CHAPTER 118: BREATHTAKING

Kathryn stood just a few feet from them in a pale pink dress, her hair curled and cascading down her shoulders. Her lips were pursed, eyes narrowed.

As Lilith’s feet touched the final stair, the group’s conversation fell silent.

Both men looked up and froze.

Hades’ eyes locked onto her, widening slightly before narrowing again, as if trying to regain composure. His expression became unreadable, but his gaze remained fixed, drinking her in like a man starved.

Viktor was the first to recover, stepping forward. "My gods, Lilith... you look... divine."

"Truly," Hades added, his voice low. Though his tone was calm, his eyes betrayed the storm brewing behind them. "Red suits you."

Lilith felt warmth rise to her face, but she kept her chin lifted and her shoulders straight. "Thank you," she said, her voice surprisingly steady.

Viktor turned his attention to Charlotte, walking up the stairs to meet her with a grin. Meanwhile, Lilith stood frozen at the foot of the staircase, unsure of what to do. She looked everywhere except in the direction of the prince who hadn’t taken his eyes off her.

He didn’t seem to care that others were present. His gaze, dark and hooded, lingered without shame.

Lilith’s eyes landed on Kathryn, who was staring at her as well only her expression was entirely different. Her eyes blazed with barely concealed hatred. Lilith couldn’t understand why she looked as if she might explode. It couldn’t possibly be jealousy over the dress—Kathryn looked beautiful herself.

Still, Kathryn stood stiffly, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. She forced a tight-lipped smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "That’s quite a dress," she said coolly.

Lilith gave her a polite smile. "Thank you."

Kathryn turned sharply to the prince, extending her hand for him to take. "Shall we, Your Highness?"

But Hades didn’t move. His gaze was still fixed on Lilith, something dark flickering in his eyes.

Then, finally, he spoke. "Shall we, Lilith?" he asked, offering his arm.

Her breath caught in her throat. She hesitated only a second before placing her hand on his arm. The warmth of him seeped through the fabric, grounding her.

Charlotte looped her arm through Viktor’s and whispered something in his ear that made him smile.

As they walked together toward the ballroom, Lilith felt the weight of Kathryn’s burning glare drilling into her back. But she didn’t look back.

They exited the parlour and crossed into another building one clearly meant for grandeur. The grand ballroom doors opened, revealing a space bathed in golden light, filled with glittering chandeliers, polished marble floors, and the mingling scents of roses and wine. Music swelled, violins dancing in the air. Heads turned as guests took note of their entrance.

Lilith’s stomach churned and her palms grew clammy. She felt exposed, like an imposter. A nobody standing beside a prince. Her dress might scream royalty, but inside, she felt small and out of place.

Hades leaned closer, his voice brushing her ear. "Confidence, darling. Do not lower your eyes or slouch your shoulders."

Lilith shivered. "Easier said than done," she whispered. "They’re all looking at me like I don’t belong here."

Hades chuckled softly. "They’re staring because you are the most beautiful woman in this room. And it’s time you start acting like it. You are just as important as everyone here."

Lilith glanced up at him, her throat tight. "You don’t have to lie to me."

"I will never lie to you, darling. Now, walk with your shoulders high," Hades said.

Lilith looked away, swallowed hard, and straightened her posture. With renewed resolve, she walked beside him, her shoulders squared just as he had instructed.

She stayed close to the prince, glued to his side as he moved through the ballroom, exchanging pleasantries with nobles he was familiar with—including the host of the evening, King Danus, and his family.

A string quartet played softly in the corner, their melody threading through the hum of conversation and laughter. It was a night of elegance and spectacle, but for Kathryn, it was a storm simmering beneath her skin.

She stood near the refreshment table, her posture rigid, a glass of untouched champagne in her hand. Her friends clustered around her, gushing about dresses, dances, and eligible bachelors, but Kathryn heard none of it. Her eyes were fixed on a single point across the room: Lilith.

Her jaw clenched tight. Compliments, questions—none of it registered. Her focus had narrowed, her world tunneled down to that woman who now seemed to be the center of everything.

Across the room, Hades leaned slightly toward Lilith, his voice low. "Dance with me."

Lilith blinked, caught off guard. "Here? Now?"

"Of course. What excess is a ball without dancing? Besides, it would be a shame to let all that music go to waste," he said, a teasing tilt to his lips.

She hesitated, on the verge of refusing, but something in the way his eyes held hers made her surrender. She placed her hand in his without fully realizing it. Hades wrapped his fingers around hers and led her to the center of the ballroom.

The music shifted a waltz beginning, just as he pulled her close. One hand settled on the small of her back, the other clasping hers.

"You’re tense," he murmured, his voice just above a whisper.

"I wonder why," she replied dryly, avoiding his gaze.

He chuckled softly, drawing her a little closer. "You’re beautiful when you’re flustered."

"I am not flustered," Lilith snapped quietly.

A soft gasp escaped her lips as Hades pulled her in further, close enough that his breath fanned the side of her neck.

"You do appear quite flustered," He whispered, Lilith cheeks burning as she tried to pull back—but his hold tightened, keeping her near.

Their feet moved in perfect rhythm with the music, fluid and effortless. Hades leaned in slightly, his lips brushing her ear.

"I wonder what exactly unnerves you," he murmured. "Is it my touch against your skin? My breath on your neck? Or is it the sound of my voice?"