< Author POV >

[Recommended song: Black Swan by BTS– Orchestral– Version]

The orchestra swells, the first haunting notes of Black Swan curling through the ballroom like smoke. Hermes doesn’t hesitate—he draws June close, one hand firm at her waist, the other capturing her smaller hand in his.

"Follow my lead," he murmurs, his voice low enough that only she can hear.

June nods, too tightly wound to speak.

He leads, guiding her through the slow step, step, glide, but she struggles ...