Chapter 14 Lila The man's lips curled slightly as he studied me . " It seems you still don't know , " he mused , tilting his head . " But that's alright . All you need to know is that you will definitely be chosen . " I stiffened . The certainty in his voice sent a ripple of unease down my spine . " Why do you say that ? " I asked , wary . He didn't answer . Instead , his sharp gaze flickered over my dress , taking in the simple cut and lack of embellishment . A silent assessment . My choice of attire clearly made him pause .. " Because you're wearing our dear King's favorite color . Why else would all the walls be painted in it ? You definitely don't blend in . " His words sent a small shiver through me . I had unknowingly dressed to draw Damon's eye instead of diverting it . I masked my unease and shifted the conversation . " Who are you ? " A slow smile touched his lips , but he turned away without answering , " The ball is about to begin . Can't be late , " he said over his shoulder . " Follow me . " I hesitated . Every instinct told me not to trust this man . He exuded the same quiet danger as Damon : calm on the surface , but power coiled just beneath . Still , I followed , keeping a safe distance . At the end of the corridor , two massive doors stood open , spilling golden light into the dim hallway . The scent of polished wood and candle wax drifted toward me as the hum of voices grew clearer . He stepped aside , gesturing with a smirk . " After you . " Bracing myself , I stepped forward into the most dazzling ballroom I'd ever seen . Gilded chandeliers bathed the marble floors in golden light . Music swelled around the grand hall , weaving through the laughter and hushed whispers of the guests . And at the center of it all was Damon , dancing with one of the ten chosen . He moved effortlessly , his towering form commanding the space . " Oh . My Goddess , Elena . Do you know who that is ? " Emma's sharp whisper snapped me out of my daze watching Damon . I wasn't sure how long she had been standing beside me , but the male from the hall seemed long gone . She leaned in " That's Asher , " she murmured . " Damon's cousin . He's a royal noble with Alpha blood . " I glanced around for the man in question . Asher now stood at the edge of the crowd , watching the room with quiet amusement . 1/2 Спортен " Of course he is , " I muttered . " Everyone here is so … mysterious . And dangerous . " Emma chuckled . " You're not wrong ." My stomach twisted . I shouldn't be here . +15 Bonus " Tradition dictates that the King dance with his chosen from the masked selection first , and only then will he make tonight's- selection of who to dance with first . " Emma sighed dreamily , " Isn't it romantic ? " No , I didn't think so . I thought it was all part of a game , a political spectacle . Emma turned those love - drunk eyes towards me , expecting a response . " Sure . " I said , silently waiting for this to be over . As we watched through several songs , I could hear the soft clinking of glasses as the girls around me sipped wine ; they tried to keep their faces carefully composed , but the hope in their eyes was obvious . Some whispered amongst themselves , casting sidelong glances at Damon . They were waiting not so patiently . Waiting to be chosen . I swallowed hard , pressing my hands together to keep them from trembling . I turned away from the swirl of dancing couples searching for a quiet corner to melt into when my path was blocked by an unwelcome body . " Elena , " Isabella glided toward me , her posture dripping with arrogance . Trailing in her wake was an old male I didn't know . His distended belly hung low , threatening to pop the buttons on his shirt , betraying a life of ease . His beady eyes locked onto me like a predator sighting prey , spiking my pulse .