Emma pov

　　My outfit for Matthew's birthday party is a turquoise-blue dress full of shimmer, short and snug to my body. The hem of the dress sits two and a half palms above my knee, allowing my thighs to be exposed. The straps are thin and delicate; even though it's a tight dress that accentuates my hips and waist, I can move very well in it. My makeup is similar in color palette; I apply a slightly darker blue shade, a smoky eye on the eyelids along with a black glitter eyeliner. On my lips, I apply a gloss, and I wear a diamond necklace around my neck and silver heels to match. My medium-length hair, which now almost reaches my shoulders, I curls with a curling iron to create loose curls that add more movement.

　　As I leave my room and head to the party reception, I'm focused on finding Gaya and Thalia to help me with Ava's revelation. Many guests have already arrived and are dancing on the dance floor. The party hall is magnificent.

　　We hung several lanterns on the ceiling in the shape of electronic candles, to avoid the risk of burning the wires. In the middle of the hall, a beautiful fountain was placed, where we also put floating candles that illuminated the environment warmly. The decoration is modern and rustic at the same time; there are waiters serving drinks on the tables.

　　"Wow, I might need to start calling you Star Princess now, Emma!" Daniel declares behind me, making me spin around surprised by his presence.

　　Daniel looks magnificent. Daniel's suit somewhat matches my dress; the jacket is dark, but on the shoulders, descending to the middle of the sleeves, there are rhinestones forming falling stars. Daniel's medium golden blond hair is slicked back and glossy; the scar on his left eye adds even more charm to his Greek god-like beauty, and the goatee is fuller since the last time I saw him.

　　"Daniel, you came!" I say impressed and almost breathless with his beauty.

　　"Of course, Vini came too, after that invitation you sent, it was impossible for us not to come," Daniel comments and points to the wizard who is already sipping a cocktail.

　　"Great, Charlotte will be so happy to find out he came!" I comment excitedly, and Daniel wrinkles his face in an animated way.

　　He extends his hand to me; his fingers have thick and beautiful rings. "I believe I owe you a dance, agree?" he asks, and I accept the invitation.

　　"I admit I didn't think we would actually dance together someday," I say, laughing as Daniel leads me to the dance floor.

　　The music playing is somewhat upbeat, so Daniel and I move our bodies to the rhythm of the music. Daniel keeps our hands intertwined, but our bodies aren't too close. Sometimes he spins me around, making me laugh.

　　"I've been praying to the Goddess to make an opportunity for me to fulfill my promise soon, Star Princess," Daniel responds. "After all, how are you, princess? Still rescuing werewolves from the forests?"

　　I burst into a loud laugh at his question and shook my head. "I'm more into retrieving dead people now. But tell me... why were you in that state in the forest?"

　　"Wounded and naked, you mean?" Daniel teases in a humorous way that makes me laugh and agree. "A stupid bet with Vini that got a little out of control."

　　I raise my eyebrow as Daniel slides his hand to my waist when the music changes to a slower one. I put my arms around his neck, and we started dancing in a calmer way. "Don't leave me curious, Dan. Tell me, what bet?"

　　Daniel gives me a mischievous smile, causing even more amusement and curiosity. "Promise not to find it stupid?"

　　I shake my head, "You know I won't be able to promise that if it's really stupid." I respond with a laugh.

　　"Yeah, you're right. Well, Vini challenged me to fight a grizzly bear... naked. If I managed to win, he would cast a transfiguration spell and turn into a lobster for three days," Daniel explains, and I widen my eyes.

　　"That's..."

　　"Yes, I know, I know... it's stupid." Daniel rushes with a laugh.

　　"Incredible!" I finished impressed. "You clearly lost, but if you had won, it would have been even more incredible!"

　　Daniel looks shocked at my response, and I wink at him playfully.

　　"You, Star Princess, are unbelievable, you know that?" Daniel compliments me, making me blush a little. "Most girls would find it stupid."

　　"I mean, it's a bit stupid, but it's incredibly stupid, you know?" I joke, and Daniel bursts into laughter, tilting his head back, pulling me closer with that, and I feel even more his warmth and his scent.