Page 98 of A Sinful Gravity

They talked for ages. Technique to emotion, Swan Lake to Giselle, dance to life. Sonia spoke about her years at Paris Opera Ballet, the loneliness behind applause, and finding your true self onstage. Luna listened intently, eyes bright throughout.

When they reached Swan Lake, Sonia asked Luna to demonstrate briefly. Then showed her some movements herself.

Despite her age, when she moved, that dancer's presence returned as if time had stopped for her.

I leaned against the wall by the door, watching quietly. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting golden light on Luna. Her eyes shone like stars. That light was genuine, deep joy radiating from within.

I'd never seen Luna like this.

Her usual elegance was restrained, with a coldness that kept people distant. But now, standing before Sonia, that radiance emanating from within—I barely dared breathe. Dreams burning, her true self belonging to no one else.

I leaned against the cold wall, stomach churning. How many moments like this had I missed? How stupid was I to think she was just an ornament that needed me?

Two hours passed quickly. Sonia checked her watch and said she had to go.

Before leaving, she embraced Luna again.

"You have talent and dedication." Her eyes full of approval. "But remember, dance isn't for others—it's for yourself. When you shine onstage, don't think about audiences or those meaningless reviews. Think only of yourself. And—"

She glanced at me, her gaze holding an elder's affection and scrutiny.

Luna froze, her face slightly flushed.

After seeing Sonia off, Luna was silent in the car for a while.

At a red light, she turned to me, eyes still red-rimmed but mouth curved.

"How... how did you get her to come? She's been retired forever, never takes private meetings."

"Took some effort," I said. "But worth it."

She looked at me, her expression complex.

"Thank you."

"It's what I should do."

By evening, I brought her to a private upscale restaurant near Capitol Hill. I'd reserved the entire rooftop terrace. From here you could see the entire city's lights.

The server saw us and immediately approached.

"Mr. King, this way please."

He led us to a window seat. The table was already set, with a bottle of chilled champagne. A small card beside it listed tonight's menu.

Appetizer: crab salad with lemon and caviar. Main: slow-roasted wagyu with truffle sauce and asparagus. Dessert: crème brûlée with a thin caramelized crust, garnished with fresh berries. Every dish her favorite.

Luna sat across from me, her cheeks still faintly flushed from earlier excitement, that glow of being validated by her idol not yet faded.

"Cassian, thank you. Today... was the best gift I've ever received in my life." Luna smiled softly.

I looked into her eyes, took a deep breath, and spoke.

"Luna, you're the best gift I've ever received. I just understood too late."

"I always thought owning you completely, keeping you in my sight, was love. Watching you dance for Sonia today, I realized how wrong I've been."

I smiled bitterly, eyes full of self-mockery. "But now I finally understand—you belong to yourself, to the stage. I don't want to be your cage anymore. I just want to be the harbor you can dock at when you're tired."