Episode 4 : A Dance with Danger

Zafira stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the thin straps of her midnight-black gown. The fabric clung to her curves, cascading down to the floor in soft, flowing waves. The slit on the side revealed just enough of her leg to be alluring but not reckless. She needed to be careful tonight. Every move, every word, every glance had to be calculated.

Because tonight, she wasn’t just attending a party.

She was walking straight into the lion’s den.

The Valenciaga family was one of the most feared in the underworld, known for their ruthlessness and cunning. And at the center of it all was Kairo Valenciaga—the man who had already begun to suspect that something was different about her.

Her fingers tightened against the vanity table as she took a deep breath. This wasn’t just about attending an event. It was about survival. It was about gaining information—about Cypher, about his betrayal, about everything that had led to her death five years from now.

She had a second chance.

And she wouldn’t waste it.

A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Come in," she said, her voice steady.

The door opened, and Cypher Veyron stepped inside.

He was dressed in a tailored black suit, his presence commanding as always. His silver eyes traveled over her slowly, his gaze unreadable.

"You clean up well," he said, his voice smooth as silk.

Zafira smirked, tilting her head. "Did you expect me to look anything less than perfect?"

He let out a low chuckle. "No. But I didn’t expect you to look this good."

A part of her hated the way his words still affected her. The way his gaze still had the power to send a shiver down her spine.

But she wouldn’t let herself fall into that trap again.

Not this time.

Instead, she simply smiled, stepping closer. "Are we leaving now?"

Cypher’s eyes lingered on her for a moment longer before he nodded. "Let’s go."

---

The Valenciaga Estate

The moment they arrived at the grand estate, Zafira knew she was stepping into a different world.

The mansion was sprawling, its architecture a perfect blend of old-world elegance and modern decadence. Chandeliers glittered above, casting golden light onto the polished marble floors. Men in sharp suits and women in expensive gowns filled the space, their conversations a low hum of power and danger.

Zafira kept her posture poised, her chin lifted as she walked beside Cypher. Every step was calculated. Every movement deliberate.

She could feel the weight of dozens of eyes on her. Watching. Assessing.

And among them, she could feel his gaze.

Kairo Valenciaga.

She didn’t have to look to know he was there. She could feel his presence like a blade at her back, sharp and unrelenting.

But she refused to acknowledge him first.

Instead, she allowed Cypher to guide her deeper into the party, past groups of powerful men who spoke in hushed voices, past women who glanced at her with curiosity and jealousy alike.

Then, finally—

"Veyron," a deep voice greeted smoothly.

Zafira turned her head slightly.

And there he was.

Kairo.

He looked effortlessly dangerous in a black-on-black suit, his dark hair slightly tousled as if he couldn’t be bothered to tame it. His sharp features were unreadable, but his eyes—those dark, knowing eyes—were locked onto her.

"Valenciaga," Cypher acknowledged, his tone neutral.

Zafira kept her expression calm as Kairo’s gaze flickered between her and Cypher, as if silently piecing something together.

"Enjoying the party?" Kairo asked, his voice smooth but laced with something deeper.

Zafira smiled. "So far."

His lips curved slightly. "Good." Then, his voice lowered just enough for only her to hear, "I was hoping we’d get the chance to talk."

Her pulse jumped, but she didn’t let it show.

Instead, she arched a brow. "Talk? About what?"

Kairo’s smirk deepened. "You tell me."

Before she could respond, another voice interrupted.

"Cypher, I wasn’t expecting to see you here."

Zafira turned and found herself face-to-face with Matthias Valenciaga, Kairo’s older brother and the heir to the Valenciaga empire.

Unlike Kairo, Matthias was more refined—dangerous in a different way. While Kairo carried the aura of a man who thrived in chaos, Matthias was a strategist. Cold. Calculating. The type of man who didn’t make a move unless it was guaranteed to end in victory.

Cypher extended a hand, and Matthias shook it briefly before his gaze settled on Zafira.

"And who is this?" Matthias asked, his eyes sharp with curiosity.

Zafira met his gaze without flinching. "Zafira Caelum."

Matthias studied her for a moment, then smiled. "Ah. The infamous Zafira."

Her fingers twitched slightly.

Infamous?

She wanted to ask what he meant, but before she could, Kairo stepped in.

"She’s full of surprises, this one," Kairo murmured, his gaze flickering to hers. "Wouldn’t you agree, Cypher?"

Something dangerous passed between the two men. A silent challenge.

Cypher’s grip on his glass tightened slightly, but his voice remained smooth. "I would."

Zafira forced a small smile. "I do try to be interesting."

Matthias chuckled. "Interesting is one way to put it."

She knew what was happening. They were testing her. Watching for any sign of weakness, any reaction they could exploit.

So she gave them nothing.

Instead, she took a slow sip of her champagne, letting the bubbles fizz against her tongue before setting the glass down with a soft clink.

"Well," she said lightly, "as fascinating as this conversation is, I think I’d like to dance."

Cypher’s eyes narrowed slightly, but before he could speak—

Kairo extended a hand.

"Then allow me."

The air between them shifted.

Zafira hesitated, knowing this was dangerous. But she also knew one thing: Kairo wasn’t offering out of kindness. He wanted something.

And if she was going to survive this world…

She had to know exactly what that was.

With a slow, deliberate motion, she placed her hand in his.

Kairo’s grip was warm, firm. Unyielding.

And as he led her onto the dance floor, Zafira had the unsettling feeling that she had just stepped into something she wasn’t fully prepared for.

But it was too late to turn back now.

Because Kairo Valenciaga had just made his first move.

And now, it was her turn to play.

TO BE CONTINUED...

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***