Soul Of Calypso

Scarlett's POV

The grand hall shimmered under the soft glow of golden chandeliers, casting a warm light over the polished marble floor. The academy's annual ball had always been a glamorous affair, but tonight felt different-like something was simmering just beneath the surface.

I stood near the edge of the dance floor, swirling the untouched champagne in my glass. Laughter and music filled the air, but my attention wasn't on the celebration. Across the room, Charlotte twirled effortlessly in conversation, flashing that radiant smile that always seemed to draw people to her.

She looked stunning tonight. Her emerald gown fit her perfectly, and her excitement lit up her eyes. She was at ease here-graceful, confident, impossible to ignore.

I admired her, but I couldn't shake the heavy feeling that had been pressing on me all evening.

It had everything to do with Lord Jake.

He leaned casually against one of the marble columns, blending in but standing out at the same time. He wasn't mingling or laughing like the others. His gaze wasn't wandering, either. It was fixed-calculated.

But not at Charlotte. At me.

I caught him staring more than once, his cold eyes narrowing slightly as if he were trying to figure me out.

Charlotte must have noticed something because she suddenly appeared by my side, looping her arm through mine.

"There you are," she said, gently nudging me. "I thought you'd disappeared."

"I was just getting some air," I replied, keeping my tone light.

She wasn't buying it. Her gaze drifted toward Lord Jake, and she smirked.

"He's been watching me all night," she whispered, as if it were some kind of secret.

I nearly scoffed. No, he hasn't.

I glanced at him again, and just as I expected, his eyes flicked away the second Charlotte looked his way.

But not before he met mine.

"You should talk to him," I said, more to test her than anything else.

Her smile brightened, and I could already see the excitement growing behind her eyes.

"Maybe I will," she mused, adjusting the delicate bracelet around her wrist.

I bit the inside of my cheek, resisting the urge to tell her the truth. I knew exactly what kind of man Lord Jake was-or at least, I had a feeling. There was something dangerous about him. Something I didn't trust.

Charlotte deserved someone better. Someone who wouldn't look at her like she was part of some puzzle he wanted to solve.

Before she could walk away, I gently tugged on her arm.

"Let's dance first," I said quickly.

Charlotte gave me a confused look. "You hate dancing."

"I'll survive," I replied, already guiding her toward the dance floor.

She laughed, but I could tell she was still thinking about him. Her gaze flicked over my shoulder as we waltzed, sneaking glances his way.

"He's watching," she whispered.

I didn't need to turn around. I could feel it. But he wasn't watching her.

"Maybe he likes you more than you thought," I teased, trying to hide my discomfort.

Charlotte's smile softened, but doubt flickered in her eyes. "I don't know... He seems different tonight."

He was.

The music slowed, and I felt Charlotte's hand slip from mine. I let her go, even though every instinct told me to hold on.

Lord Jake was already there, waiting like he knew she'd come to him.

"Might I have the next dance?" he asked smoothly, offering his hand.

Charlotte's face lit up as she placed her hand in his.

I stayed on the dance floor, watching as they disappeared into the crowd.

But as they moved together, his gaze found me again.

Not hers.

I tightened my grip on the empty champagne glass, my stomach twisting.

Lord Jake wasn't interested in Charlotte the way she thought.

And I didn't like the way he looked at me-not because I was flattered, but because I could see it clearly now.

He was the kind of man who could hurt her.

I wasn't paying attention as I weaved through the crowd, so when I bumped into someone, I frowned and glanced up, ready to apologize.

But the words slipped away as I met his gaze.

The man standing before me was... breathtaking. Handsome didn't even begin to cover it. His dark hair framed his sharp features perfectly, and there was something in the way he carried himself that held my attention.

"I-I'm sorry," I stammered, feeling a little ridiculous for staring.

His eyes never left mine, even as people moved around us. The noise of the ballroom faded into the background.

"What's your name?" he asked, his tone calm and smooth.

"Scarlett," I answered, almost without thinking. "Yours?"

"Faust."

He extended his hand. I hesitated for a moment before placing mine in his. The second our skin touched, a strange, electric sensation shot through me, making me pull back slightly.

"What was that?" I whispered.

His lips twitched into a faint smile. "No idea. But I don't mind."

I let out a shaky breath, suddenly feeling nervous under his gaze.

"May I have this dance?"

