?


    A profound sense of loss pervaded Ephraim''s spirit by Darcy''s absence. From the moment he had revealed himself to her, not a day had passed without her radiant presence. She was the lifeblood of his existence, the revitalizing spark that roused him from his stupor each day.


    He had been ticking off the days on an imaginary calendar, yearning for this particr moment where he would see her again, despite his inherent patience. His gaze kept straying to Ravina, as if by some strange maism, as if wishing that if he looked closer, she would turn into Darcy. Yet every time his eyes met hers, they registered the difference between the two women, causing his focus to involuntarily drift back to the entrance.


    Choosing to avoid wallowing in this unsettling limbo, he joined Ares and Nazneen in their efforts to integrate the different species, instead of allowing them to cluster into their separate groups.


    Joel was already on his feet, dancing vivaciously with a woman from Ephraim''s crew. Nazneen was ushering the dragon females she''d brought along to the table upied by the men from Pythagoras. The initial interaction was tense, but the men quickly warmed up to the enchantingdies. The human females, however, seemed less amodating in the presence of the significantly more powerful dragon males.


    Most of these women had faced horrific ordeals, and Ephraim was unwilling to ce them in any more difort. He decided to introduce them to the dragon females first, providing a chance for them to adjust first. When he caught Ravina''s eye, a silent understanding passed between them. She took the reins from there and introduced them to her dragon friends.


    In no time, she was actively assisting in introducing various individuals to each other, even coaxing a few onto the dance floor.


    "Aren''t you two going to dance?" She asked Saul and Kenan.


    Saul responded with a nomittal shrug.


    "Scared, are you?" She prodded.


    Saul''s brows furrowed. "Of what?"


    Now it was her turn to shrug. "Of rejection? Now that you''re in a ce where not every woman might be eager to dance with you?"


    A re from him was met with a slow, unfolding smile from her. Rising leisurely from his chair, he scanned the room, the determination in his eyes gradually fading as he took in the guests. But he didn''t give up and went to find a dance partner.


    "He only acts when challenged," Ravinamented.


    Ephraim nodded, his curiosity piqued as they watched Saul''s search for a dance partner. As he approached, the women at the human table recoiled slightly, attempting to look elsewhere. Others discreetly distanced themselves.


    "He should soften his expression," Brenna remarked. "Looks more like he''s out to make a threat than ask for a dance." She and Ka shared augh at this.


    A twinge of sympathy seized Ravina as she witnessed Saul''s struggle. She could rte to his difort, having faced simr dread during the frequent parties back home. Her cold demeanor wasn''t exactly inviting either and she had scared men off before they could even approach.


    Suddenly, Ares stepped in, guiding Saul to a group of women. "Ladies," he introduced, "I present to you my very close friend, Saul." Kenan nearly choked on his drink at the im.


    "Since when did they get so close?" He scoffed.


    "He mayck finesse on the dance floor, but he certainly is pleasant to the eyes. Perhaps one of you would be intrigued to teach him some moves," Ares suggested.


    Evaluating Saul in a new light, the women seemed to contemte the offer. Saul maintained a stoic facade, but Ravina couldn''t help but wonder about the internal storm brewing within him.


    Finally, one brave female extended her hand, and with a prodding pat from Ares, Saul begrudgingly epted it. It was evident that he was mentally crafting borate revenge ns against Ares, which made Ravina smile in amusement, perhaps even suppress a chuckle.


    The woman guided Saul to the dance floor and began demonstrating the dance steps. He followed with a rigidity that screamed difort and a yearning to flee. Poor man. Even in dragon society, he never seemed to relish these gatherings.


    Simultaneously, Joel was lighting up the dance floor with his third partner, adeptly easing the females into thepany of dragons.


    Aaron, the diplomat, appeared deeply engaged with Ephraim''s crew. He conversed with the half-dragons about their experiences, elucidating their ns for the kingdom and for fostering harmony between the worlds. His friendliness was so contagious that Ravina couldn''t suppress a smile as she observed him not merely socializing, but building meaningful connections. He appeared to have found his ce, and his approachable demeanor had sessfully ked the crew''s initial reservations. The man would be famous. No longer the ignored little brother.


    Several crew members approached Ravina, introducing themselves, and expressing their amazement at her striking resemnce to Darcy. A few were specifically from her small band, including their Captain, Joseph.


    Darcy had shared many stories about him, and Ravina took the opportunity to express her gratitude for his support of her sister. She spent some time at their table, exchanging stories about their adventures and discussing Darcy.


    "Where is she?" They asked.


    Ravina''s heart twinged with longing and concern for her sister, hoping everything was in order. Was her father having some difficulty? Would they be unable to arrive tonight? Ravina had really looked forward to making everyone meet at this party, and she was already pleased to see that Dragons and humans could be together without a problem. A scenario that would have seemed impossible just a few weeks ago.


    As the hours rolled by, the event gradually lost its initial stiffness. Guests began to mingle freely, their conversation was peppered withughter, jokes, and yful teasing. And then, as if someone had pressed a mute button, an abrupt silence descended over the room.


    Ravina turned her attention to the cause of the sudden quiet. Her father had made his entrance.


    Meredith apanied him, her arm gracefully entwined with his. Andrew and his wife trailed behind, and finally, Darcy emerged, radiant in a light blue gown that shimmered with a silver sheen. She was an embodiment of ethereal beauty.