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He nods. “Maybe you just need a bit of adventure. Something new, something different.” Shooting me a cheeky grin. “Let’s take it slow. How about a dance?”
Internally, I groan. I hate dancing.
Turning, I look around us. “But no one is dancing.”
“No matter.” He stands and extends his hand in my direction. “Take a chance, be daring.”
Daring. I am daring.
“Sure.” I take his hand. Maybe it’s my time to make my own adventure.
The man leads me toward the musicians who are nestled against a building.
Dancing always makes me feel self-conscious, especially when the eyes of the town are glued to me. Taking in the stranger at my side.
As we danced, the rhythm of the music carried us along. Phoebus’s movements are fluid and graceful. Despite my initial hesitation, I find myself slowly releasing my concerns, allowing the music to sweep me away.
The eyes of the town followed our every step. Their whispers blend into the music. The world around us fades into the background, leaving the two of us in this moment. Phoebus’s expression changes subtly from arrogance to a genuine smile.
As we spin and twirl, I felt a bond forming between me and this stranger.
Being with him was an odd mixture of intrigue and familiarity. The more we dance, the more I find myself drawn to him.
With each spin, the spell is strengthened. Bringing us closer to one another.
The music reaches its crescendo and we gracefully come to a halt. He held me in his arms, the warmth of his touch lingering on my skin. For a moment, time seems to stand still.
But as quickly as our spell was woven, it was broken. Gently I disentangle myself from his grasp and take a step back.
“I appreciate the dance,” I reply. My voice sounds breathy. “But it’s time for me to go home.”
“Please.” The man jumps. Not willing to let me leave yet. “Let’s sneak away to the woods. I have heard the woods are lovely at this time of night.”
My voice is firm as I stand my ground and the intensity in his eyes only fuels my determination. “No. It’s dangerous.”
A stroll through the dark woods… With a near stranger.
Being daring can only go so far.
Phoebus’s expression shifts to reveal a mix of frustration and disbelief. Taken aback by my refusal as if he isn’t accustomed to being denied. “Are you scared?” Curiosity fills his voice.
“My dad died in the forest. Dragged away by a monster.” My voice dropped low. “Of course I’m scared.”
“So, you’ve not been back to the woodland since?” Phoebus clarifies. Raising a disbelieving arched eyebrow.
Pressing my lips into a stiff line, I reply, “No, I can’t say that.”
“Why not?” He shoots me an arched eyebrow.
My body feels numb as I think about the woods. “My family still needed to eat.”
“Which is why you’ll be accompanying me to the forest.” It was not a request, but a demand that sent a chill rolling down my spine.
“What? Are you planning to eat me? Now I don’t want to go anywhere with you.” His irritation was no longer masked by his frustration.
Once again snatching a hold of my hand hard, he lugs me toward the forest. I jerk my hand away and leave toward my home. “Stop, I'm going home, and you won’t follow me!” I ordered. I knew there was no way that I could prevent him from following, but I still made the effort.
“Come into the woods with me, now!” he orders.
