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— Damn, David... I mean... Elianora? — I froze, feeling the words catch in my throat, my heartbeat pounding somewhere in my ears.
She remained standing across from me, frowning. Her eyes, still shimmering from the traces of recent laughter, suddenly shifted.
— Yeah, damn it... Elianora, — she exhaled, but her voice was quieter now, more strained, something glistening there, catching the soft glow of the magical crystals along the gallery walls. She inhaled sharply, blinking too fast. — You... you really are Michael? Is this... is this real?
I nodded, unable to force out a word. What could you say in a moment like this?
She pressed a hand to her lips, her gaze darting across my face as if searching for proof in every feature of this new body. A tear slipped from her lashes, and suddenly, she clenched her fists, lowering her head.
— God... — her voice trembled. — I... I thought I’d never see anyone again. Thought I was alone. That everyone... everyone just... disappeared...
Elianora let out a shaky breath but bit her lip, struggling to stay composed. I could see how her shoulders trembled, her hands clenched so tightly her knuckles whitened.
— Michael... — she whispered, voice breaking before she straightened, slowly wiping the dampness from her cheeks. — I... I’m so fucking glad to see you. Really.
I wanted to say something, anything, but at that moment, soft yet confident footsteps echoed nearby.
— Ah, there you are, brother, — a familiar, lilting voice rang out.
I turned and saw Alissia — my younger sister. That carefully cultivated aristocratic haughtiness was etched into every inch of her expression, trained since childhood. A pale blue gown, golden curls in an intricate twist, and that look...
Oh yes. That look she gave Elianora was unmistakable.
— Oh, you must be Lady Worthwing? — Alissia spoke with a graceful smile, but there was a poisonous edge to it. — I don't believe we've been formally introduced yet.
For a heartbeat, I thought everything was about to fall apart, that this would turn unbearably awkward, but...
Elianora, who had just been laughing and letting her tears show, transformed in a matter of seconds so swiftly and seamlessly that calling me shocked would be an understatement. She now stood tall, her posture once again flawless, shoulders perfectly squared, chin slightly raised, and on her lips bloomed a cold, impeccable smile. Polite. Restrained. Yet with such a touch of aristocratic pride that, for a moment, I doubted — had my friend David really been standing before me just seconds ago?
— Your Highness, — her voice was melodic again, soft and measured, completely different from the raw emotion seconds earlier. A smooth, practiced motion followed as she dipped into a perfect curtsy before Alissia. — It is a great honor to be presented to you. I am Lady Elianora Worthwing, eldest daughter of Duke Worthwing. Please forgive me that such an important introduction was delayed until now.
I saw Alissia's eyebrow lift slightly — a subtle gesture, but I knew my sister well enough. She was disappointed. She had wanted to catch Elianora in an awkward slip, to find a crack in her composure.
— Ah... of course, — Alissia replied, though her smile was tight, almost forced. — I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that our dear Thaleus rarely grants such attention to the ladies.
Her tone remained soft, but the implication...
Elianora responded with another graceful curtsy, deeper this time.
— It is an honor, Your Highness. Your brother, as befits a prince of royal blood, has shown rare kindness. I was merely returning courtesy with courtesy.
Damn. How does she do that?
I caught myself staring at Elianora with a new sense of admiration. Every word, every movement was polished to perfection. Just minutes ago, she had been laughing herself breathless, snorting at jokes — and now? Now she was the picture of noble grace.
David. Damn it, David. How long did you train to pull this off?
Alissia noticed it too. Her expression tightened, though her dazzling smile remained fixed in place.
— Of course. However, the evening ball continues, and there are still many esteemed guests awaiting an audience with my brother, — her hand rested lightly on my arm, and I felt her fingers press just a bit too firmly into the fabric of my doublet.
Elianora lowered her head slightly, this time with a more deliberate swiftness.
— Naturally, Your Highness. Thank you for your time.
She stepped back with perfect grace, once again the epitome of noble refinement. But for just a heartbeat, her gaze met mine. And in that gaze... there was something. Something only I could understand.
Something like: We need to talk... but not here.
Then she turned and walked away, leaving behind only the faint scent of delicate perfume and the lingering sense of something unsaid.
I stood there, watching her retreat, unable to fully process what I’d just witnessed.
How?
How had he — no, she — no, damn it, David — managed to master this so completely? Every word, every move... This wasn’t the same awkward classmate who cracked jokes about algebra tests.
I kept staring until she disappeared beyond the columns, then slowly turned back toward Alissia.
— What was that, Alissia? — I exhaled, meeting her gaze.
She tilted her head slightly, expression calm, almost serene.
— Just looking out for you, dear brother. You seemed... a bit too taken with that lady.
— You could’ve been a little kinder, — I replied, struggling to keep my voice even.
— Oh, I was perfectly kind, — she lifted her chin, though her tone softened. — I'm simply concerned for your reputation. Don’t forget who you are. Lady Worthwing is the heiress of one of the strongest ducal houses. And rumors... they spread quickly.
I clenched my jaw.
Rumors. Of course.
But right now, rumors were the least of my concerns.
Because I still saw her face. Not Lady Elianora.
David.
And I needed to find out what the hell had happened to both of us.