Chapter 28: Bloody Banquet (2)
The music carried on, a smooth waltz threading through the air like silk, filling the Grand Hall with a glittering haze of elegance.
At a corner near the edge of the dance floor, Marcus, Clara, Roberto, Elena, Laziel, Garron, and Noel gathered, laughing and teasing each other between bites of food and sips of sparkling drinks.
Marcus elbowed Clara gently, a wide grin on his face.
"Come on, it's just a dance. You survived finals. This should be easy."
Clara's cheeks turned an even brighter shade of red. She nearly dropped her glass trying to set it down.
"I'm not— I'm not good at it!" she stammered.
"You'll be fine," Marcus said, clearly trying—and failing—not to laugh.
Garron leaned forward, nudging Laziel. "Bet five silvers she trips in the first thirty seconds."
Laziel grinned lazily. "Ten if she takes Marcus down with her."
Clara buried her face in her hands as everyone laughed good-naturedly.
Even Noel allowed himself a small smirk.