Page 31 of Stars in Halo

Xion gave an imperceptible nod. It’s what she’s here for; I’m here to find out why.

Xion pushed past a speciality bar serving Shooting Meteor beverages and offering astrological tattoos for guests.

Music throbbed, attendees dancing to lively DJ sets by some of Pegasi’s most famed bands.

He kept his sweep going until, at last, his eyes sifted through the churn and found her. Caught up in conversation with a Falasian man clad in an ostentatious get-up of silken flowers sewed into a suit.

She, however, was a vision to behold.

She wore a gold headpiece, a transformable necklace, and platinum and diamond earrings.

Her daring, deep crimson dress flowed over her body like ripping water. Its knockout flare included theatrical puff sleeves, a cut-out bodice, and a side train with a thigh-high split.

Her heels were just as dramatic and styled.

Fokkin’ stunning.

He locked onto her like a heat-seeking weapon on her beauty. He drank in her grace as she navigated the crowd of guests, her every movement calculated for maximum seduction and enthralment.

Desire snaked through Xion. His hands twitched, wanting to rip off that dress, push his palms into fistfuls of her hair, and freakin’ ride and fokk her senseless until she screamed the rooftop off.

‘Sir, a drink?’

He shook his head from his fantasy and swivelled to see a server thrusting a salver in his direction.

‘May I interest you in our special for the night, a Shooting Meteor cocktail?’

‘That name is on point, brother, Xion growled, still caught up in his sensual fantasy. ‘I’ll have one,’ he grunted, lifting a glass of wild-hued liquid from the tray, eyes swinging back to where he’d seen Katya.

She was gone.

But only for a short time.

Another flash of crimson drew his gaze to the centre of the dance area.

Where Katya swayed in the arms of the Falasian man.

Xion clenched his jaw as she twirled around the ballroom with her dance partner, her laughter mingling with the music that pulsed through the extravagant ballroom.

An unexpected surge of jealousy gnawed at his insides, but he fought to keep his emotions in check.

This was not the time for uncontrolled feelings.

He moved through the crowd, keeping Katya in sight as she danced with her new companion.

The chandeliers above cast a kaleidoscope of colours over the guests, creating a surreal atmosphere that blurred the lines between reality and fantasy.

Drawing closer, Xion noticed Katya’s charming mask was forced and strained.

She scanned the room with tight urgency as if searching for someone.

Xion followed her glance but couldn’t see what or who she was looking for.

The Falasian man was oblivious to her discomfort, his grip tightening around her waist.

He held on when she tried to wriggle away, and Xion saw her face darken.

The Rider churned and strode forward, his expression cold with icy restraint. ‘Mind if I cut in?’ he rasped, his tone laced with mock politeness.

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