For a moment, I considered declining. But instead, I found myself nodding.

"S-Sure."

He led me to the center of the ballroom, his hand settling lightly on my waist. As we moved to the music, it felt like all eyes were on us, even though I knew that wasn't true.

"Is this your first time here?" Faust asked softly.

"No," I said, shaking my head. "I've been to these events before. I just... never dance."

"Why not?"

I shrugged. "It never felt right."

"And tonight does?"

I glanced up at him, meeting his gaze. "Yes."

The words felt heavier than I expected. I could hardly believe I was saying them to someone I'd just met, but it felt easy with him.

We danced quietly for a while before I found myself speaking again.

"My sister's better at this sort of thing," I admitted, my voice barely audible over the music. "She's... well, better at everything. Smarter, prettier. People expect things from Charlotte. I just... stay out of the way."

Faust's hand gently tightened on mine.

"You feel like you're living in her shadow," he said softly, as if he already knew.

I blinked up at him, surprised by how easily he'd read me.

"I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to."

I lowered my gaze, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. "Sometimes I feel like disappearing for a while. Just to get away from everything."

Faust's eyes darkened slightly as he leaned in closer.

"Do you want to?" he asked, his voice almost a whisper.

I looked up at him, caught off guard. "What?"

"Get away," he repeated, his gaze holding mine. "Even if it's just for tonight."

I hesitated, unsure of what to say. But before I could overthink it, I nodded.

"I... I think I'd like that," I admitted.

His faint smile returned.

"Good."

As the song ended, Faust gently released my hand.

"Wait here," he said. "I need to prepare something. I'll come back for you."

I frowned slightly. "Prepare what?"

He didn't answer. Instead, he gave me one last look and disappeared into the crowd.

I stood there for a few minutes, the lingering warmth of his hand still fresh against my skin. The noise of the ballroom slowly returned, and reality started to creep back in.

I glanced around, trying to catch another glimpse of him, but he was nowhere to be seen. My heart sank, and my thoughts began to wander, questioning if I had imagined it all.

Suddenly, the voice of Lord Jake sliced through my thoughts, and I stiffened.

"Well, well, Scarlett, you look like the belle of the ball," he sneered, his tone dripping with mockery.

I immediately felt a wave of frustration. "Not now, Jake," I muttered, trying to move past him.

But Jake stepped in front of me, blocking my way. His grin was infuriating, almost like he was enjoying this.

"Oh? Why the rush?" he taunted. "Maybe you should spend a little time with me instead. I'm sure it's much more exciting than waiting around for that-what's his name again?-Faust?"

The mention of Faust made my stomach twist with unease, and I tried to step around him, but Jake grabbed my wrist and shoved me back against the cold stone wall.

"Jake, stop it!" I snapped, trying to pull my wrist free, but his grip was strong.

"You know, Scarlett," Jake leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear, "You can't just keep running from me. I've been watching you for a while now."

My heart raced with disgust. I hated how he was speaking to me, how he was trying to control me. I attempted to push him off, but it was useless.

"I don't care, Jake! Just let go of me!" I shouted, my voice shaking with anger.

Before Jake could respond, I heard footsteps approaching, and I instinctively looked up, hoping it was Faust returning for me. But as I scanned the crowd, my gaze froze.

There he was. Faust. But something was wrong. He wasn't looking at me. He was heading straight toward Charlotte-my sister, dressed in the same gown as me, her face strikingly similar to mine.

My chest tightened as I realized Faust had mistaken Charlotte for me. He had no idea who she was.

"Wait, I-" Charlotte began, her voice confused, but Faust was already reaching for her arm, gently pulling her away from the crowd.

"Faust!" I wanted to call out, to warn him, but my body was still pinned against the wall by Jake, who didn't seem to notice my growing panic.

Faust led Charlotte away, his hand firmly gripping her arm, and my heart sank. I was helpless to do anything.

Jake, still oblivious to what was happening, smirked at me. "What's wrong, Scarlett? Cat got your tongue?"

But I couldn't answer him. I was frozen, my mind racing with the realization that Faust had just taken my sister, thinking she was me. Charlotte didn't know him, didn't know what was happening, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

By the time Jake let go of me, I was already stumbling into the empty hallway, desperate to catch up, but Faust and Charlotte were already out of sight. I had failed. And now, Charlotte was caught in something I couldn't control.