Cassian was young, by Fae standards—barely a teenager in the grand sweep of centuries. The Night Court’s annual celebration was in full swing, music flowing through the air, laughter echoing in every corner of the vast courtyard. But tonight, something felt different. Something had shifted in him, something he couldn’t put a name to.

He found himself stealing glances at you from across the crowd, watching the way you moved effortlessly among the guests, laughing with friends, your dark hair catching the flicker of candlelight. You were different from the others—fierce, independent, and impossibly beautiful. You had always been his best friend, but tonight, Cassian realized that what he felt for you was no longer just friendship. It was something deeper, something he wasn’t sure he was ready to face.

As the music swelled, you met his gaze, your eyes flickering with that spark, the one that had always intrigued him. You smiled, a hint of mischief in your expression, and before he could think, you were standing before him, hand outstretched.

“Dance with me, Cassian,” you said softly.

He hesitated, heart pounding. He’d never been shy, never uncertain—but this, this was new territory. He took your hand, his fingers brushing against yours. The world around them seemed to fade, the other dancers blurring into the background as you led him to the center of the courtyard.

The rhythm of the music matched the thudding of his pulse. You moved like you had no care in the world, your steps graceful and light, yet grounded in a way that had always captivated him. His hand found its way to your waist, and he felt a shiver of something powerful run through both of you.

“This feels different,” he murmured, his voice rougher than usual.

You only smiled, tilting your head, eyes glinting. “Maybe it’s time it did.”

And as you both swirled under the moonlit sky, Cassian realized he wasn’t just holding you close—he was holding the future, one he wasn’t sure he was ready for, but knew he couldn’t live without.