44 The Engagement Party (3)

Daryn Silver was like a Sun to so many in the society – both men and women. People orbited around this man. He had a string of lovers who were burnt by his closeness. They craved for his passion. Ever since Maya came into his life, they secretly admired him for far and distanced themselves. They acted cold but if given a chance they would warm up to him anytime. And many such women were present in the party. However, as of now, a girl in midnight blue dress was his Sun and currently he was farthest away from his Sun. 

As if in a trance, Daryn walked towards her with a glass in his hand, with every step that he took it was as if he was about to get sucked in the brightness of the star. He was like Icarus to his Sun – wanting to melt in her heat even if that meant losing his life. No one existed at that moment of time. 

A thin voice questioned him, "Where are you going Daryn? You have to stand with me." He disregarded it and continued to walk. Many eyes fell on him. They watched him walk on the carpet. 

Azura and dawn had gone to a corner of the room and sat on the sofa. They wanted to be as inconspicuous as possible. A waiter served them wine. For a long time she didn't move as she played what happened near Daryn. Her knees were wobbly. She didn't listen to what Azura was saying. All she could think of was… Damn, not a panic attack. That would be bad. She was so turned on. It was as if her sweet spot was disconnected from her own body. His voice was ringing in her ears. He sounded so hateful. It was so evident from Maya's conversation that he hated the 'bitten'. And she was getting attracted to this man? There was so much animosity in his eyes when she looked at him that time. No, she didn't have respect for such people. She exhaled loudly and her gaze went to him. Her eyes became wide with shock when she saw him staring at her. Her body became rigid when she saw that he was walking towards her. 

Was he coming to kill her? Did he hate her so much in that little interaction that he wanted to kill her? "Azura, let's leave the party, please," she muttered under her breath. "I am not comfortable." 

Azura held her and squeezed it. "We will, as soon as possible. Had it not been Gayle's request to donate the charity, I wouldn't have stayed. If I won't contribute, it will take two minutes for them to spread the word about how wicked I am," he said. "I hope you understand." 

Dawn bit her lip. "Please never bring me in such parties again," she requested. This was way too much for her to handle when she had so many things to be taken care of. Daryn was still walking towards her and he was now in the center of the hall. Her hands became clammy and her pulse raced. This was going to be real bad. 

"I won't," Azura assured her. 

Suddenly a voice came, "Ladies and Gentlemen, it's time for the ball!" The emcee announced. There was a huge uproar in the crowd. Daryn stopped right in the middle of the hall. Daryn's trance broke. All light beams were focused on him. 

"Now that the groom has already come to the center of the hall, we can all see how eager he is to dance with Maya," the emcee chuckled. His joke invited giggles and laughter. "So this is what we are going to do. You all know that the ball is organized for a special purpose. It is to bring blessings of wolf spirits to our prince and his would-be wife. We are asking all who would like to dance to donate $10,000 each for this special cause." There was a murmur of approval in the crowd. "But this is not all," the emcee added with excitement in his voice. "If you want to dance with the bride, you will have to pay $50,000." Amused, the crowd roared and shouted in acknowledgement.

Maya tittered knowing fully well that Daryn would pay $50,000 for her even though he didn't have to. 

"Hold on!" the emcee halted their cheers. "There is more." People waited with bated breaths. "If you want to dance with anyone else other than the partner you have come here with, you will have to pay $75,000." 

"What?" Pia, who was now standing with Maya exclaimed. "She clapped her hands like a child." This was going to be a superb evening. She had planned out everything but the last part was dropped like a bomb by the emcee and she loved it. It would gather so much money. 

The crowd wooted. 

"So ladies and gentlemen please pay up and then come to the dance floor," said the emcee. 

Azura got up. He said, "I'll be right back. Let me go to that counter and pay the money. We will dance in the corner of the floor and make a quick exit." 

Dawn nodded. She breathed a sigh of relief when the emcee spoke. It made Daryn Silver stop. 

With a glint of excitement in her eyes, Maya ran to Daryn. She couldn't believe that he had walked to the center to start the ball. She thought that it was a part of his plan to surprise her. She went and hugged him and then literally hung on his arm. She kissed him on the cheek and said, "I love you Daryn Silver. You have made me proud. Now go and pay them quickly. I am impatient to dance with you." Her voice was so shrilly in excitement that it irritated him. 

Daryn gritted his teeth and went to pay. The emcee announced, "The groom has paid $10,000 to dance with the bride." 

Maya's face fell to the ground. She was expecting him to pay $50,000. She rubbed her neck and gave a slight smile put out of countenance. She could hear low snickers around the room. She wasn't able to collect her thoughts when Daryn came to her and took his position. 

He deliberately stood in a way so that he could watch Dawn and see her reaction while he danced with Maya. To his disappointment, she wasn't even looking at him. Instead she was standing with Azura, looking at her shoes, perhaps waiting for everything to get over.

The music started.