SERAPHINA'S POV
The day of the banquet finally arrives in a flash, and I'm buzzing with excitement. Much of this enthusiasm stems from the night's theme: a classy, corporate black-tie event.
The council even selected a dress for me from a famous designer. But what truly thrills me is the prospect of seeing Artemis dressed up.
I've only ever seen him in casual clothes-jeans, t-shirts, and even boxers-but never in a three-piece suit.
In my mind, he'll be breathtaking, gorgeous, a vision too captivating to look away from, especially since we're spending the entire evening at the same table. We've planned every detail; tonight will be perfect.
Even if it isn't, Artemis will be by my side.
Although our future seems uncertain, he assures me we'll find a way to be together, and I trust him. At this point, I'd trust him with anything.
After hours of makeup application and styling my hair into a messy updo-leaving two curled locks framing my face-Olivia and I step into our outfits.
I'm wearing a velvet, olive-green dress with a corseted, ruched upper bodice that clings to my body. The gently scooped, strapless neckline almost spills over, and the dress flows out from my waist, featuring a daring slit on my left thigh.
Matching gloves that reach up to my elbows complete the look.
Olivia, on the other hand, initially wanted to play it safe. I convinced her to go all out, and she finally settled on a golden-brown mermaid dress.
It flatters her tall, curvy figure and features a plunging V-neckline that runs down her midriff.
Thin spaghetti straps hold the dress in place. Her gloves, in contrast to mine, stop just before her wrists and are made of black, shimmering lace.
Her long, black hair is left straight, with some strands pinned back.
While dressing, I frequently check my phone to reply to Artemis's latest messages. This time he sends a sad but cute cat sticker, responding to my earlier text about not giving him a sneak peek of my look for the night.
I'd rather have him see me in person.
By the time we're ready, we're nearly late for the event and have to sprint to the banquet hall.
Rumors are swirling that His Majesty, Alpha King Silvan will make a special announcement, possibly the real reason he's attending this year's ceremony.
The moment we step into the hall, my jaw nearly drops.
The room is lavishly decorated, complete with glistening lights and gem-adorned chandeliers. Classical music fills the air as waiters circulate, offering sparkling wine.
Almost a hundred tables are set for the banquet, and a colossal ice sculpture stands at the center of the room. Everyone else is just as beautifully attired in classy, expensive clothes.
Once I've absorbed the splendor, my eyes start their real mission: searching the crowd for Artemis. I look for his wavy hair, blue eyes, and tall, fit build among the sea of elegantly dressed students.
A finger taps both Olivia's and my shoulder, prompting us to turn in unison.
It's Jasper.
His playful expression freezes the moment he really takes us in, his jaw dropping shamelessly. His eyes gawk at every square inch of our exposed flesh like a horny teenager.
"Holy fucking moly," he gasps, forgetting to make eye contact.
"Jasper, you're drooling," I chuckle, feeling flattered by his reaction.
"That I am," he admits openly.
Finally closing his mouth, he wipes his lips and meets my eyes for the first time tonight. He takes my hand, bringing the back of my palm to his lips and leaning forward to place a soft kiss on it.
"We can run off together right now; Artemis would never find out," he offers, winking at me with enough charm to make me consider the proposal.
For the first time, I catch a glimpse of his playboy persona, the side of Jasper that always wins the ladies over. I'm impressed.
Maybe if I weren't with Artemis, and if Jasper were my type, I would've considered it.
"No, thank you," I decline politely.
Disappointed, Jasper then turns to Olivia, taking her hand and kissing it just as he did mine.
"Mademoiselle," he begins in French.
"Hard pass," Olivia responds, breaking his heart before he can even begin his spiel.
He feigns pain, dramatically clutching his chest, and we both laugh. I notice how much more outgoing Olivia has become compared to when we first met, when she'd rather stick to her books than talk to anyone.
"Where's Artemis?" I finally ask, changing the topic.
"I came to bring you to him, but after seeing you like this, I'm debating whether to follow through with the plan."
"Jasper!"
He sighs, rolling his eyes and slumping his shoulders in mock disappointment.
"Fine, follow me."
I wave goodbye to Olivia, promising to rejoin her as soon as possible, before following Jasper out of the hall through a separate door.
It leads us into a rarely-used hallway and then to a glass-framed door, which opens onto a wide balcony. The full moon is perfectly framed by white clouds and a faint, colorful ring.
"He said to wait here for him," Jasper informs me before walking away.
I step onto the balcony alone, taking in the stunning view. I can see the school garden from here, realizing for the first time how beautiful it is at night.
Bathed in the moon's glow, I feel a gentle breeze against my skin and hair. I close my eyes, sighing at the tranquility that envelops me.
It's the perfect spot to relax, and that's exactly what I do.
Strong hands land on my hips just when I least expect it, causing me to jump a little.
Startled, I relax as his chin finds its way to my shoulder, and his familiar scent engulfs me.
"Hello there," he greets in a voice so low and deep it vibrates from his chest.
I turn to face him, and he steps back, locking eyes with me before raking them over my attire. His gaze lingers in an intensely sexual manner, far more potent than Jasper's earlier scrutiny, effectively undressing me with his now darkened eyes.
I blush nervously.
"Wow," he finally murmurs, almost breathless.
"What?"
"I almost feel bad about wanting to rip that gorgeous dress off you and pin you against the wall right now," he says, meeting my eyes with a sultry tone.
His stare is laden with raw, unfiltered lust that practically screams how much he wants to devour me whole. Desire wells up inside me, just as quickly, sucking in a sharp breath.
He looks ethereal, his wavy black hair gleaming in the moonlight. I notice he's trimmed the lower parts.
A white t-shirt, absent a tie, with the first two buttons undone, offers a glimpse of his chest. A black jacket clings to his muscular arms and legs.
He's dangerously beautiful.
I feel both tempted and playful, almost ready to take him up on his offer right here and now.
"Why don't you then?" I tease, biting my lower lip for added effect.
It works-too well.
He moves closer, lifting me off the ground and seating me on the railing. My legs wrap around his waist instinctively as he kisses me with a desperate urgency, as if the world might end at any moment. Like his life depends on it.
I surrender willingly, allowing my lips and body to be claimed and explored and thoroughly devoured, relishing the feel of his hands as they roam freely, stroking every square inch of my skin.
I love every bit of it, craving how he worships me with his lips, how his wide hands caress me. He presses himself more into my core, grinding against me, drawing naughty sounds from the pit of my gut.
I try to muffle them, but the pleasure feels so good that I'm only partially in control of the sounds that leave my lips.
And then, his mouth is on my neck, biting and sucking every inch of flesh he can find, before pulling away to look at me-seeing how messed up I've become.
"I don't think I can hold back if we go any further," he says, his voice strained, veins visible on his neck as if to underscore the monumental effort it's taking him not to ravish me then and there.
"I want you right now," I whisper, needy.
There's nothing to think about; from those words alone, it's already been decided how the rest of my night will be spent.
Suddenly, the dress, the banquet, even the special announcement-none of it matters. Only this moment, right here between us, holds any importance.
His lips find mine again, kissing me just as passionately as before. I melt into the pleasure, craving more of him, wanting him inside me.
It's perfect.
Until someone knocks on the door behind us.