Dance!

Two whirlwind-like figures intertwined in the center of the dance floor, sometimes touching, sometimes separating. Whenever they pressed together, they resembled the most passionate lovers, exchanging glances, bodies entwined, teasing each other with sensitive ambiguity. Their hips and waists twisted rapidly, sometimes brushing, sometimes colliding, caressing swiftly when close, breaking apart with sharp decisiveness. Yet, at the peak of their fervor, they would suddenly pull away, their bodies spinning far apart, but their gazes remained locked, one proud like an eagle, the other wild as a lone wolf, seducing and scrutinizing each other, neither willing to submit.

The two danced with such abandon that those watching below the stage were stirred to excitement. The rapid tapping and wild gyrations left everyone flushed, heartbeats racing; shrieks and cheers nearly drowned out the music itself!

Benita stood at a distance, watching Teresa in the dance floor, proud as a queen. Her mouth felt dry—was that really Teresa? When had the Teresa she knew become so wild, so proud, so... stunning?

Nans, equally speechless with surprise, felt not only astonishment but also an unparalleled jealousy and near-mad resentment!

She hated it! She hated that person for becoming the center of everyone's attention!

She hated even more that the one in the spotlight was not herself!

Most of all, she hated that person for easily achieving what she herself had struggled so hard to pursue—

Benjamin held Nans, his large hand caressing her waist, but his eyes were fixed on the two figures on the dance floor, especially the seductive, wild-dancing girl—no, he could only call her a girl, not yet matured, but already exuding boundless charm!

Because of his arousal, his eyes tinged red. A thick possessiveness and ambition flooded his soul, and unconsciously, his hand on Nans’s waist became heavier and stronger, making her cry out in pain.

Nans saw the wild desire in Benjamin’s eyes, a flash of hatred crossing hers. Almost simultaneously, a malicious scheme surfaced in her mind; she bit her lip, enduring the pain in her waist. Climbing onto Benjamin’s neck, she laughed slyly, blowing gently in his ear, “Oh, our young master has taken a fancy to her, hasn’t he? That won’t be easy. Teresa’s a tough nut to crack.”

“You know her?” Benjamin turned his head leisurely to ask, his smile full of wickedness.

Nans smiled seductively, “Of course—we’ve known each other for so many years—”

…

Teresa had no idea someone in the audience was already plotting against her. At that moment, she was intoxicated by alcohol and the fervor of the dance, her mind utterly blurred. She no longer knew what she was doing; her eyes saw only that figure—the one she longed to conquer!

Agile, wild, and proud! Just like her. No—perhaps even more proud than she!

Now she had become fire, endlessly burning with all the passion in her life, caring for nothing else, her heart and eyes consumed by that person—the one who was tempting her, and whom she was tempting in return!

The intense dance reached its climax. Whether in the dancers’ twisting bodies or the frequency of their tapping feet, everything reached a peak. Everyone’s pulse and blood seemed to accelerate with their movements, faster and faster!

“Boom! Boom! Boom!” Just as the two reached their most intense moment, another burst of brilliant fireworks exploded. Amid the dazzling colors, people saw two equally proud figures gazing at each other across the beautiful fireworks. Their movements were uncannily synchronized, their glances unexpectedly lingering. An unspeakable sadness—of longing and separation—wrapped tightly around them. In endless sorrow, people watched them grow more distant, further and further apart...

…

That night was like a dream, unforgettable for both those inside the dance floor and those without. That dance, so unrestrained and vivid, became a deep imprint in every heart, stirring them with passion and excitement whenever they recalled it!

☆☆☆

“Oh, heavens…” Teresa groaned, clutching her head. Ever since she regained consciousness, she’d maintained this posture—head tilted back, pressed deep into the soft pillow, fingers tangled in her hair, kneading her scalp repeatedly to ease its protests. As the tension faded, buried memories slowly resurfaced, filling Teresa with an indescribable feeling. Unsure how to respond, she could only groan, bury her face deeply into the pillow, and mutter that she’d never drink again…

“Oh, such a pity if you never drink again.” A voice full of laughter sounded. Teresa didn’t even lift her head; she grabbed another pillow from the bed and flung it toward the source of the sound, which only made the laughter grow more unruly.

