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A flush flows down my cheeks as a firm calloused hand lifts my chin upwards. Dragging me to look at him directly. Where our skin is connected, I feel my skin almost burn. Wanting to be closer. Enveloped by his warmth.
Instantly, I regretted my thick dress. Tonight felt like it would’ve been a cold one but not with Apollo around. I wanted to feel him directly up against my skin.
Feeling myself pressed against him, we slowed into a dance, in step with the others around me. I feel instantly self-conscious. Never have I ever been one for dancing. I have not even learned. Doing my best, I try to fall in step with his graceful movements.
He towers over me. I come only to his shoulder. With an ear in chest range, I hear his rumbling laughter echo through me.
My skin buzzes. The feeling is unfamiliar. Like adrenaline running through my veins.
That damned voice warms me in places that it has no business being. Is this the effects of the equinox or maybe the wine? My curiosity got the better of me today. The night called me out and I couldn’t help it. Even if Apollo warned me against it. Apparently, the divine goes berserk during this festival.
Magic fills the air. An intoxicating energy like no other.
Apollo takes my wrist in hand, traces soft circles into my arm. With each stroke, my body tingles a bit more.
But the sheer power flowing from this man was nothing like I had ever felt from any other god or goddess. Then again, I have not exactly meant too many. “You must get back to your quarters soon, Pandy. The ceremony is coming soon.” Apollo kisses my inner wrist. My eyes flutter shut. “Then I'll come and retrieve you personally.” Even his voice oozes of ancient power.
I shivered at his seductive and heavy voice, “I'm not ready to return yet.” There’s too much I want to explore. Who knows if I'll be able to see him again?
“Pandy,” he chides. The emphasis that’s placed on my nickname makes me shudder slightly. “Humans aren't safe here. Especially not on such a day filled with debauchery.”
My warm core went cold at his words.
I whisper, mumbling about how I'm not subject to his rules while looking up in his direction. My lips are inches from his. How is this possible? He does not look slouched, and he toured over me previously. Glancing down, I try to make sure not to step on his foot when I notice that I'm hovering nearly 6 or more inches off the ground. “You're not ready to return to your quarters?”
Shaking my head, I watch him cautiously. The air around him smells like bonfire in the snowy wood.
Deeply, he chuckles. It sounds like an earthquake. Jarring but not unpleasant. Full of mystery, “Fine, fine. Follow me then.”
Taking my hand, we started swaying in the street. At his touch I felt fevered. So intense. Like the magic is collecting and pulsing where our skins meets. I whisper, “It has been a while since I last danced.” Smiling brightly, I think of the night we met. It was not all happiness and rainbows. There were storm clouds too, but it all was worth it in the end.
“Don't you worry. Just follow my lead.” Not another soul is dancing anywhere near us. In fact, we’re actively obscuring traffic. “You and I both know how well practiced you're with taking my cues,” he adds playfully.
“True, you know me. Little miss obedient over here.” I shoot him a mischievous grin.
The lanterns above us are some of the only lights in the area. Especially so far from the bonfire. The dark night sky casts an extra thrill.
Pulling me along, I follow his lead.
Admittedly, not super well.
Feeling like a mermaid who’s been thrown on land, I only stepped on his feet like 20 times. “Sorry, I keep hurting you,” I huff. Looking up at his beautiful dark face. “I swear I'm not trying to step on you. Dancing is a foreign concept to me, I guess.”
“No worries,” whispers his gravelly voice. “Just relax and breathe. Loosen yourself up and soften your movements. I promise I won’t drop you.”
“... Drop me? How would you drop–”
Squealing, I dip to the road. Playful eyes observe me. Smile lines crinkle around his face.
His smile lines are what I find most attractive about him.
Enjoyment flashes across his face.
"How did you know that I was here?" It was an honest question in my mind.
"Well…" He paused, thinking about his words carefully. Apollo stated as though it were the most reasonable and rational thing in the world. Though, I suppose that maybe I'm shocked by the rationality because of how irrational this world feels. Especially to outsiders. “You're recognizable, my sunflower. Your lovely amethyst eyes and curly hair would give you away in a heartbeat to anyone that you're hiding from.”
Blushing harder, I couldn’t help myself.
