Chapter 3 The Birthday Encounter

The night sparkled with lights and music as Aria and Lili arrived at Andrew Coleman's mansion. Aria wore a deep emerald-green dress that hugged her curves perfectly, flowing down to just above her knees. The fabric shimmered under the golden chandeliers, catching the light with every movement. Her hair, a cascade of chestnut waves, framed her face, bouncing as she laughed and twirled. Lili looked stunning in a sapphire-blue gown, elegant and daring, with a thigh-high slit that made her heels click confidently against the marble floor. No one would have guessed they were college students.

Tonight, they belonged to a world of wealth, glamour, and sophistication. They moved to the dance floor, letting the music carry them. Aria spun gracefully, feeling the cool fabric of her dress brush against her legs. Lili twirled beside her, her laughter ringing out like bells. "This is amazing!" Aria said, her voice almost lost under the rhythm of the live band. "I could get used to this. No lectures, no deadlines... just music and freedom." Lili laughed. "Exactly. Tonight, we're queens of the world." A few men approached, drinks in hand, smiling with a practiced charm. One offered a hand, another attempted a smooth compliment. Aria smiled politely, stepping back. "Not my type," she said quietly to Lili, shaking her head. "I don't do flattery and fake smiles. I like men who... I don't know... actually have substance. Or at least a little challenge." Lili chuckled. "Good for you. Most girls here would throw themselves at every millionaire in a three-mile radius. Not us." Aria smirked. "Exactly. I didn't come here to have trouble with boys, just to unwind." She spun again, letting the skirt of her dress flare. "Some of them are... just ridiculous." "You're right. You'd never survive their arrogance," Lili teased, linking her arm with Aria's as they laughed and danced together. "Besides, someone much better might show up tonight. Someone who actually makes your heart skip." Aria rolled her eyes playfully. "Sure, Lili... let's see who's going to impress me first." They continued dancing, spinning, laughing, and sipping drinks between songs. Aria felt free for the first time in weeks. Every worry, every frustration from her aunt's lectures or college assignments seemed to dissolve into the music and glittering lights. Meanwhile, Kael Ravyn entered the party with Riven, both dressed immaculately in tailored black suits. Kael's presence drew attention, as always. They exchanged polite greetings with a few acquaintances before Kael took a seat beside Andrew Coleman to discuss business matters. Andrew, ever curious, leaned back in his chair and smirked. "So, Kael... you have a girlfriend yet? Or are you into men?" Kael let out a sarcastic laugh. "Even if I were, Andrew... you wouldn't be my type." They chuckled and moved on to talk investments, mergers, and corporate strategy. But Kael's attention wasn't fully on Andrew. His gaze drifted to the dance floor, scanning the crowd, until he froze. There she was. Aria, spinning freely, her chestnut hair flowing like silk and her emerald dress catching the light with every turn. She danced like she owned the world, carefree, confident, radiant. Her laughter rang above the music, infectious and bright. But it wasn't just her dancing that captivated him. Something deep inside stirred, an undeniable pull, magnetic and urgent. He wanted to be near her, compelled in a way he didn't understand. "Kael! Kael!" Andrew's voice broke through his trance. Kael blinked, shaking himself, and excused himself politely. But as he moved, the pull only grew stronger, guiding him across the dance floor. Then it happened. A waitress carrying a tray passed between them, and Kael, lost in the pull, collided with her. Drinks spilled across Aria. "Ahh!" Aria screamed, startling everyone nearby. The waitress gasped and hurried away, apologizing as she went. Aria whipped around to see who had caused the mess, and froze. A pair of ocean-blue eyes met hers. For a heartbeat, time seemed to stop. Their gaze locked, and something unexplainable stirred within both of them, a mix of recognition, excitement, and raw instinct. They didn't know what it was, but they felt it. It wasn't until Lili's voice called, "Aria! Are you okay?" that Aria blinked, snapping back to reality. She glared at the man before her. "Watch where you're going!" she snapped. "Are you blind?!" Her eyes darted to her dress, now soaked with the spilled drink. Great. Borrowed dress, ruined, and I have to return it. She marched off toward the restroom, Lili following. Kael remained frozen, stunned. In Noxvaris, he had always been Alpha, respected, feared, even without his full powers. In the mortal realm, he was a billionaire, commanding influence and respect. Yet none of that mattered here. He couldn't deny it. The attraction he felt wasn't ordinary. Riven tapped his shoulder, smirking knowingly. Kael turned, eyes wide, and Riven's expression said it all: I think you may have found your mate.