Chapter 76: The dance arena

Back in Ashgard, the rest of the week passed without incident.

There were no sightings of the soulless rogues lurking along the borders. No glass structure had exploded so far, much to Dorian’s relief.

Cade had been unable to track down the sorceress from the market, and Dorian had instructed him to be on the lookout.

On their final evening in Ashgard, Alyssa found herself longing to see the town one last time. That night, she lay beside Dorian on the bed, satisfied after the mouthwatering dinner Mary had prepared for them.

"Can we go for a drive?" she asked, rolling onto her stomach and resting her chin on his shoulder.

Dorian slowly opened his eyes, the gold in his gaze glowing warm in the dim bedroom light. "Of course we can, my love. Is there something you need?"

"No," she smiled, her eyes bright. "I just want to see the town one last time before we leave tomorrow. I’ve grown quite fond of Ashgard."

Dorian chuckled, leading down to press a warm kiss on her lips. "We can return whenever you wish."

"Can we go now?" Alyssa grinned. "And maybe stop at that dance arena we passed yesterday?"

Dorian drew back slightly, a faint, surprised line forming between his brows. "You want to go to the dance arena?"

​"It looked so lively," she admitted, her tone hopeful. "We don’t even have to dance if you don’t want to. I just want to feel what it’s like. But if you’d rather not, it’s okay."

Before the words fully left her mouth, Dorian was already swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. "Get dressed. I’ll take you."

Alyssa let out an excited squeal and threw her arms around his neck, launching herself into his lap. Unprepared for her sudden weight, Dorian lost his balance, and they tumbled off the edge of the bed together.

Dorian used his broad frame to cushion her fall as they landed on the soft rug. He lay on his back, a faint ache at the base of his skull, looking up at Alyssa who rested comfortably on his chest, laughing softly.

"I’m so sorry!" she gasped, framing his jaw with both hands. "Are you alright? Did I hurt you?"

​"I’m fine, little lamb," he chuckled, his hands smoothing over her hips. "Seeing you this happy is worth a few bruises."

Her smile widened, brilliant and unreserved. Before he could anticipate her movement, she leaned down and kissed him. It was the first time she had ever initiated a kiss so boldly.

Dorian locked his hands around her waist, deepening the kiss as he pulled her closer.

The heat between them flared wildly, but before he could take control, Alyssa pulled back with a breathless giggle, her cheeks flushed bright pink.

"Come on," she squealed, tugging at his hand as she scrambled up. "We need to get ready!"

Twenty minutes later, she was dressed in a black dress styled with short puff sleeves and a low neckline. Dorian stood before her, helping her fasten a gold chain around her neck.

Once the clasp clicked, he leaned down and pressed a kiss against the swell of her breasts above the neckline, making her giggle softly.

Just past seven in the evening, they slipped into the Bentley and pulled out of the driveway. The drive into town was quiet, filled with a comfortable, intimate warmth.

Dorian held Alyssa’s hand the entire way, his thumb stroking the soft skin of her knuckles while his other hand casually maneuvered the wheel.

The town was vibrant that night. The evening markets were bustling, the roadsides and archways lit brightly as merchants displayed their wares.

A thin crescent moon hung high in the clear sky, bathing the valley in a soft, silvery radiance.

Dorian parked in a secluded spot at the edge of the market. Dressed in a dark t-shirt and gray slacks, he looked less like an imposing Alpha King and more like a striking nobleman enjoying the evening air.

"Stay close to me, okay?" he murmured, pulling her gently against his side as they stepped into the market.

She nodded obediently. "Okay."

The dance arena was already overflowing with people. It was an ancient Ashgard tradition. Regardless of the season, townspeople would gather every evening to drink, laugh, and lose themselves in the music.

A lively troupe of musicians sat on a raised wooden platform, playing a spirited melody on fiddles, flutes, accordions, and the deep, rhythmic beat of the Bodhrán frame drum. The blend of instruments created a hypnotic, joyful pulse that vibrated through the stone floor.

