Just as with Aurora's case, some of the people turned to Raven. A few focused their gaze on her, curiosity visible in their laser-focused eyes. From their peeks, it seemed they wanted to know everything there was to know about Raven. Kind of creepy, not gonna lie.

As for the rest, they did glance at Raven with slight interest, but lost it in a matter of seconds before focusing back on their own conversations.

"I…" Raven tried to speak something, but turned quiet once again. She looked at the crowd taking notice of her, and her eyes slowly shook before trying to calm herself. It didn't seem like she liked the direction this whole thing was going in right now.

Was she trying to avoid everyone and stay in a corner for the rest of the party? She does indeed give the vibe of someone who would do that. I analyzed as I observed her. Her slight fidgeting, her eye movements that tried to find a way out of the situation.

Sorry, but I don't think I can let this opportunity go. For someone who is so capable within the game to be not known at all in my previous life. At the very least, I can figure out who you are. And then also what exactly happened to you. It would be a lie to say that I wasn't interested in her story.

I observed Raven, who was still looking around, trying to find someone, anyone, to help her out of this situation. It made me chuckle a bit.

For a girl who tried to be as aloof as possible, I saw her going through a dozen emotions within a span of a few seconds, lastly her eyes reaching to me once again.

And now she is wondering how to reject me, huh? I read her expressions with ease before deciding not to give her a chance.

"It will be only a short dance. You see, I am in much need of a partner right now, since," I pointed to at least 4 different ladies who were curiously observing me," I kind of need to avoid them."

I said this sentence out loud, enough for those around me, hear it properly.

It should be enough to curb their curiosity. I thought as I looked at others slowly returning to their own conversations, slowly dispersing, leaving me alone with Raven.

Their line of thought was easy to read. At first, they wanted to know if there was something special about Raven, just like Aurora, whom I had paid attention to before. But now that I have given out a reason, that is picking Raven, as an excuse to get away from other ladies, they couldn't bother to pay attention to her anymore.

There was nothing special about Raven, like Aurora, whom I had just shown interest in a few minutes ago. Or so they were probably thinking.

"All right," Raven, mostly calmed down, accepted my hand before adding," I am Miss Black."

Hearing my reasons, she understood my intentions. Also, understanding that she can't escape this situation anymore, she decided to face it properly.

All right. First step complete. I confirmed before raising my hand to take hers.

She looked at me with a bright smile, unlike the cold, confused expression before, and moved forward, ready to dance with me. Her hand gracefully reached mine, ready to move into the circle where the others were dancing.

Smiling at her, I then, albeit unnecessarily, introduced myself as well once again," Mr. Anthony."

She nodded with a polite bow before taking the first step, behind which I followed as well.

We walked near the circle where the couples were dancing with each other. Bringing her closer, I held her left hand with my right, and used my other hand gently reaching her back. Low enough to reach her waist but not low enough to get to the buttocks. Close enough to touch her clothes, but not close enough to make her feel my hand there.

It was a gentleman's way to make sure that lady was not feeling uncomfortable with you.

Raven also held my right hand with a soft grip, while her right hand landed on my shoulders, slightly leaning as she took support of it before preparing herself to dance with the music.

Oooh! She seems to be experienced in it. I observed before trying to recall how people danced at the ball. Giving it a few seconds thought, I gave up on it.

Hmmm… I should just copy the others. I decided as I looked at the couple behind Raven for a few seconds, noticing how the man moved, deciding to repeat the same movements.

It doesn't seem as hard. I analyzed before mentally preparing myself as well.

Feeling the music, both I and Raven prepared to take the first step, and about 5 seconds later…

-Ouch!

I stepped on her foot.

Those around us paused for a brief moment before they made an extra circle around us, letting us catch up while they continued their dance. A few of those in the distance were now paying more attention, trying to understand why we had stopped so suddenly.

All right. This time for sure. I prepared myself for the second time.

Raven looked at me, slightly confused, before she apologised and took a step back. Prepared herself once again ready to dance. I also apologised and got ready once again. We moved slowly, but there was a total lack of rhythm.

While her steps were perfectly matching the music, mine were… simply put, terrible. After a few steps, we did move a few steps along the circle, which was honestly a miracle in itself, the next step however… we almost fell as I tripped her foot, making her lose her balance, which she barely held as she stopped herself from falling.

She paused, took a small step back as she stood straight, and then observed me from top to bottom. Her previously confused eyes this time looked at me with a sure focus. Convinced of what was going on, she observed me and asked,

"Mr. Anothony… perhaps… you don't know how to dance?"

Embarrassed, I looked at her, and then with a slight defeated sigh, I answered

"I… uh… yeah."

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