

“I-I’m not lying.” I stuttered to say.

The tone in my voice went up, triggering him to chuckle.

“Hm… Perhaps that’s true, but that wouldn’t have hurt Loki if he didn’t feel something for you.” Ali assured me, “He looked like he was about to cry earlier.”

It caused my heart to throb, yet this boy who led me around in this soft dance didn’t know the real reason Loki and I couldn’t be.

It simply isn’t the fates.

“I can’t decide what he wants, or if he gets hurt,” I mumbled, trying to hold myself in place.

Don’t waver, Vivian.

“And what do you want? Didn’t you say I should value myself? Why fuck him if you don’t like him?” Alistair jabbed at me.

I felt a snap within me as he used my words against me.

“I never said I…” I fumbled to collect my words.

The song stopped as we remained still.

“Thought so. You should be more truthful about what you feel, Vi.” Alistair simpered, gazing at me with friendly affection—one I couldn’t handle.

Why… No… Don’t waver!