The First Sun Summoner | The Darkling *on hold*

𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝖙𝖊𝖓

She had given a request to a trusted Fabrikator. The Grisha were expected to wear a silk kefta, Astra had asked to spice her kefta a bit up. It was risky, she knew that. But what was the purpose of a ball if not to wear a fancy kefta?

Coretha had personally given Astra the kefta. They made an agreement that when she spiced the kefta up, Astra would not tell anyone where she got it.

And so Astra took a hot bath, changed into her kefta, put on some light make-up, and went to the ball a bit later than she was expected.

She entered the ballroom and took place at Coretha's table. Clive had informed her that the Darkling wouldn't be able to dine with them and so she could choose where she would eat.

The queen had given very nasty looks to Astra's way. But started her speech with a wide smile on her face. "My dear guests, welcome to the winter ball. Our chefs have prepared yet another fantastic meal for us, and our entertainers can't wait to show their talents! Let's begin and hope it never ends."

She sat down again and people began with their food. Coretha asked Astra how she liked the kefta in a whisper tone. "I love it, really, thank you." Coretha was pleased with the answer. The two of them began to talk about the queen's face and the nasty looks she had given.

The king and queen weren't that difficult people; they were like every royal person before them. They thought they were better than everyone else. But they let Astra stay here, didn't object that she didn't show her powers, and only gave nasty looks when she expected them.

The ball continued, the court started dancing when everyone was done with their meal. Grisha slowly made their way too, to the dance floor. Astra stayed at her table, she was disappointed that she didn't have a date but when he gave a glance to Artemis and Clive, a smile curled over her mouth.

People rested beside her, talked for a while, and then began dancing again.

Astra stayed there for a while, she watched as the others danced, how the others enjoyed themselves.

As Astra walked over to the bar to get a drink, she saw the widened eyes of the entertainers. They made a kind of scared bow and didn't meet her eyes. "Miss Darkling."

Astra was a bit shocked when she heard what they called her.

"It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine, please call me Astra." She had given a polite answer now she hoped they would back away. "Can we see them! your powers!" A too excited girl yelled. The music stopped and everyone was watching them now.

"I can't," Astra answered, but rethought her answer, "I mustn't use them. I could really hurt someone, I'm still in training." It was a good excuse and so, a better answer. However, it didn't please the people.

"Just darken the room or something, it isn't that hard." People nodded in agreement.

"So she can make the room another Fold? Tell me, isn't one enough?" Astra looked behind her and saw the Darkling grinning in his black kefta. The entertainers mumbled some apologies and the others began dancing again.

"I had everything under control." Astra told him. His grin widened but he stayed quiet.

Together they walked towards an empty table and watched the others dance. "I've heard you didn't bring anyone, I didn't believe it at first. The living saint, alone to the ball."

Astra ignored him, although every word was getting memorized in her head. If there would be important information she could use against him later, then it would be right there. "Or better, who wouldn't go with the new Darkling. Choosing to be a shadow summoner wasn't your smartest choice, but black does suit you."

He was done talking, done degrading. "Miss Éowyn, may I have this dance." Astra looked up in surprise, he knew she wanted to dance badly, that she didn't choose to come alone. She hid her surprise to not give him the whole satisfaction but accepted his hand.

They moved towards the dance floor and began dancing; people stared, many judged, but Astra enjoyed. And although she loves dancing with him, and she likes spending time together; she would never be able to like him, to love him. Because he was too damn good at lying, that she had seen moments ago when he lied their way out of showing the people her power.

Astra knew with whom she was dancing the entire time. She just saw a glimpse of good in him and wanted it to spread. People don't think she should change that about herself. It's always possible that her energy could bring out the best in that demon.

But what was keeping her going at this moment? Her pride? The attention? The people at the palace? Her hunger for vengeance? Maybe even him... But when she really thought about it, it was really just the fear of being alone and hunted again.

They danced for a long time, took breaks, and spotted the judgy looks. The dance floor was almost empty when they still danced. When it was really late and when they would be getting kicked out of the ballroom they continued dancing in the halls.

They found themselves making their way towards the Darkling's chambers. They entered without thinking and Astra rested on the couch. He closed the door and stared at her, all of it was going fast but both didn't mind.

They were free; free from reality, free from worry. Astra walked over to him and they stood close. They could feel and hear each other's heavy breaths. They kept coming closer and closer to each other until their lips nearly touched. "You sure?" He whispers to her.

Astra nodded and brought her mouth harshly to his. The Darkling picked her up without breaking the kiss, and they fell on his bed. Astra grabbed the silk bed sheets under her while the Darkling placed kisses over her jaw.

Astra knew that she must be ashamed, doing this to keep that feeling of freedom. But she wasn't, although she couldn't call it love, it was something. They both had agreed to that feeling of being free when they began dancing, began doing this.

"I would have waited a thousand more years for you if I had to."