“Nini! You really have no sense of camaraderie! How could you let me act so crazy?” Teresa sat up angrily, cheeks puffed, staring at Benita with deep dissatisfaction.

Benita giggled, pinching Teresa’s cheek as she spoke, “I haven’t held you accountable for hiding such incredible dance skills, and you dare blame me? Spill it! When did you learn to dance so well? Honestly, you were scorching hot!”

When did she learn to dance… That was a distant past… Thinking of what once was, Teresa’s mood inexplicably sank. Benita noticed and quickly changed the subject, “You were drunk after the dance, and I didn’t feel right sending you back to the Aubrion estate, so I brought you here. Want to soak in the hot spring to relax?”

“Soak! Why not?” Teresa’s spirits rose, and she forgot her headache, grabbing Benita’s hand and heading outside with laughter, as if the previous gloom was just their imagination. But clever Benita could tell Teresa harbored a taboo about certain matters…

☆☆☆

On the western streets of Cervantes City, a tall man dressed in hunting attire walked leisurely, a stalk of straw in his mouth, swaying it absentmindedly. Occasionally, he looked up at the sky, golden eyes filled with lazy amusement, strolling unhurriedly. Soon, he arrived at a courtyard lush with greenery, tapping lightly on the wrought iron gate. A pale blue light swept across the metal, and soon, three swift figures dashed from inside: two flying creatures circled his head twice, then perched on his shoulders, while the third settled atop the wall, gazing down at him.

“Lord Lambert, it’s been a long time.” Mumu, though standing high, spoke with humble courtesy. Kaka and Jiujiu nuzzled the young man, warmly greeting him.

Lambert reached out to rub Kaka and Jiujiu’s heads, walking forward as he asked, “Mumu, is Mu at home?”

“The master, upon hearing you were coming, is already waiting in the study.” Mumu bowed gracefully, then leapt down to the ground, respectfully leading the way. Before doing so, he gave Kaka and Jiujiu a warning look; though reluctant, the two obediently left Lambert’s shoulders, trailing behind him like loyal guardians.

Lambert pushed open the study door, striding forward to meet Mu, who approached with equal vigor. After exchanging the elves’ greeting, they took their seats—Mu sitting upright and formal, while Lambert rested his legs on the side table, relaxed yet elegant.

“I’ve seen what Mufei brought back, quite impressive. I heard you have the complete version here?” Lambert spoke with easy confidence, as if chatting with an old friend.

“Just received it,” Mu replied, visibly warmer than usual. Though his face remained expressionless, his demeanor softened. He pushed a heavy, black leather-bound book across the table—if Teresa were here, she would instantly recognize it as the ‘Chapter of Forbidden Magic’ they found in the northwest glacier!

Lambert picked up the ‘Chapter of Forbidden Magic’ as if it were any ordinary book, his expression casual, the lazy gold in his eyes unchanged.

His well-defined hand brushed the cover, then the side; somehow, at his touch, a black ripple swept across the book. The tightly sealed ‘Chapter of Forbidden Magic’ suddenly opened, pages flipping rapidly with a loud ‘papapapap’ sound. Dense blackness oozed from within, writhing painfully as if imprisoned.

Lambert thrust his hand into the black mass. The viscous darkness, somewhere between liquid and gas, rushed toward him wildly, wrapping his hand in layer upon layer. In the crushing blackness, faces emerged—some suffering, some ecstatic—human, beast, elf, every race and expression imaginable. The shifting faces densely coiled around Lambert’s entire right arm, enough to make anyone’s skin crawl…

Yet Lambert seemed to relish the sensation, head tilted back, a look of deep satisfaction on his face—occasionally, a hint of pain, but mostly pleasure and fulfillment… As he luxuriated in this experience, the darkness faded, the faces grew more tortured and twisted…

When the last trace of blackness merged into Lambert’s sun-browned right arm, he shuddered gently, a strange sound rumbling in his throat. After a moment, he regained his composure, lowered his head to gaze at his right hand, and grinned brightly, “The feeling… is truly wonderful…”

Mu remained utterly calm, and when Lambert finished, he said, “Now that you’ve collected your payment, the investigation is up to you.”

Lambert laughed, nodding, “Alright, pay first, work later—I like it!” (To be continued)