A main light focused on a new person who entered the hall and coming towards Selene. The crowd turned to see Sandra and they were fully focused on her. Sandra dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit and having a velvet box in her hand.
Selene's breath caught, she couldn't take her eyes off from the view. "Why she is so handsome today?!" Sandra stood straight facing Selene.... "Happy Birthday Selene... And also congratulations." Sandra said with a wide smile on her face.
"This is not just a gift..." the hall fell silent again as Sandra took a small breath. Then she knelt down on one knee, "I love you Selene... Will you be my girlfriend...
Selene's hands flew to her mouth as tears spilled from her eyes. She nodded vigorously her voice is trembling, she also knelt and hugged Sandra saying... "Yes! A thousand times yes." Their faces buried in each other's shoulder and crying. A storm of emotions swept the guests clapping, laughter, tears.
Their parents shared a look with Kael and Lyra , knowing their children had found something rare and beautiful. As they pulled back, Sandra gently placed the pendent around Selene's neck. It rested just above the glowing wave, mark on her chest.
The two symbols, the natural and the gifted seemed to resonate in perfect harmony. Sandra brushed a tear from Selene's cheek and kissed her forehead softly, her purple eyes warm with love.... "Thank you for coming into my life."
A moment later, a soft music played in the background, lights dimmed and a soft blue glow filled the floor. Sandra held out her hand to Selene, "shall we dance?..." Selene giggled through her tears, nodding as she slipped her hand into Sandra's.
They began to dance, slowly at first then sandra leading with confident steps. Selene following gracefully their eyes never leaving each other. Others also joined the dance floor, Ishan and Rose starts to dance looking very happy... Yet amidst the joy and dancing hearts.
In a quite corner Anvi is standing alone... Because Tina is dancing with her friend Gyan. He is also studying in the same class with her, Anvi dressed in a shimmering lavender gown, her arms were folded, her watching the others. The feeling of being out of place in the middle of romance and celebration.
Until someone walked up beside her, Yara. She looked at Anvi with a soft smile. "You are not dancing?" Anvi turned slightly, surprised, her cheeks warming. "I don't want...." Yara titled her head. "That is a shame because I was really hoping to dance with someone tonight."
She held out her hand gently, "How about it?" Anvi's heart skipped a beat, her heart is beating faster, she put her hand on Yara's and the two stepped onto the dance floor. Slowly beginning to move in sync. Their hands stayed together, and their steps became smoother.
Sandra noticed them from distance, Selene followed her gaze and grinned. "Does Anvi like Yara?" Sandra was confused also, "I think so" then the two focused on their dance.
The music continued under the start lit dome of the palace. The waves of laughter, love and Elemental blessings made the night unforgettable.
+++++
The celebration slowly faded into soft laughter and after hours of joy and dance, the people began leaving the grand hall one by one. The. Palace quieted, wrapped in a peaceful, magical warmth.
Sandra and Selene walked through the corridor and went upstairs to her room. Sandra's black suit coat rested over Selene's delicate shoulder. The pendent of Fire and Water shimmered around Selene's neck, she was quite until Sandra opened the door to her room.
Sandra stepped in first, holding the door open for Selene. But the moment the when the door clicked shut behind them, Selene turned around and before Sandra could say a word, Selene's lips crashed into hers.
Sandra's eyes widened, stunned at first, her hands cupped Sandra's cheeks kissing her deeply like she had waited for this moment for long. Her heart thundered in her chest, but she didn't hold back....
Sandra's body responded instinctively, her hands wrapping gently around Selene's waist. Selene pulled back only slightly, breathless, and her cheeks were burning. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
"I don't know.... I just... I couldn't stop myself. You looked so... so handsome tonight, and I..." Sandra placed a finger softly over her lips. "Don't apologize. Selene smiled shyly, lowering her gaze but Sandra lifted her chin with two fingers.
"Look at me, baby." when Sandra said this word Selene felt very happy and her eyes were filled with tears...Selene's eyes met hers again, wide and shining. Sandra wiped the tears and smiled at her love.
They kissed again, and this time there was no hesitation. As their lips moved together, Sandra's eyes flicked open slightly watching Selene's expression, her beautiful features flushed and glowing cheeks_______