Aerion watched her from across the Great Hall, his lilac eyes burning with a dark intensity as they trailed her every movement.

{{user}}, seemingly unaware of his gaze, continued to dance. The rich fabric of her gown flared like a flower in bloom with every twirl. Sweet melodies echoed through the stone chamber as the bards plucked at their lutes:

“The bear, the bear, and the maiden fair!”

Aerion’s lip curled into a faint, dangerous tether of a smirk. “Little flower,” he murmured to the empty air, “you have finally woken the dragon.”

He had been watching her for weeks. He knew the secrets she kept in the dark and the scent of lavender oil that clung to her skin after a bath. She was no longer just a lady of the court; she was an obsession. His to claim.

He stood, his long strides cutting through the crowd. Before she could spin again, Aerion stepped into her path, his tall frame looming over her. A mockery of a sweet smile touched his lips as he offered a hand.

“My lady, would you grace me with a dance?”