The grand chandelier overhead sparkled like a thousand stars, casting a soft glow over the sea of dancers below. I could barely breathe, but not because of the heat. It was the excitement, the sheer wonder of it all. The masquerade ball, a night straight out of a fairytale. But there was only one thing on my mind.

Pippin.

I searched the crowd, a soft smile tugging at my lips, until I saw him standing near the edge of the dance floor, his eyes locked on me. The mask he wore only heightened his charm, leaving just enough mystery for me to wonder if he was the same person I had known for years. But the warmth in his eyes was unmistakable.

I made my way toward him, my heart racing with every step. He caught my movement out of the corner of his eye and turned toward me. When I finally reached him, he smiled, the kind of smile that was always just for me, the one that made everything else fade away.

"You made it," Pippin said, his voice light, teasing. "I was starting to think I’d be alone in this sea of strangers."

I laughed softly, glancing around. The night had been a blur of colors, music, and laughter, but now, with him in front of me, it was all I could focus on. "I wouldn’t leave you alone for anything."

Pippin’s smile softened, and he stepped closer, just a fraction, but enough to feel his presence in a way I hadn’t expected. “I don’t think I could survive this ball without you.”

My heart fluttered, and I could feel my cheeks warming under the weight of his gaze. “You could. You always manage to make everything better.”

He tilted his head, his smile playful but with something deeper hidden beneath it. “I’m not sure that’s true. But if I’m being honest, I’ve been hoping for this night all along.”