Dorian led Alyssa to a sitting area near the edge of the dance floor. Alyssa looked around in absolute wonder, her heart beating fast with delight as her foot tapped unconsciously to the rhythm.

"This is amazing!" she called out to Dorian over the music.

A local woman hurried past their table, flashing a wide smile as she set down two goblets of sweet, spiced wine before dancing off into the crowd.

Dorian inspected the wine first, taking a small sip to ensure it was safe before sliding the goblet toward Alyssa. More wine followed over the next hour, and before Dorian realized how potent it was, Alyssa was intoxicated.

She leaned across the table, her eyes wide, glassy, and bright under the glow of the lanterns.

"I really like this wine," she giggled, swaying slightly in her seat.

Dorian let out an amused laugh. "I wouldn’t have let you drink it if I knew it was this strong."

"Oh, don’t be a buzzkill, Alpha Dorian," she teased, tapping her hands against the wood to the beat, her shoulders shimmying with the music.

The tempo of the music sped up, the drums growing louder as dozens of couples joined hands on the floor, locking elbows and spinning in joyous, chaotic circles.

Another woman twirled past their table and playfully grabbed Alyssa’s hands, pulling her straight into the crowd. Before Dorian could stop her, Alyssa had locked elbows with the stranger, spinning around in a circle, her laughter ringing clearly over the music.

Dorian started to rise, his instincts flaring, but he stopped the moment he saw the pure, unburdened joy radiating from her face. She was hopping along with the rhythm, her hair tossing wildly around her shoulders as she laughed without a care in the world.

He slowly sank back into his seat, his dark gaze locked entirely on her. It was breathtaking to watch her exist without fear, without the looming uncertainty about her bloodline.

Alyssa was having the time of her life, experiencing the raw thrill of freedom, music, and uninhibited laughter. A fine sheen of sweat warmed her skin, making her glow beneath the lamplight.

She caught Dorian watching her from the table and excitedly gestured for him to join her, but he simply offered her a devastatingly handsome smile, shaking his head gently to let her dance.

The night was reaching its peak when the sky suddenly broke open, and a torrent of rain poured down. Thunder rumbled loudly, lightning flashing across the dark clouds.

The crowd scattered toward the covered market stalls, laughing and shouting. Dorian pushed smoothly through the sea of people until he reached Alyssa, wrapping a firm arm around her waist.

"Time to head back," he said, guiding her out of the arena.

They ran through the rain toward the parking lot, Alyssa squealing with laughter as the rain soaked through her dress. Dorian’s chest felt strangely light, a deep warmth settling over him. He had never imagined that simply running through a downpour could bring such profound peace.

However, when they reached the Bentley, they froze in surprise. Several merchant wagons and delivery trucks had parked tightly around them, completely boxing the car in.

"There’s no way out," Alyssa said, wiping water from her eyes as she looked at the blocked exit. "What are we going to do?"

Dorian looked down at her, a wicked grin touching his lips as the rain slicked his dark hair back.

"Shadow has been dying to meet you," he murmured softly over the sound of the rain. "I think it’s time I let him."

Alyssa tilted her head, her blue eyes blinking in confusion. "Shadow?"

"My wolf."

Before her eyes, his form rippled. With a rhythmic cracking of bone and the sound of muscles reshaping, Dorian transformed seamlessly before her.

When his transformation was completed, a massive seven-foot Lycan wolf towered over her. His fur was as thick and dark as midnight, his golden eyes gleaming brightly and intently in the dark.

Shadow shook out his fur, sending a spray of rain droplets over Alyssa.

She let out a soft gasp, her eyes round with awe as she stared up at the majestic, terrifying creature standing before her. She took a slow step forward, fearlessly reaching out to sink her fingers into his rain-soaked fur.

"Hello, Shadow," she whispered softly, a brilliant smile breaking across her face. "It is so wonderful to finally meet you."