ALPHA XAVIER POV

As the night wore on, I found myself drawn to the stories being told by the bards. They spoke of brave knights, cunning sorcerers, and magical creatures. I had always found these stories childish, but tonight they seemed to hold a special magic. Maybe it was because Isabel was beside me, her hand resting lightly on mine. Maybe it was because I was surrounded by so much happiness. Whatever the reason, the stories held me captive, taking me to other worlds, other times.

I saw how Isabel was captivated too, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. I saw a different side to her then, a side that...